Work Programs 2012-2013, updated December, 2012

Transportation Committee

Focus on coordinated local programs via long-range planning (with deadlines to be developed by staff) on:

Bicycle safety/awareness planning, (including recommended priority bicycle gap closures, share the road outreach programming and other deliverables to be defined and scheduled.) NOTE: Priority gap closures and policy of mutual support of member bicycle grants approved, March 2012.
Implementation of a bicycle sharing program within the Westside Cities in coordination with the Sustainability Committee. Request for Information process initiated in advance of development of focused Request for Proposals. The City of Santa Monica has a METRO grant and will provide continuity in this effort. Deliverables and schedules being refined.

Advocate for regional transit interconnectivity focusing on moving the West Hollywood/Crenshaw line forward expediently through planning studies to shovel ready.

Continue to support and advocate for the I-10/Robertson/National Area Circulation Improvement Project.

Continue to support efforts to complete construction and begin operation of the Exposition Light Rail Line (Milestones need to be identified.)

Continue to support the Westside Subway Extension. Following approval of the project’s Final EIS/EIR:

Support efforts to receive a swift Record of Decision from the Federal Transit Administration;
Support and lobby for funding for the project through the Federal New Starts program (Full Funding Grant Agreement);
Support and lobby for funding for the project in the federal Transportation Reauthorization Bill and annual funding appropriations; and
Support and lobby for efforts to accelerate the project through the America Fast Forward Initiative.

Actively, and on an ongoing basis, seek and pursue opportunities to support the delivery of the entire Measure R program of projects.

Actively, and on an ongoing basis, seek opportunities to support transit alternatives that will result in the maximum amount of rail miles on the Westside (Crenshaw and Green Line to LAX) via contacts with METRO Board and staff, local, state and federal elected officials and other regional entities.

Develop recommendations for the next Long Range Plan (LRP) under the auspices of the Short Range Transportation Plan, begin to prepare strategic unfunded projects based on the findings of the Westside Mobility Study by collaborating and engaging now in long-range planning efforts.

Seek opportunities to maximize the benefit of rail projects on the Westside by identifying and pursuing opportunities that will ensure they maximize ridership and integrate well into the communities they serve.

Actively, and on an ongoing basis, seek opportunities to support transit regionally via such intra-regional connectivity components as: the Green Line/LAX; the Regional Connector; the Crenshaw Line; Sepulveda Pass; and others that may be developed/proposed.

On an ongoing basis, encourage and promote joint transportation grant applications by WSCCOG member jurisdictions.

Seek opportunities and identify potential partnerships to advocate for La Cienega Corridor Enhancement and to develop a consensus among the Westside Cities’ jurisdictions on how to improve the La Cienega Corridor.

Homelessness and Social Service Committee

Priority Items

The Committee’s scope for the Social Services Issues component of the Work Program is the provision of improved services to seniors in the following areas:
- Transportation: Senior Paratransit
- Independent/Dependent Living: Home Care Management and Transitional Living Support
- Benefits Advocacy and Financial Management Safety Nets
The Committee’s current focus is to improve intercity senior Paratransit coordination and identify best practices to introduce senior “Door thru Door” transit to the entire COG region.
The Committee’s scope for the Homelessness component of the Work Program is the provision of permanent affordable housing throughout the COG jurisdictions tailored to the specific needs of the individual target populations including families, youth, veterans, seniors and chronically homeless (not one size fits all) by:
1. Continuing to advocate for the Westside Cities and the region to garner more Federal, state and local funding and legislative support for creating permanent, supportive housing and wrap-around services as appropriate.
2. Support and share "best practice" strategies and outreach tools and monitor and coordinate responses to emerging needs and issues related to the specific needs of the individual target populations, (e.g., youth homeless have different needs.) These include participating in planning, advocacy and support for better coordinated programs serving the COG area’s homeless populations knowing that each requires its own unique and individual strategies including:
  - Use of the best community based solutions, including those supported by faith based organizations for Winter Shelter Programs and coordinating timely resolution of issues;
  - Creating better linkages to the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System for housing, supportive services and benefits opportunities including linkages with the West Los Angeles Veteran’s Affairs campus.
  - Creating better linkages with Los Angeles County supportive services including health care, mental healthcare, substance abuse treatment and benefits.
  - Advocate for a comprehensive reporting system, and move forward with full participation to understand: (a) who is homeless; and (b) to identify individuals who spend time and access services in multiple jurisdictions;
  - Work to understand the kind of service and housing infrastructures needed for each population to end homelessness;
  - Use cost-benefit analysis as a measurement and advocacy tool;
  - Share and implement common best practices including, but not limited to, public safety departments, outreach workers and healthcare organizations.

