Garcetti Visits White House, Talks Transportation In DC Trip
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Mayor Eric Garcetti Monday visited Washington, D.C., for the first time since taking office to meet with President Barack Obama and to seek federal funding for local transportation projects.
Garcetti's primary reason for making the taxpayer-funded trip was to drum up support for a people mover at Los Angeles International Airport, as well as plans to expand the city's commuter rail network.
A spokeswoman said the mayor and President Obama had a "good discussion."
In addition to his meeting with the president, Garcetti also met separately with White House senior advisor Valerie Jarrett and David Agnew, deputy assistant to the president, to discuss plans for a Los Angeles River revitalization project and other issues, according to officials.
Garcetti posted a message on Twitter reading, "Great to visit with @BarackObama at the White House today. Thanks to Valerie Jarrett @vj44 and @DavidAgnew44 for your hospitality."
City Council members Bob Blumenfield, Gil Cedillo and Mitch O'Farell also took part in that meeting.
As councilman, Garcetti joined the City Council earlier this year in support of Alternative 20, the most expensive and comprehensive of four revitalization options being considered by Congress.
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