FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What is Vision Los Angeles?
A: Vision Los Angeles is a strategic transportation plan for the Los Angeles region that is being developed by a coalition of business, environment, labor, transportation and government leaders. At the core of this plan is the recognition that a well-balanced transportation system is essential for economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and social equity.

Q: Why do we need Vision Los Angeles?
A: Los Angeles has the worst traffic congestion and air quality in the nation. The combined burden costs the region more than $22 billion in lost wages, medical expenses, wasted fuel, and missed days of school. The region simply cannot thrive under these conditions.

California is also pursuing greenhouse gas reduction goals, air quality improvement and sustainable land use measures. Vision Los Angeles recommendations can help achieve these goals in a way that supports a vibrant economy.

Government alone cannot solve the county's traffic and environmental problems. The private, non-profit and public sectors bring a breadth of insight and innovation to the challenges of transportation and should play a strong role in developing strategies and solutions. Vision Los Angeles brings all three responsible sectors to the table and allows them to identify and shape solutions together.

Q: Why is it important to link environmental sustainability to economic sustainability?
A: A healthy environment and a healthy economy go hand in hand. A community needs both for long-term prosperity. People require clean water and air to thrive. They need adequate housing and healthy, affordable food; and jobs to help pay for both. Employers need a clean, safe and functioning community to attract and retain workers and to keep their workforce healthy and productive.

Too often transportation planning does not take into account the interdependence of these two needs — a healthy economy and a healthy environment. In the Los Angeles region, this has meant that as the transportation system developed, the environment, public health, and commerce have suffered. Battling traffic has frayed nerves and cost businesses and individuals billions in lost time annually and wasted fuel, while transportation-related air and global warming pollution have cost additional billions in health and environmental effects. Setting transportation priorities in a way that actively recognizes the link between economic and environmental health will help revitalize the region's economy and improve its live-ability.

Q: How is Vision Los Angeles different from other transportation plans?
A: Simply put, Vision Los Angeles is not just a plan. It is a project that will deliver broad-based consensus of traditionally unaligned groups such as business, government, labor and environmental organizations. It will not be constrained by traditional assumptions about transportation funding or transportation priorities. It will balance the economy, the environment and social equity without sacrificing any of these principles. Vision LA brings unprecedented depth, diversity, and innovation. It begins with a vision and then creates a roadmap to that future.

Q: Who is involved with Vision Los Angeles?
A: Vision Los Angeles was started by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). While traditionally unaligned, the LAEDC, which represents business, government and institutions of higher education, and EDF, a national environmental group, recognized that both of their agendas were being blocked by Los Angeles' transportation crisis. LAEDC and EDF joined forces to pro-actively address the problem by bringing together a coalition of business, environmental, labor, transportation, government and other leaders. Steering this effort is an advisory panel.

Q: How do I get involved?
A: Upon the completion of a preliminary plan, an electronic version will be posted on this website. Everyone is encouraged to review and comment upon the plan. Comments and questions can be sent to: moreinfo@visionlosangeles.org

Q: Who is paying for Vision Los Angeles?
A: Vision Los Angeles is being paid for by contributions from private foundations and businesses including Bank of America Foundation, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and the Dipaola Foundation

Q: When will Vision Los Angeles be completed?
A: Vision Los Angeles has two phases. The first phase will culminate in the release of the consensus document that includes recommendations that can be implemented over the next 25 years. These recommendations will range in scope and implementation time from short- to long-term. The document's release is anticipated in late Summer/early Fall 2009. In the second phase, the project will use this consensus plan as the centerpiece of a multi-year media and policy campaign to secure and apply the resources the region needs to implement the initiatives recommended.

Q: How can I make a difference in Los Angeles?
A: Vision Los Angeles hinges upon the idea that everyone in Los Angeles County has a stake in reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality. For example, by supporting businesses that pursue responsible practices, writing to local and state legislators, and committing to changing your behavior, you can promote sustainability. The recommendations made by Vision Los Angeles will apply to individuals, corporations, and government alike. Check back to learn what you can do as a community member, a business leader, or as an elected representative.

Q: How will Vision Los Angeles improve the environment?
A: Mobile sources (cars, trucks, ships, planes, etc) account for more than two-thirds of the air pollution in Los Angeles. Reducing the amount of time that vehicles are idling and emitting pollutants into the atmosphere will directly impact the air quality and levels of greenhouse gases in the region. Vision Los Angeles will identify ways to improve traffic flow and improve mobility and access while also reducing air pollution, including greenhouse gas emissions. Implementing Vision Los Angles will bring California closer to meeting state and national greenhouse gas reduction goals.