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The Board of Supervisors, acting as the governing body of the LA County Flood Control District, voted to approve a motion authored by Chair of the Board Hilda Solis and Supervisor Sheila Kuehl to bring together regional agencies, city leaders, nonprofit and community groups, and other stakeholders to update the LA River Master Plan. The most recent plan was completed and adopted in 1996.

Today, with excitement growing about the possibilities of a revitalized LA River, numerous organizations, agencies, and groups throughout LA County have already begun to gather information and develop plans to realize the river’s potential.

“So many people are excited about the 51 miles of the LA River,” said Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. “From Canoga Park in my district (Supervisorial District 3) to downtown LA, to the river’s terminus in Long Beach, city governments, community groups and residents want to contribute their ideas and help forge a plan for the river system. We want to avoid ‘plan-demonium.’ This motion is designed to ensure that the LA River Master Plan engages all stakeholders and develops a unified vision that reflects the needs of all communities and includes all voices.”

“It’s been 20 years since the LA River Master Plan has been updated, It is important that we work with our community groups, departments, and residents to obtain valuable input to and be inclusive. The LA River is a County gem that connects millions of residents,” said Chair Solis. “Our hope is that we can combine the many individual efforts along the 51 miles of River into a single, comprehensive and effective plan that will benefit both our community and environment.”

The motion approved by the Supervisors today calls for the establishment of a steering committee comprised of regional agencies, city leaders, nonprofit and community groups and interested stakeholders to update the Los Angeles River Master Plan. In addition, several mechanisms are specified to ensure that the County receives input from County Departments, including representatives from the City of Los Angeles, LA County Flood Control District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.