Sustainability Committee

Ongoing Action Items

Energy Upgrade California, [formerly Los Angeles County Energy Program (LACEP)]
Continue to participate in activities advocating and supporting Energy Upgrade California including rebate and solar energy programs. Staff will monitor and provide support to the County as appropriate, and keep the committee and full Board informed of developments.
Zero Waste
Continue to work together to seek collaborative opportunities to reduce solid wastes and to the extent feasible, explore diversion and conversion technology, and report to the committee and full board as appropriate.
Sustainable Food
Continue to seek opportunities to share information on the principles of food sustainability.

As appropriate develop joint promotional materials for distribution at Farmers Markets, libraries, schools, etc.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Become more informed about (a) the Westside planning group’s efforts with respect to AB375 and (b) with the Los Angeles Regional Collaborative (LARC) on the development of regional benchmarks. Invite LARC to make a presentation to the Committee at the earliest possible opportunity and consider scheduling an update for the full COG. Research collaborative opportunities with both, as appropriate.

Monitor and Provide Updates for Action by the Board, as Appropriate.

The Committee will pursue opportunities for future collaboration on the following programs:

Green Building Program

State standards have been adopted but cities may exceed the adopted standards. It is a goal of the Committee to seek collaborative opportunities that can result in improved, consistent, uniform standards across the Westside jurisdictions.

Review list of cities’ standards compiled by Los Angeles County to seek opportunities for improving standards within member jurisdictions.

Updates to be provided as appropriate.
Water Quality and Conservation

Monitor and participate in the Regional Integrated Water Management Plan (RIWMP). The Westside must work towards being more self-sufficient in this area. To this end, the Committee will:
- Continue to monitor the Los Angeles County Flood Control District Parcel Fee which is currently scheduled for consideration in 2012.
- Seek grant funding for storm water run-off, conservation and other water programs.
- Continue to support environmental education and public health programs relative to storm water run-off.
- Explore incentive programs for reclaimed water use, including Smart Gardening Programs.
  There may be mandates with which each jurisdiction must comply; however, collaborative opportunities will be a goal. Updates to be provided as appropriate.

South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD)

On an ongoing basis, review and monitor air quality actions of the federal, state and regional entities to ensure compliance.

This is an item where there may be mandates with which each jurisdiction must comply; however, collaborative opportunities will be a goal.

Provide updates as appropriate.

Sustainable Transportation

Seek opportunities as appropriate, in conjunction with the COG Transportation Committee, to address the Westside’s bicycle and electric vehicle infrastructure needs. Schedule a presentation by Southern California Edison, on coordinated electric vehicle infrastructure/possible impact on building codes and invite Transportation Committee members to attend.

