Meeting_Body
PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE
MAY 20, 2020
Subject
SUBJECT: DRAFT 2020 LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Action
ACTION: APPROVE RECOMMENDATIONS
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
APPROVE the release of Draft 2020 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) for public comment.
Issue
ISSUE
The Draft 2020 Long Range Transportation Plan (“2020 LRTP”, Attachment A) details how Metro plans, builds, operates, maintains and partners for improved mobility in the next 30 years. Given the challenges facing Los Angeles County, there is also a compelling opportunity to make bold changes to address the need for improved access to opportunity and a more sustainable future.
Background
BACKGROUND
Metro must adopt a financially constrained LRTP in order to remain eligible to receive federal and state funding. In September 2017, staff began work to update the 2009 LRTP, following the passage of Measure M, and in alignment with the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) process for updating the Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS). Metro’s LRTP demonstrates how Los Angeles County transportation projects conform with the state and federal air quality mandates for funding eligibility.
In June 2019, the Metro Board was presented a draft LRTP baseline outline, including demographic projections, performance measures and framework for evaluating equity in Equity Focus Communities. In November 2019, the Metro Board was presented with a financial forecast that will be the constrained financial baseline for this plan.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
Challenges and Opportunities
Current challenges present great opportunities for Metro to take bold action and help achieve our vision for the region. Specifically, we are faced with the following:
1) Growth: Los Angeles County will increase an additional 1.7 million people in the next 30 years, and the infrastructure needs to support that growth in a way that allows for healthy economic growth, as well as a redistribution of system benefits to those most in need;
2) Evolving Needs: The needs of the County will change over time, and nothing demonstrates that more acutely than the current pandemic crisis, as it accentuates the vulnerability of specific demographic groups in our communities;
3) Technology: The countywide transportation system must continue to adapt to changing mobility needs, consumer demands and increased goods movement;
4) Changing Environment: Metro must lead in reducing greenhouse gas emissions across Los Angeles County, in how we travel, and how Metro influences through its sustainability practices; and
5) Equitable Access to Opportunity: Metro investments and strategies must prioritize those most in need of improved access.
Strategies
The main strategy areas for the 2020 LRTP are: Better Transit; Less Congestion; Complete Streets; and Access to Opportunity. The projects, programs and policies that support and advance these strategies are detailed within the document. Together, these efforts will increase transit ridership and improve air quality.
Equity Platform
The Draft 2020 LRTP was developed through extensive public engagement based on the “Listen & Learn” pillar of the Equity Platform. The remaining three pillars are all addressed within the draft 2020 LRTP: Define & Measure; Focus & Deliver; and Train & Grow.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
This report has no impact on safety.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
This item has no fiscal impact to the agency.
Impact to Budget
Activities associated with completing the LRTP update are budgeted in the current fiscal year and are within budget.
Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
The Draft 2020 LRTP will advance all five goals of Vision 2028, which calls for the LRTP to “operationalize” its strategic plan initiatives.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The Metro Board could consider the Draft 2020 LRTP for adoption without public comment, but this would prevent further stakeholder input and undermine the goals of the Equity Platform.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
The Draft 2020 LRTP will be presented for public comment for a forty-five (45) day public review period. Please check OurNext.LA <https://ournext.la/> for a schedule of events or to submit a comment electronically. Following that public comment period, staff will return to the Board to request adoption of the 2020 LRTP.
After the possible adoption of the 2020 LRTP, staff will begin work on an action plan, in the form of a Short Range Transportation Plan (SRTP). The SRTP would recommend near-term implementation steps over a ten- to fifteen-year timeframe, and allow for any needed recalibrations from the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Draft 2020 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Rena Lum, Senior Director, Countywide Planning & Development, (213) 922-6963
Mark Yamarone, DEO, Countywide Planning & Development, (213) 922-2834
Kalieh Honish, EO, Countywide Planning & Development, (213) 922-7109
David Mieger,SEO, Countywide Planning & Development, (213) 922-3040
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: James de la Loza, Chief Planning Officer, (213) 922-2920
