A Track Towards Equitable Development Understanding the existing socioeconomic conditions of Taylor Yard to inform an Equitable Development Strategy in Los Angeles, California Project Summary Community: Los Angeles, California Technical Assistance: Existing Conditions and Workforce Analysis Former Use: Union Pacific Railyard Future Use: Public Park Located just north of downtown Los Angeles, the Taylor Yard G2 parcel sits on what was once a Union Pacific railyard but is now being transformed into a public park. The City of Los Angeles is working towards the creation of an Equitable Development Strategy to inform the investments in public space at Taylor Yard and ensure any negative impacts to the surrounding neighborhoods are avoided. The Community's Challenge There is a stark difference in the demographics and economic state between the neighborhoods north and south of the parcel. The communities south of Taylor Yard have significantly lower median household incomes and levels of educational attainment when compared to the communities north of the parcel. The Equitable Development Strategy presents an opportunity to ensure redevelopment of the Taylor Yard G2 parcel accounts for these disparities. EPA's Land Revitalization Technical Assistance In 2021, EPA's Land Revitalization program provided contractor technical assistance to perform an existing conditions and workforce analysis. The purpose of the analysis was to help the city create an Equitable Development Strategy for the redevelopment of the Taylor Yard G2 parcel. The team analyzed demographic and socioeconomic conditions, as well as current community assets to inform the City on the resources already concentrated in the study area. The team also assessed the existing industry and workforce development environment to inform how the strategy can connect residents to greater economic opportunity through redevelopment. Both forms of analysis indicate the importance of ensuring the neighborhoods retain their diversity, history and culture, and unique identity to protect residents from unintended consequences of open space development and displacement. Future programs should also allow community members to be impactful leaders during the development process and be sure to consider particularly vulnerable populations as work progresses. Summary of Key Findings to Guide Equity Strategy Key Action Items For more information, contact Noemi Emeric-Ford, EPA Region 9 Brownfields Program, at emeric- ford.noemi@epa.gov. • Creative engagement that targets different stakeholders • The north and south ends of the study display very different characteristics and these differences should be taken into account when engaging the community. • Consider the diversity of the neighborhood when crafting outreach materials to tailor language, cultural norms, etc. • Ensure that current residents are empowered leaders in the development process and project benefits are funneled to the nearby area • Involve economic and job opportunities for residents in the construction and operations phases • Consider renter populations and vulnerable populations as development pressure builds • Consider ways to protect small businesses • Preserve history, culture, and integrity of the neighborhood United States Environmental Protection M % Agency Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization 560-F-22-041 ------- |