Click here to view the 2010-2012 Work Programs



Mission Statement COG Description Work Programs Joint Projects Accomplishments Meetings COG News Contact Us E-mail Subscription	Work Programs 2012-2013, updated December, 2012 Transportation Committee Focus on coordinated local programs via long-range planning (with deadlines to be developed by staff) on: Bicycle safety/awareness planning, (including recommended priority bicycle gap closures, share the road outreach programming and other deliverables to be defined and scheduled.) NOTE: Priority gap closures and policy of mutual support of member bicycle grants approved, March 2012. Implementation of a bicycle sharing program within the Westside Cities in coordination with the Sustainability Committee. Request for Information process initiated in advance of development of focused Request for Proposals. The City of Santa Monica has a METRO grant and will provide continuity in this effort. Deliverables and schedules being refined. Advocate for regional transit interconnectivity focusing on moving the West Hollywood/Crenshaw line forward expediently through planning studies to shovel ready. Continue to support and advocate for the I-10/Robertson/National Area Circulation Improvement Project. Continue to support efforts to complete construction and begin operation of the Exposition Light Rail Line (Milestones need to be identified.) Continue to support the Westside Subway Extension. Following approval of the project’s Final EIS/EIR: Support efforts to receive a swift Record of Decision from the Federal Transit Administration; Support and lobby for funding for the project through the Federal New Starts program (Full Funding Grant Agreement); Support and lobby for funding for the project in the federal Transportation Reauthorization Bill and annual funding appropriations; and Support and lobby for efforts to accelerate the project through the America Fast Forward Initiative. Actively, and on an ongoing basis, seek and pursue opportunities to support the delivery of the entire Measure R program of projects. Actively, and on an ongoing basis, seek opportunities to support transit alternatives that will result in the maximum amount of rail miles on the Westside (Crenshaw and Green Line to LAX) via contacts with METRO Board and staff, local, state and federal elected officials and other regional entities. Develop recommendations for the next Long Range Plan (LRP) under the auspices of the Short Range Transportation Plan, begin to prepare strategic unfunded projects based on the findings of the Westside Mobility Study by collaborating and engaging now in long-range planning efforts. Seek opportunities to maximize the benefit of rail projects on the Westside by identifying and pursuing opportunities that will ensure they maximize ridership and integrate well into the communities they serve. Actively, and on an ongoing basis, seek opportunities to support transit regionally via such intra-regional connectivity components as: the Green Line/LAX; the Regional Connector; the Crenshaw Line; Sepulveda Pass; and others that may be developed/proposed. On an ongoing basis, encourage and promote joint transportation grant applications by WSCCOG member jurisdictions. Seek opportunities and identify potential partnerships to advocate for La Cienega Corridor Enhancement and to develop a consensus among the Westside Cities’ jurisdictions on how to improve the La Cienega Corridor. Homelessness and Social Service Committee Priority Items The Committee’s scope for the Social Services Issues component of the Work Program is the provision of improved services to seniors in the following areas: Transportation: Senior Paratransit Independent/Dependent Living: Home Care Management and Transitional Living Support Benefits Advocacy and Financial Management Safety Nets The Committee’s current focus is to improve intercity senior Paratransit coordination and identify best practices to introduce senior “Door thru Door” transit to the entire COG region. The Committee’s scope for the Homelessness component of the Work Program is the provision of permanent affordable housing throughout the COG jurisdictions tailored to the specific needs of the individual target populations including families, youth, veterans, seniors and chronically homeless (not one size fits all) by: Continuing to advocate for the Westside Cities and the region to garner more Federal, state and local funding and legislative support for creating permanent, supportive housing and wrap-around services as appropriate. Support and share "best practice" strategies and outreach tools and monitor and coordinate responses to emerging needs and issues related to the specific needs of the individual target populations, (e.g., youth homeless have different needs.) These include participating in planning, advocacy and support for better coordinated programs serving the COG area’s homeless populations knowing that each requires its own unique and individual strategies including: Use of the best community based solutions, including those supported by faith based organizations for Winter Shelter Programs and coordinating timely resolution of issues; Creating better linkages to the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System for housing, supportive services and benefits opportunities including linkages with the West Los Angeles Veteran’s Affairs campus. Creating better linkages with Los Angeles County supportive services including health care, mental healthcare, substance abuse treatment and benefits. Advocate for a comprehensive reporting system, and move forward with full participation to understand: (a) who is homeless; and (b) to identify individuals who spend time and access services in multiple jurisdictions; Work to understand the kind of service and housing infrastructures needed for each population to end homelessness; Use cost-benefit analysis as a measurement and advocacy tool; Share and implement common best practices including, but not limited to, public safety departments, outreach workers and healthcare organizations. Sustainability Committee Ongoing Action Items Energy Upgrade California, [formerly Los Angeles County Energy Program (LACEP)] Continue to participate in activities advocating and supporting Energy Upgrade California including rebate and solar energy programs. Staff will monitor and provide support to the County as appropriate, and keep the committee and full Board informed of developments. Zero Waste Continue to work together to seek collaborative opportunities to reduce solid wastes and to the extent feasible, explore diversion and conversion technology, and report to the committee and full board as appropriate. Sustainable Food Continue to seek opportunities to share information on the principles of food sustainability. As appropriate develop joint promotional materials for distribution at Farmers Markets, libraries, schools, etc. Greenhouse Gas Reduction Become more informed about (a) the Westside planning group’s efforts with respect to AB375 and (b) with the Los Angeles Regional Collaborative (LARC) on the development of regional benchmarks. Invite LARC to make a presentation to the Committee at the earliest possible opportunity and consider scheduling an update for the full COG. Research collaborative opportunities with both, as appropriate. Monitor and Provide Updates for Action by the Board, as Appropriate. The Committee will pursue opportunities for future collaboration on the following programs: Green Building Program State standards have been adopted but cities may exceed the adopted standards. It is a goal of the Committee to seek collaborative opportunities that can result in improved, consistent, uniform standards across the Westside jurisdictions. Review list of cities’ standards compiled by Los Angeles County to seek opportunities for improving standards within member jurisdictions. Updates to be provided as appropriate. Water Quality and Conservation Monitor and participate in the Regional Integrated Water Management Plan (RIWMP). The Westside must work towards being more self-sufficient in this area. To this end, the Committee will: Continue to monitor the Los Angeles County Flood Control District Parcel Fee which is currently scheduled for consideration in 2012. Seek grant funding for storm water run-off, conservation and other water programs. Continue to support environmental education and public health programs relative to storm water run-off. Explore incentive programs for reclaimed water use, including Smart Gardening Programs. There may be mandates with which each jurisdiction must comply; however, collaborative opportunities will be a goal. Updates to be provided as appropriate. South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) On an ongoing basis, review and monitor air quality actions of the federal, state and regional entities to ensure compliance. This is an item where there may be mandates with which each jurisdiction must comply; however, collaborative opportunities will be a goal. Provide updates as appropriate. Sustainable Transportation Seek opportunities as appropriate, in conjunction with the COG Transportation Committee, to address the Westside’s bicycle and electric vehicle infrastructure needs. Schedule a presentation by Southern California Edison, on coordinated electric vehicle infrastructure/possible impact on building codes and invite Transportation Committee members to attend. Click here to view the 2010-2012 Work Programs