a revitalized Downtown L.A.?
it's on track!

goLAstreetcar - new branding campaign set for public launch

LASI will be launching an ambitious marketing and advertising campaign in 2010 to declare "It's on track." The success of the Downtown Los Angeles Streetcar project depends on widespread support from community stakeholders, business leaders, property owners, and the public at large. We encourage you to spread awareness about the project through your personal social networks and by following our efforts on Twitter and Facebook.

development efforts pay off

where will the streetcar go?

we're winning grants and sharpening funding strategies

On December 10, 2009, the Downtown L.A. Streetcar effort was approved for a $250,000 federal appropriation, requested by Los Angeles City Councilmember José Huizar and championed through Congress by Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard. This allocation, in addition to a previous appropriation and other secured funding sources from CRA/LA, will cover a large portion of our environmental review costs.  METRO will be managing the environmental process for the streetcar which will be submitted for review to the City's Bureau of Engineering. We are on-track to substantially complete the review in 2010.

Securing federal funds has been a top priority for LASI. On behalf of the public-private partnership advancing the streetcar project, the City of Los Angeles submitted to the Federal Transportation Administration a $25 million Urban Circulator grant application for streetcar funding to enhance the livability and sustainability of Downtown L.A. This grant application was a joint effort between LASI, CRA/LA, Councilmember José Huizar/Bringing Back Broadway, and the City of L.A. Department of Transportation. The federal government made a significant pool of resources available for streetcar projects through a competitive application process, and this funding source does not compete with other transit projects in L.A. Grant awards will be announced in Summer 2010.

LASI is also fortunate to be a Google Grant Recipient, which will greatly enhance our marketing and fundraising efforts via free web advertising.

In addition, CRA/LA contracted with LASI to secure the services of a financial consultant and marketing/outreach consultant to further our development efforts. Both consultants are working hard to expedite the development of the streetcar, and much of their work will be displayed on our web site and open houses in the coming months.

the press pays attention

LASI's development efforts in 2009 have been covered in numerous blogs, newspapers, and business journals – and with good reason. In this challenging economy, many stakeholders have realized that a streetcar system will jump-start the catalytic investment and revitalization energy in Downtown L.A.

Click to read articles

we're now a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation

Bringing Back Broadway advances

Councilmember José Huizar's Bringing Back Broadway initiative continues to push forward, and in addition to championing the streetcar effort within city government, the initiative has successfully reached a number of other milestones that will greatly enhance the vitality of Downtown L.A. Of particular importance to the streetcar is the Broadway Streetscape Master Plan. Final design concepts were unveiled in November, and the plan will undergo environmental review along with the streetcar project.  The Streetscape Master Plan accommodates and prepares the corridor for the streetcar, calls for a reduction of traffic lanes, wider sidewalks, transit stations with real-time transit information and pedestrian-friendly elements which will honor the history of the area.  Information on the many aspects of the Bringing Back Broadway initiative can be found at www.BringingBackBroadway.com.

many thanks to our
board members, donors, and special supporters