Metro - File #: 2026-0416

• File #: 2026-0416
• Type: Motion / Motion Response
• Status: Agenda Ready
• File created: 5/22/2026
• In control: Board of Directors - Regular Board Meeting
• On agenda: 5/28/2026
• Title: APPROVE Motion by Bass and Solis that the Board directs the Chief Executive Officer or her designee to: Enter into all necessary agreements and subsequent amendments with the County of Los Angeles, the LACFCD, and/or the City of Los Angeles to carry out the LA River Path Governance Model Study, and to fully reimburse the County of Los Angeles, the LACFCD, and/or the City of Los Angeles for the full cost of the study. WE FURTHER MOVE that the Board directs the CEO to have the Metro staff collaborate with the County of Los Angeles, the LACFCD, the City of Los Angeles, and all relative stakeholders including the United States Army Corps of Engineers, on the LA River Path Governance Model Study by providing all requested project-related information, technical expertise, right-of-way data, and review support, and by serving as a committed partner throughout the development and implementation of the study's recommendations. The study shall include, but not be limited to, the following ele...
• Sponsors: Board of Directors - Regular Board Meeting

Meeting_Body
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
MAY 28, 2026

Preamble
Motion by:

DIRECTORS BASS and SOLIS

Governance, Delivery, and Operation Options for the LA River Path Project Motion

The LA River Path project is a critical regional investment that will close the longest remaining gap in the 51-mile LA River Path, creating a continuous active mobility corridor that connects communities, enhances access to transit, and advances regional climate, health, and equity goals. Metro is the current lead agency for the Downtown LA River Path project and owns significant portions of right-of-way within the project limits. This Metro-owned right-of-way is essential to advancing design, permitting, and construction, and underscores the need for a coordinated governance and delivery structure to efficiently steward the project through completion and into long-term operations.

Given the project's complexity-multiple jurisdictions, varied right-of-way ownership, environmental permitting, and long-term operations and maintenance needs-identifying the most effective governance, delivery, and stewardship model is necessary to ensure timely and cost-effective implementation. A governance structure that is clear, empowered, and aligned across Metro, the County of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD), the City of Los Angeles, and other regional partners may accelerate project delivery, improve operational outcomes, and support sustainable long-term maintenance of both the Downtown LA River Path and the full 51-mile LA RiverWay system.

Metro is the current lead agency for the project; however, a different "Project Client" may offer faster design, construction, and cohesive operational benefits to the communities along the LA River path and to the users of the LA River path. Alternative models include: a new or existing Joint Powers Authority, an existing governmental agency, or a new purpose-built governmental authority. Confirming a Project Client, wheth...