Urban Movement Labs (UML) is working with the office of Mayor Eric Garcetti to undertake a series of pilot programs to entice private companies to Los Angeles to develop and test innovation transportation technology.
The city of Los Angeles is planning a Transportation Technology Innovation Zone in the West San Fernando Valley, reports Cailin Crowe.
"The innovation zone's first project will pilot a zero-emissions, last-mile delivery service to help connect homebound residents with food from local businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic," according to Crowe.
The test will conducted around the Warner Center—a neighborhood in the Valley populated by large retail and office complexes, as well as residential.
"After a few months piloting the robots, the city and an undisclosed participating company will evaluate the pilot based off a set of mutually-agreed upon performance metrics like reductions to vehicle miles traveled and emissions."
That's just the start. A future pilot will create numerous mini-mobility hubs (expected to launch in the spring) around Warner Center, and speculative future programs include efforts to cur greenhouse gas emissions, reduce water consumption, and test new transportation infrastructure, like "cool pavement."
FULL STORY: LA unveils plans for transportation tech innovation zone
A Test Ride for Mobility Hubs
Offering multiple, non-automobile options for transportation in one place is the idea behind mobility hubs. The city of Minneapolis is now testing the concept at four locations.
New Active Transportation Plan for Los Angeles County Announced
The new Active Transportation Strategic Plan (ATSP), announced recently by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, will be both aspirational and expensive.
Los Angeles to Test Road Closure Through Scenic Griffith Park
After a driver killed a cyclist on Griffith Park Drive in April, the city of Los Angeles is studying safety upgrades on streets in its famous park. The L.A. Times says the changes are part of a growing movement.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Paris Bike Boom Leads to Steep Drop in Air Pollution
The French city’s air quality has improved dramatically in the past 20 years, coinciding with a growth in cycling.
Why Housing Costs More to Build in California Than in Texas
Hard costs like labor and materials combined with ‘soft’ costs such as permitting make building in the San Francisco Bay Area almost three times as costly as in Texas cities.
San Diego County Sees a Rise in Urban Coyotes
San Diego County experiences a rise in urban coyotes, as sightings become prevalent throughout its urban neighbourhoods and surrounding areas.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
City of Santa Clarita
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service