USGBC California (USGBC-CA) has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative, the 50 Liter Home Coalition pilot project, aimed at significantly reducing water usage in California residences. Ben Stapleton, Executive Director of USGBC-CA, discusses the organization's expansion to engage all of California, highlighting the opportunity to share impactful programming and advocate for green building practices statewide. Through collaborations with global coalitions and innovative pilot projects, USGBC-CA is leading the way in addressing the state's water crisis through holistic approaches to water management and building sustainability. This event, the California Green Building Conference, promises to be a hub for discussions on workforce development, embodied carbon, circularity, and nature-based solutions. With keynote speakers including Kate Gordon and Obi Kaufmann, the conference aims to galvanize action towards sustainable building practices statewide. Join USGBC California on May 23rd at the Beehive by SoLa Impact in South LA to be part of this transformative conversation.

This fireside chat between Josh Haskell and Zev Yaroslavsky took place at the sixth annual UCLA Luskin Summit. Yaroslavsky presented the results from this year’s Quality of Life Index, which annually polls a cross-section of Los Angeles County residents to apprehend the public’s perception of the quality of their own lives. As the cost of living continues to rise and affordable housing remains deprioritized, Zev shared this year’s Survey Findings.

Mayor Bass' State of the City speech illuminates a bold vision for Los Angeles, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and decisive action to address pressing challenges and seize new opportunities. Highlighting the city's progress and resilience in the face of adversity, Mayor Bass underscores the importance of disrupting the status quo and embracing change to build a stronger and more inclusive future for all Angelenos. From tackling homelessness with urgency and compassion to revitalizing public safety and driving economic growth, Mayor Bass articulates a comprehensive strategy grounded in partnership and purpose. With a focus on transparency, efficiency, and equitable outcomes, Mayor Bass charts a course towards a revitalized Los Angeles that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of its diverse communities, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.

In this illuminating interview with Nella McOsker, we delve into the core mission of the Central City Association (CCA) and its strategic approach to navigating the post-pandemic challenges facing downtown areas across the globe. As the CCA's spokesperson, McOsker discusses the multifaceted initiatives aimed at ensuring a vibrant and resilient future for Downtown Los Angeles. From addressing the impact of remote work on urban centers to outlining the pivotal findings of the RISE Cross-Sector Collaboration report, McOsker provides insights into key strategies encompassing public space revitalization, economic incubation, public safety enhancement, and envisioning the city's future. Additionally, she sheds light on CCA's involvement in the planning for the 2028 Olympics, fostering cultural investments, and addressing pressing issues such as homelessness. Through collaborative efforts and innovative approaches, McOsker and the CCA are spearheading transformative initiatives to shape the future landscape of Downtown LA, fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

Curbivore 24 - As urban downtowns and their transit serving systems begin recovering from the pandemi’s impact on urban street life, cities have begun blessing innovative ways to utilize their streets and manage their curbs. With permission of Curbibore, TPR shares here excerpts from a recent Curbivore L.A. panel masterfully moderated by Laura Bliss of Bloomberg News that included: Jordan Justus (Co-Founder & CEO, Automotus), Marcel Porras (Deputy Chief Innovation Officer, LA Metro), Debs Schrimmer (Senior Advisor, Joint Office of Energy & Transportation) and Gene Oh (CEO, Tranzito). The panel’s focus; actual examples of the ways varying metropolises are transforming their streets, curbs & public transit systems to better serve the evolving needs of their citizens.

Amidst a flurry of bills, executive orders, and local measures reshaping the housing narrative in California and Los Angeles, assessing the true impact of these legislative endeavors remains a challenge. At a recent Curbivore event, Randall Winston, Deputy Mayor of Infrastructure for Los Angeles, spoke to the attendees hoping to shed light on the ongoing discourse surrounding LA’s housing landscape and the incoming Capital Infrastructure Plan. TPR shares here the full address given by Winston, in which he discusses the implications of Executive Directive 1, the supply-demand paradox facing California, and UCLA's recent acquisition of the Westside Pavilion shopping mall.

Over the years, the state of California has consistently positioned itself at the forefront of clean energy initiatives, recognizing the potential of hydrogen as a key player in the sustainable energy landscape. Now, as the ARCHES project has emerged as a cornerstone of California's hydrogen strategy, underwritten by up to $1.2 billion in federal funding, California aims to accelerate the development of its hydrogen hubs, creating a robust ecosystem that aligns with its vision for a sustainable energy market. In a presentation during a Japan-California hydrogen webinar, GO-Biz’ Tyson Eckerle outlines how the state aims to establish a statewide hydrogen market by 2030. Eckerle highlights reduced emissions, substantial health cost savings, and the creation of over 220,000 jobs.