L.A. Times Challenges Wal-Mart To 'Play The Good Guy'

The Los Angeles Times supports the city's ordinance that requires an analysis of economic impacts for new superstores and challenges Wal-Mart to use its clout for economic development.

1 minute read

August 17, 2004, 11:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Another welcome consequence would be if the new law pushed Wal-Mart to tailor its stores to an area's needs. Los Angeles badly needs more mixed-use and infill development, not big boxes surrounded by acres of parking lots.

For instance, a regular-sized Wal-Mart moved in to anchor a half-abandoned shopping center in Baldwin Hills last year and now attracts enough customers to help the center's other retail tenants, not drive them out of business. Rather than fighting the new law, the company should seize the chance to play the good guy."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Monday, August 16, 2004 in The Los Angeles Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Black and white photos of camp made up of small 'earthquake shacks' in Dolores Park in 1906 after the San Francisco earthquake.

The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees

More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?

April 15, 2025 - Charles F. Bloszies

View of cars in traffic from behind with visible tailpipe emissions

USDOT Repeals Emissions Monitoring Rule

A Biden-era regulation required states to report and plan to reduce transportation-related emissions.

2 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

Close-up of red Capital Bikeshare bikes parked at statio on sidewalk in Washington D.C.

CaBi Breaks Ridership Record — Again

Washington D.C.’s bike share system is extremely popular with both residents and visitors.

3 hours ago - Greater Greater Washington

Crowds of people walking and biking along waterfront in Sunset Dunes Park in San Francisco, California on a sunny day.

San Francisco Opens Park on Former Great Highway

The Sunset Dunes park’s grand opening attracted both fans and detractors.

April 22 - Mission Local