There's a lot going on right now. Seriously, A LOT. But amidst it all, LA is moving forward with several new community plans (CPs). These plans are enormously important - literally setting the rules for development in a neighborhood for decades. Here's some more info ()

LA has 35 different CPs, each of which establish land use & zoning rules for a defined area. Two issues right of the bat: (1) land use is overly technical & inaccessible; and (2) historically, land use planning has really harmed low income neighborhoods & communities of color.

But maybe it can be different? Because CPs create forward-looking policies, perhaps they could instead be a vehicle for racial & economic justice, for housing stability. Priorities like anti-displacement, affordability, community-ownership, etc., are all rooted in land use rules.

If you want to understand more about the history of community plans, their structure, and opportunities to reorient land use planning around equity and housing justice, then check out this resource from @All4Transit & @PublicCounsel https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a023c3eccc5c5b5b6d659c9/t/5acaf8b7aa4a998f3f642a71/1523251416377/ACTLA-CPT-FINAL.pdf

And if you want to learn about a recent successful community-led movement for an equitable community plan, check out the @UNIDAD_SLA coalition's "People's Plan" campaign for the South and Southeast LA Community Plans. http://www.unidad-la.org/peoplesplan/#:~:text=The%20UNIDAD%20Coalition%2C%20in%20partnership,call%20it%20The%20People's%20Plan.

This week, two more community plans will have public hearings to consider initial drafts - the Downtown LA Community Plan and the Hollywood Community Plan

In Downtown, Central City United (CCU) - led by residents & orgs in Chinatown, Skid Row & Little Tokyo neighborhoods - has developed a comprehensive "People's Plan" with specific policy recommendations to make the plan more equitable. Check in out here: https://www.centralcityunited.org/peoples-plan 

The Downtown Community Plan public hearing is today (12/8) from 4-7pm. If you want to provide public comment in support of the CCU peoples plan, you can join the virtual hearing here: https://planning.lacity.org/plans-policies/community-plan-update/downtown-events/virtual-public-hearing

In Hollywood, the Just Hollywood Coalition is fighting for community plan policies that produce affordable housing, stops displacement, and promotes living wage jobs & small businesses. You can check out this campaign here: https://knock-la.com/just-hollywood-coalition-unite-here-letter-964a7de1e93d.

The Hollywood Community Plan public hearing is tomorrow (12/9) 5-7pm. If you want to weigh in on that plan, you can join the virtual public hearing here: https://planning-lacity-org.zoom.us/j/84848992519 

The Boyle Heights Community Plan is also in the works, and be sure to follow @EastsideLEADS for more information on how to get involved and support equitable planning in early 2021.

Anyway, don't sleep on the CPs. Despite everything going on, it is important that CP updates don't fly under the radar. Follow the lead of the amazing community-led movements that are engaging in these process and help demand land use planning that is equitable & just.