Date: June 23, 2021
Author(s): Lauren Hiller, Samichhya Bhusal, Bertha L. Calderón Chiñas, Talia S. Coutin, Laura Daza García, Charlotte Will
Abstract
Through the state’s Transformative Climate Communities Program (TCC), the Green Together Collaborative secured a $23 million grant in 2018 to implement urban greening and streetscape improvement projects in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Pacoima and neighboring Sun Valley. Meanwhile, LA Metro is also building an at-grade light rail transit line through the East San Fernando Valley and down Van Nuys Boulevard, Pacoima’s major commercial corridor. Considering the risks of displacement, gentrification, and cultural erasure that are associated with transit expansion, this research focuses on commercial anti-displacement strategies that can support the predominantly immigrant-owned small business community in the corridor. This research supports the efforts of Pacoima Beautiful, the only environmental justice organization in the neighborhood and a member of the Green Together Collaborative, in developing a Displacement Avoidance Plan to mitigate the potential impacts of the TCC investments and the East San Fernando Rail Line extension. This research answers two questions: (1) What are the concerns, experiences, and priorities of Pacoima small businesses facing transit-related displacement pressures? (2) How can community groups respond to displacement pressures from rail transit expansion to ensure thriving community businesses?
About the Project
This capstone project was completed in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree Master of Urban & Regional Planning at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs.