Neighborhood Councils and other community groups will soon have an easier way to implement median beautification projects.
The Innovation and Performance Commission (IPC) unanimously approved $35,000 to fund the “Median Design Competition,” a concept submitted by Board of Public Works Vice-President Monica Rodriguez.
The concept is to enlist the talent and creativity of landscape architects in Los Angeles, to design small and large scale median projects that will provide options for communities to consider as a neighborhood project.
Designers will create “kit of parts” that includes streamlined permitting, little to no irrigation to address the drought conditions, and blueprints for communities wishing to improve their community medians. It requires a collaborative effort with various City departments.
The Innovation and Performance Commission was created by the City of Los Angeles to give City employees, commissioners and the public the opportunity to submit ideas that can make the City work better by increasing efficiency, improving the quality of life for Angelenos and are feasible and measurable.
“I’m pleased the IPC has selected this concept for funding,” said Rodriguez. “As we continue to deal with a severe drought, we need to be thoughtful in how we address our beautification efforts, reduce our water use and simplify the process.”
Commissioner Rodriguez has already spearheaded another program to address the drought: a rain barrel pilot program. Through a partnership with various groups, more than 1,000 repurposed rain barrels have been distributed to city residents since last November. These rain barrels have captured an estimated 240,000 gallons of rainwater that is being used for irrigation instead of going directly into the storm drains.
To learn more about the IPC and how the Mayor’s Innovation Fund, visit innovate.lacity.org.
