Mayor Launches 'First-Ever' Sustainability Plan For LA Economy, Environment
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti released a long-range plan Wednesday aimed at making the city more economically and environmentally sustainable.
The Sustainable City Plan calls for "an environmentally healthy, economically prosperous, equitable future in the context of an expected population growth of 500,000 people over the next 20 years," according to the Mayor's office.
Standing near the "Nuestra Reina de Los Angeles" (Queen of the Angels) statue at Echo Park Lake, Garcetti unveiled the plan to target "economics" and "equity" by setting goals for housing, transportation and green-job creation, and for improving air quality and quality of life for low-income residents.
Not only does the plan make L.A. the potential national leader in solar, electric vehicle infrastructure, water conservation and green jobs, it also also new ground by making what Garcetti's office called the city's "first-ever commitments" towards zero emissions goods movement at the Port of Los Angeles, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050, and reducing per capita vehicle miles traveled.
Along with an executive order signed by Garcetti ordering implementation of the plan across all city departments, private organizations and individual Angelenos are being asked to "Adopt the Plan" in order to ensure its success, the mayor said.
"Los Angeles grew into one of the world's great cities because its residents and leaders dreamed, planned and then took action to build the metropolis we enjoy today," said Garcetti. "Now, it's our turn to lay a foundation to secure a brighter future for L.A."
Matt Petersen, the City Chief Sustainability Officer, told KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO the mayor wants to take a two-pronged approach at getting L.A. ready for the future.
"That we deliver the services to create more livable neighborhoods, that we do have cleaner air, but that we're also creating green jobs," said Petersen.
Garcetti is also expected to offer more details when he visits KNX 1070 on Thursday for the "Ask the Mayor" program.