Los Angeles County Announces $17 Million in Funding to Expand Public Parks
Grants Awarded to 13 Communities Across the Greater Los Angeles Area
The Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RSD) announced 13 beneficiaries of Measure A competitive grants totaling $17 million in funding towards increased access to green spaces across the greater Los Angeles area. These grants are aimed at “bridging the equity gap” and investing in eligible programmatic or capital projects consistent with or similar to those identified in the Parks Need Assessment.
Funding Source: Measure A
Grants are funded by Measure A, a 2016 voter-approved parcel tax of 1.5 cents per square foot that generates revenue specifically for open spaces. RSD is a special district of L.A. County that collects property tax revenue and grants it to cities, nonprofits, and other agencies to support parks, open spaces, and recreational programs.
Cities and Organizations Awarded Grants
This year’s grants will fund the creation and expansion of approximately 623 acres of new park land. Over 50% of that funding will be directed towards communities with “high needs” for increased spaces. The city of Los Angeles, Baldwin Park, Palmdale, and the county Department of Parks and Recreation each received $2 million. Carson, Santa Clarita, the Mountains Restoration Trust for Malibu, the Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy for Altadena and Coyotl/Macheduallli for Elephant Hill each received more than $1 million. Artesia and Covina, North East Trees, and the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust for South LA were also awarded smaller grants.
Leaders’ Statements
“Whether it’s for hundreds of acres of open space or small neighborhood parks, investments by the Regional Park and Open Space District directly serve residents in every part of the county,” said L.A. County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger. “With this funding, we are investing in the well-being of communities, especially those that have disproportionately faced limited access to green spaces, higher pollution levels, and, as a result, health disparities,” added Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell.
Former Measure A Projects
Former Measure A projects include Del Rey Lagoon, Sycamore Grove Park, and Woodbridge Park among others.
Special Funding Opportunity for Fire Recovery and Climate Resiliency
Officials also announced a special funding opportunity to support fire recovery and climate resiliency efforts to support fire recovery, which will become available in the near future. The two fires that burned a combined 37,469 acres, the Palisades Fire burned 23,448 acres, and the Eaton Fire burned 14,021 acres.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District’s announcement of $17 million in funding to expand public parks is a significant step towards bridging the equity gap and investing in the well-being of communities across the greater Los Angeles area. This funding will support the creation and expansion of new park land, providing increased access to green spaces for residents in every part of the county.
FAQs
* What is Measure A?
Measure A is a 2016 voter-approved parcel tax of 1.5 cents per square foot that generates revenue specifically for open spaces.
* What is the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RSD)?
RSD is a special district of L.A. County that collects property tax revenue and grants it to cities, nonprofits, and other agencies to support parks, open spaces, and recreational programs.
* What is the purpose of the Competitive Grant Program?
The purpose of the Competitive Grant Program is to “bridge the equity gap” and invest in eligible programmatic or capital projects consistent with or similar to those identified in the Parks Need Assessment.
