1st + Main | The City Planning Department Blog

By: Timmy Luong, GIS Supervisor | Los Angeles City Planning What is GIS? GIS = Geographic Information System. What does that mean in layman’s terms?  GIS is about gathering, managing, and analyzing data — integrating geographic information within layers of data into tables, graphs, and maps to make data more visually presentable. GIS reveals patterns, relationships, and situations, helping users make informed decisions.  Over the years, technology has changed the way we look at the world. Today, we are using spatial analysis to evaluate projections, assumptions, and estimates. Rather than numbers listed on a spreadsheet, we can leverage GIS technology to see what others can’t.  Hundreds of thousands of organizations in virtually every profession are leveraging GIS to create maps that communicate, share, and address complex problems across the globe. The Role of GIS Technology in Urban Planning? Cities are constantly evolving, which is why GIS has been...

Based on recent data , African-Americans only represent 7.9% of those in the planning profession. In 2017, TheRoot.com published an article titled, “Urban Planning Can’t Happen Without Black People in the Room—Yet It Does,” reflecting on the importance of having multiple voices when planning and designing a city.  In the City of Los Angeles, we see diversity throughout the City and in those who are helping plan the future of Los Angeles. In 2018, 16% of new hires and 12% of all promotions within the Department of City Planning were of African-Americans, representing 12% of the entire Department.  Below, the Department of City Planning’s African-American City Planning Assistants and Associates share their advice for those interested in entering the profession. Scroll below to get their insights, and get inspired to plan!   Kyle Winston "I grew up in South Central LA. I watched my neighborhood burn during the LA riots and then sit untouched for years won...

Drumroll please…. It’s been a wonderful year #Planning4LA! Here are some of the top moments from the year. Which moment was your favorite? Comment below and let us know! 10. Office of Historic Resources Presents 2018 Historic Neighborhoods Conference The Department's Office of Historic Resources, in partnership with the Los Angeles Conservancy, hosted its bi-annual LA Historic Neighborhoods Conference on Saturday, October 13, 2018. This year's theme was  The Intersection of Housing and Preservation. The day-long forum was open to anyone interested in neighborhood conservation and included presentations by field experts in preservation, and featured interactive workshops and open conversations with community stakeholders. 9. External Affairs Launches Monthly E-Newsletter and Community Corner Publications The External Affairs Units is committed to providing the community with up-to-date news and information about planning. That is why the External...

Looking for something fun and not-so-frightening to do this Halloween? The City of Los Angeles is a great place to explore!  Home to some of the nation’s most popular cultural hotspots, Los Angeles has many historic neighborhoods for you to visit this Halloween. Whether you’re looking for tricks or treats, the City has some great places to experience the spookiest day of the year. Check out the featured neighborhoods below and other historic neighborhoods on our Office of Historic Resources website.   Angelino Heights Trek up the hilltop residential area of Angelino Heights to feel like you’ve taken a time machine to the late-19th century. This area is home to beautiful leafy hillsides, with some of the best remaining examples of Victorian-era architectural styles in Los Angeles, as well as later examples of Craftsman and Mission Revival Style homes. Residents of this area don’t skimp on Halloween candy or decorations either! If you decide to stop here for som...

Connecting to our communities is what planning is all about. Whether it is updating a Community Plan, or speaking at a neighborhood event, we speak to Angelenos about issues that affect their everyday lives. Our neighborhood council system in the City of Los Angeles offers us, in particular, a forum by which we get to speak to local stakeholders on a regular basis.  This is why I was excited to participate in this year’s Congress of Neighborhoods, which brought together leaders from various neighborhood councils throughout the City. It provided an opportunity for planners, like myself to connect, educate and listen to members of our community. And, this year’s event was truly a success – evident by the fact that it had the largest turnout to date!  Attendees from across the City gathered to meet and speak with civic leaders and Department staff in an informal yet interactive setting. Our Department – City Planning – was selected to host two informational sessions...

*CUE* Beyoncé’s ‘Run the World – Girls’ Imagine walking into your office on a Monday. You look to your left, you look to your right, and all of your colleagues are men.  No, this isn’t an episode of The Twilight Zone, however for many women working in the field of urban and regional planning this is an everyday reality. So, how can we imagine an innovative and immersive city if diverse voices aren’t heard – or asked to even take a seat at the table? That’s where the City of Los Angeles steps in. Here in LA, the City Planning Department has made concerted efforts to hire and train employees to create a more accessible and equitable city. From the Deputy Director of Planning to our Graphics team and everyone in between, women have played a vital role in shaping our City. Now I’m sure you’re asking yourself, well, how many women are actually working at City Planning.   Check the stats: 58% of our Employees are women. 57% of Planners are women. 5...