Health and Community-Based Planning in the Creation of Transit Oriented Districts in South Los Angeles

Research demonstrates that the ability to live a healthy and active lifestyle is determined largely by the places we live, work and play – our built environment. After years of neglect, many poor planning decisions are now reflected in the health of our communities. Built out, vulnerable communities like South Los Angeles face even greater challenges. This presentation discusses and evaluates a community-based planning effort in South LA to develop a planning framework that supports health.

In 2010, Community Health Councils, Inc., with funding from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, partnered with the Los Angeles Department of City Planning and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to design and implement a community-based planning program to create 10 Transit-Oriented Districts (TODs) in South LA. The result of this multi-agency, multijurisdictional effort was a program that educated and engaged stakeholders while producing policy tools that encourages a healthy lifestyle. Using pedestrian and bicycle audits, residents identified barriers to physical activity and policies that would encourage active transportation. In visioning exercises, residents articulated their short and long-term vision for their community. The resulting plan for each TOD contains zone changes, design guidelines and supporting policies. Mindful of the unintended consequences of TODs seen in other communities, policies aimed at minimizing displacement and encouraging the development of grocery stores, open space and pedestrian/bicycle enhancements are also included.

In this challenging economic climate, municipalities, public health agencies and community advocates need to engage in innovative partnerships in order to create healthier communities.