<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3pP6Ws_0wCQb7vm00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3pP6Ws_0wCQb7vm00" width="1280" height="852" ></figure>Most people know us as the agency that runs buses and trains all over Los Angeles County. But our larger vision –– becoming your first transportation choice to get around Los Angeles –– is closely connected to one of the biggest issues our region faces today: housing. According to the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) adopted in 2021, the cities of Los Angeles County need to build 800,000 homes by 2029 in order to meet the growing demand. We know that transit systems work best when they’re surrounded by transit-supportive land uses such as homes, jobs, schools, and recreation. That’s why in September, 2021, the Metro Board of Directors set an ambitious goal: to deliver 10,000 homes by 2031, 5,000 of which would be restricted to low- and moderate-income households. So far, the Joint Development program has delivered 2,362 homes, with 3,387 more in the pipeline. In 2023, we identified 20 Metro-owned properties where we can deliver new housing and community services, which we plan to do by partnering with local communities and a “bench” of selected, pre-qualified developers. We’re also paying special attention to those who hire from disadvantaged backgrounds and are geographically rooted in the communities in which they work. These projects will bring new income-restricted and market rate housing close to transit, reducing long commutes that contribute to traffic congestion and high costs of living. Over the next two years, we’ll be working closely with various communities to learn how we can repurpose these vacant and underutilized sites to best align with neighborhood goals. Community outreach kicked off earlier this month for two important sites: The 17th/SMC Station site is conveniently located along Metro’s E Line in Santa Monica next to major transit routes, including three Big Blue Bus routes and a Metro bike share plaza. Building apartments on this site could provide much-needed “missing middle” housing for both college students, families, and service workers who cannot afford to live in the neighborhood. The Wilshire/Crenshaw site is located at the southwest corner of Wilshire Blvd. and Crenshaw Blvd., between the Wilshire/Western D Line Station and the future Wilshire/La Brea D Line Station. This site offers the opportunity to build new housing and other amenities close to transit and in the heart of LA, making this Mid-Wilshire neighborhood more walkable and accessible, and richer in community resources. Our policy prioritizes sites for income-restricted housing. However, these apartment buildings also have the potential to deliver a wide range of community services, benefits and features. Before identifying a developer or design for the site, we will gather input from residents, local businesses, community leaders and elected officials on how a future apartment building at each of these sites can best contribute to the neighborhood. That’s where you come in! To get that process started, we’ve posted two online surveys to gather feedback on how a future apartment building at each of these sites can best contribute to the area. (Please note that the survey deadline is November 18.) Take the 17th/SMC Station survey here. Take the Wilshire/Crenshaw survey here.We’re also holding virtual community meetings to discuss what has been gathered from these site-specific surveys, the next steps in the process, and how you can get involved.  Tuesday, October 22, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.Wilshire/Crenshaw Virtual Community MeetingZoom link: bit.ly/MetroWCMeetingCall-In: 669.444.9171 Webinar ID: 88527051500 Wednesday, October 23, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm17th/SMC Station Site Virtual Community MeetingZoom link: bit.ly/17SMCMtgCall-In: 888.788.0099 Webinar ID: 821 0069 1773 Spanish translation will be provided. Other ADA accommodations and translation are available by calling 213.922.7001 at least 72 hours in advance. To learn more about Metro’s 10K Homes Commitment and Joint Development program, visit metro.net/jd. </div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

We are building more housing near transit and want your input

Most people know us as the agency that runs buses and trains all over Los Angeles County. But our larger vision –– becoming your first transportation choice to get around Los Angeles –– is closely connected to one of the biggest issues our region faces today: housing. According to the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) adopted in 2021, the cities of Los Angeles County need to build 800,000 homes by 2029 in order to meet the growing demand. We know that transit systems work best when they’re surrounded by transit-supportive land uses such as homes, jobs, schools, and recreation.