“Our streets belong to the people who use them every day, and the Great Streets Challenge empowers Angelenos to reimagine public spaces in their own neighborhoods,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “These grants will allow community groups to bring a vision to life — transforming streets across Los Angeles into vibrant, walkable spaces that reflect the unique character of their communities.”
Each community partner will receive up to $13,000 for community outreach, and will be supported by technical consultants and City staff in implementing transportation, economic, and cultural projects.
Four of the Challenge Grant projects will create temporary pop-up projects, while the other three will use the funds to make permanent street improvements.
“These grants will not only enhance the quality of our neighborhoods, but will also spur our local economy by increasing foot traffic along our busiest boulevards,” said Los Angeles City Council President Herb J. Wesson, Jr. who represents the 10th Council District. “The long-term benefits of these projects will not only provide for the residents of the tenth council district, but will serve Angelenos citywide for years to come.”
The City received 37 applications from 99 partner organizations. An external panel selected the winning teams based on the strength of their community outreach strategy, and alignment with the City’s health, mobility, and economic development goals.
Six of the seven project areas fall outside of the 15 Great Streets corridors announced in 2014 — a first for the Great Streets Challenge.
“I am thrilled the Mayor selected Robertson Boulevard as a recipient of the Great Streets Challenge grant, ” said Councilmember Paul Koretz of the 5th District. “I’ve been working with the South Robertson Neighborhoods Council to come up with creative ways to turn this major north/south thoroughfare into a safer, more walkable, artistic and vibrant center for everyone. The grant money will allow us to further our goals of creating, attracting, and providing more community access, reducing commercial vacancies, improving parking while enhancing safety for those by car, foot, transit or bike.”
The Great Streets Challenge builds on a series of neighborhood enhancement projects launched in recent months by Mayor Garcetti’s Great Streets Initiative. Most recently, Mayor Garcetti unveiled safety improvements along a stretch of Van Nuys Boulevard.
About the Great Streets Initiative
Mayor Eric Garcetti launched the Great Streets Initiative in October 2013 to transform streets across the city into more vibrant public spaces. A Great Street is a street that serves as the center of a neighborhood, where people can walk, meet, learn, and play on a daily basis. The Great Streets Initiative’s goals include improving safety and access, increasing economic activity, and encouraging community engagement. For more information, including a full list of Great Streets corridors and programs, visit www.LAGreatStreets.org.
Full list of awardees attached here Great Streets Challenge Winners.
