Builder’s Remedy sites for sale, Measure ULA stats scrutinized, and more – Urbanize LA

Report on Urban Development, Infrastructure, and Economic Initiatives in Southern California

Analysis in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This report summarizes recent developments across Southern California, analyzing their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The focus areas include housing, transportation, infrastructure, and economic innovation.

Housing and Sustainable Urban Communities (SDG 11)

Recent activities highlight efforts and challenges in creating inclusive, safe, and resilient urban environments, directly addressing SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and related goals concerning poverty and inequality.

Affordable Housing and Tenant Protections

• Baldwin Park Affordable Housing: A 51-unit affordable housing development by the Cesar Chavez Foundation is under construction near a primary transit station. This project directly supports SDG 11.1 by ensuring access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services, and SDG 11.2 by integrating housing with sustainable transport systems.
• Los Angeles Rent Stabilization: A proposal to cap rent increases at 3% for rent-stabilized units is advancing. This policy aims to mitigate housing instability, contributing to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by protecting vulnerable populations from displacement.
• Measure ULA Oversight: The effectiveness of Los Angeles’s “mansion tax” (Measure ULA) in creating jobs and housing is under review. Transparent oversight is critical to ensure the measure achieves its intended outcomes, which are central to advancing SDG 11.

Land Use and Development

• Beverly Hills Entitled Sites: The sale of four entitled development sites by the Aflalo family presents an opportunity for development that could either support or hinder progress toward sustainable urban planning and housing goals within the city.

Infrastructure, Innovation, and Sustainable Transport (SDG 9 & SDG 11)

Significant initiatives are underway to modernize regional infrastructure and promote sustainable transportation, aligning with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Modernization of Public and Active Transportation

1. Regional Rail Electrification: Proposals to electrify Southern California’s Metrolink train service aim to create a more efficient and environmentally friendly public transit network. This initiative is a key step toward achieving SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 9.1 by developing sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
2. Enhanced Urban Bikeability: The city of Pomona is actively improving its infrastructure to be more bike-friendly and walkable. This promotes active transport, contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11.2 by providing safe and accessible transportation options.
3. Pacific Coast Highway Safety Project: A state-funded project in Malibu will add sidewalks and bike lanes to the Pacific Coast Highway. This directly addresses SDG 11.2 by working to create safe and sustainable transport systems for all road users.

Strategic Infrastructure Development

• Vincent Thomas Bridge Modernization: Discussions regarding a $1.5 billion plan to raise or replace the Vincent Thomas Bridge are ongoing. This project is critical for accommodating cleaner, larger container ships, thereby supporting sustainable global trade and reinforcing economic resilience in line with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9.

Economic Growth, Research, and Cultural Preservation (SDG 8 & SDG 9)

Investments in technology, research, and cultural assets are fostering an environment for sustainable economic growth and innovation.

Investment in Technology and Biomedical Research

• Digital Infrastructure Expansion: Digital Realty has acquired land to build a 32MW data center, expanding the region’s digital infrastructure. This development is fundamental to supporting innovation and industry as outlined in SDG 9.
• UCLA Research Park Philanthropy: A $31 million donation to the UCLA Research Park will advance biomedical sciences and research. This investment fosters innovation, contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and creating a foundation for future economic opportunities under SDG 8.

Cultural and Economic Revitalization

• Cinerama Dome Preservation: A permit renewal application for the historic Cinerama Dome signals a potential reopening. The preservation of cultural landmarks is a key target of SDG 11.4 (Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage) and supports the local creative economy.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  This goal is connected through the efforts to improve road safety. The article on Malibu’s Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) project directly addresses making roadways safer for all users, which is a key component of public health and well-being.

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  The article mentions a significant financial commitment to the UCLA Research Park. This investment in graduate education and biomedical sciences directly supports the advancement of higher education and specialized training, which is a core aspect of SDG 4.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  This goal is addressed through multiple articles discussing infrastructure development. This includes the construction of a new data center, investment in a university research park, and discussions around a major bridge replacement project to accommodate modern shipping, all of which relate to building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  This is the most prominently featured SDG. Several articles touch upon key elements of sustainable cities, including the development of affordable housing, implementation of rent control policies, improvements to public and active transportation (electric trains, bike lanes, walkability), and the preservation of cultural heritage sites like the Cinerama Dome.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.6: Halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.

   The article about the Malibu PCH project, which aims to “increase safety of the roadway” by adding features like “sidewalks, streetlights and unprotected bike lanes,” directly aligns with the goal of improving road safety and reducing accidents.

2. Target 4.4: Substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills…for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.

   The “$31 million to UCLA Research Park” which “invests in graduate education in the biomedical sciences” contributes to this target by supporting higher education and developing a skilled workforce in a technical field.

3. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

   This target is reflected in the plan for a new VT Bridge “to accommodate the world’s largest — and cleanest — container ships” and the purchase of land for a “32MW data center,” both of which are significant infrastructure developments.

4. Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors.

   The investment in the UCLA Research Park for “groundbreaking research” is a direct contribution to enhancing scientific research capabilities.

5. Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing.

   This target is clearly addressed by the “New Affordable Housing Coming to Baldwin Park” through a “51-unit development” and the Los Angeles City Council committee’s backing of a “3% rent cap on rent stabilized units” to maintain housing affordability.

6. Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.

   Multiple articles support this target. The piece on electric trains discusses improving rail travel, the article on Pomona highlights efforts to enhance “bikeabilty, walkability, accessibility, and transit improvements,” and the Malibu PCH project includes new sidewalks and bike lanes.

7. Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

   The article “Is there still hope for the Cinerama Dome?” discusses a “new permit request filed with city of L.A.” for the venue, representing an effort to preserve and reactivate a significant cultural landmark.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• For Housing (Target 11.1):

  Yes, the article provides specific quantitative indicators. Progress can be measured by the number of new affordable housing units constructed (the “51-unit development” in Baldwin Park) and the implementation of policies to ensure affordability (the “3% rent cap” in Los Angeles).

• For Infrastructure (Target 9.1):

  Yes, indicators are mentioned. Progress can be measured by the financial investment in infrastructure projects (the “$1.5 billion” projected cost for the new VT bridge) and the capacity of new technological infrastructure (the “32MW of IT capacity” for the new data center).

• For Sustainable Transport (Target 11.2):

  Yes, the article implies indicators through the description of specific projects. Progress can be measured by the implementation of sustainable transport solutions, such as the “electrification” of trains and the creation of new “sidewalks” and “bike lanes” in Pomona and Malibu.

• For Research and Education (Targets 9.5 & 4.4):

  Yes, a clear financial indicator is provided. Progress can be measured by the amount of investment in research and higher education, specifically the “$31 million” commitment to the UCLA Research Park.

• For Road Safety (Target 3.6):

  The article implies an indicator. Progress would be measured by the reduction in traffic accidents or injuries on the PCH after the safety features are installed, although the article itself does not provide baseline or projected data.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: la.urbanize.city