Report from the Bike Summit

8/17/10 @ 1:03p by Antonio Villaraigosa

Yesterday, about 200 cyclists filled the board room at the MTA building to discuss the safety and mobility issues bicyclists face in Los Angeles on the road every day. It was our first LA City-sponsored Bike Summit, and I was inspired to hear so many impassioned, informed views on how our city and region can promote and improve cycling in LA.

It’s clear we haven’t done enough to incorporate bicycles into our transportation planning. But with so much community engagement, and so many good ideas, we can and we will do a better job.

The Business Tax Holiday Victory

8/6/2010 @ 2:55p by Antonio Villaraigosa

I am proud to report that City Council has just unanimously passed the Business Tax Holiday and other tax-friendly reforms! This action will without a doubt create jobs in Los Angeles, and lay the foundation for future economic growth.

The Business Tax Holiday, developed by my office, is a simple idea. To encourage businesses to start up or relocate to LA, we will exempt all new Los Angeles enterprises from any gross receipts tax for three years.

Examining Our Gang Reduction Strategy

7/27/2010 @ 1:00p by Antonio Villaraigosa

Good news from the Controller's office on one of our most important initiatives, the Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD) program.

Their just-released audit shows that GRYD has radically changed the way City Hall fights gang violence, implemented all but 1 out of 109 blueprint recommendations, and, best of all, brought gang crime down.

A New Chapter in a Thriving, Vibrant, and Sustainable Los Angeles

7/26/2010 @ 5:00p by Antonio Villaraigosa

Today I announced the appointment of Michael LoGrande to be the new Director of the Los Angeles Department of City Planning. Leaders in business, labor, and architecture -- from San Pedro to the Valley, from the West Side to the East Side-- gathered at City Hall to celebrate this new chapter in urban planning.

As Director of this Department, Michael’s job will be to guide LA’s growth and create a blueprint for the type of city we want to be. Together, we will build a new urban paradigm where mixed-use, transit-oriented neighborhoods and sustainable go hand in hand.