In this illuminating interview with Nella McOsker, we delve into the core mission of the Central City Association (CCA) and its strategic approach to navigating the post-pandemic challenges facing downtown areas across the globe. As the CCA's spokesperson, McOsker discusses the multifaceted initiatives aimed at ensuring a vibrant and resilient future for Downtown Los Angeles. From addressing the impact of remote work on urban centers to outlining the pivotal findings of the RISE Cross-Sector Collaboration report, McOsker provides insights into key strategies encompassing public space revitalization, economic incubation, public safety enhancement, and envisioning the city's future. Additionally, she sheds light on CCA's involvement in the planning for the 2028 Olympics, fostering cultural investments, and addressing pressing issues such as homelessness. Through collaborative efforts and innovative approaches, McOsker and the CCA are spearheading transformative initiatives to shape the future landscape of Downtown LA, fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

Curbivore 24 - As urban downtowns and their transit serving systems begin recovering from the pandemi’s impact on urban street life, cities have begun blessing innovative ways to utilize their streets and manage their curbs. With permission of Curbibore, TPR shares here excerpts from a recent Curbivore L.A. panel masterfully moderated by Laura Bliss of Bloomberg News that included: Jordan Justus (Co-Founder & CEO, Automotus), Marcel Porras (Deputy Chief Innovation Officer, LA Metro), Debs Schrimmer (Senior Advisor, Joint Office of Energy & Transportation) and Gene Oh (CEO, Tranzito). The panel’s focus; actual examples of the ways varying metropolises are transforming their streets, curbs & public transit systems to better serve the evolving needs of their citizens.

Amidst a flurry of bills, executive orders, and local measures reshaping the housing narrative in California and Los Angeles, assessing the true impact of these legislative endeavors remains a challenge. At a recent Curbivore event, Randall Winston, Deputy Mayor of Infrastructure for Los Angeles, spoke to the attendees hoping to shed light on the ongoing discourse surrounding LA’s housing landscape and the incoming Capital Infrastructure Plan. TPR shares here the full address given by Winston, in which he discusses the implications of Executive Directive 1, the supply-demand paradox facing California, and UCLA's recent acquisition of the Westside Pavilion shopping mall.

Over the years, the state of California has consistently positioned itself at the forefront of clean energy initiatives, recognizing the potential of hydrogen as a key player in the sustainable energy landscape. Now, as the ARCHES project has emerged as a cornerstone of California's hydrogen strategy, underwritten by up to $1.2 billion in federal funding, California aims to accelerate the development of its hydrogen hubs, creating a robust ecosystem that aligns with its vision for a sustainable energy market. In a presentation during a Japan-California hydrogen webinar, GO-Biz’ Tyson Eckerle outlines how the state aims to establish a statewide hydrogen market by 2030. Eckerle highlights reduced emissions, substantial health cost savings, and the creation of over 220,000 jobs.

As cities grapple with the challenges of urbanization, transportation remains a central concern in fostering sustainable, vibrant communities. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the recent passage of Healthy Streets LA (HLA) with two key figures at the forefront of this transformative initiative: Michael Schneider and Yuval Bar-Zemer. In this exclusive interview with TPR, Schneider, a driving force behind the HLA campaign, offers insights into the significance of this ordinance and its far-reaching implications for urban mobility, while Yuval Bar-Zemer, renowned for his extensive involvement in the Arts District and community initiatives, shares his perspective on the campaign and its potential impact on Los Angeles' diverse neighborhoods.

After a three-decade career in municipal management, Rick Cole is reclaiming his old seat on the Pasadena City Council, representing District 2. In the March primary, he defeated incumbent Felicia Williams by a 60% margin, the first challenger to unseat a sitting member of the Council since 1987. Decrying what he called the “complacency” of Pasadena City Hall, Cole ran on bringing a “sense of urgency” to the issues of homelessness, climate change, housing affordability, city planning, public education and a changing economy. He takes office in December and reflects here on his aspirations to “move the needle” and “make Pasadena a leader again.”

With numerous bills, executive orders, and local measures all stirring the pot of how, when, and where housing in the State of California should happen -amongst those Mayor Bass’ own Executive Directive 1- the answer of just how successful the legislative efforts have been continues to be elusive, especially with similar attempts in Vancouver, Chicago, and Syndey having appeared to miss the mark. TPR, to inform the debate, spoke with David Waite, partner and real estate guru at Cox Castle, about how the many legislative efforts are aiming to change how housing in California is done. In the interview, Waite talks about ED1, California’s supply-demand paradox, and UCLA’s exciting acquisition of the Westside Pavilion shopping mall.