Council moves to coordinate school, community college and city land use; asks for joint committee review

Council members debated how to coordinate city planning and school construction after a lengthy discussion on Nov. 27 about school district and community college needs, and approved a motion to elevate the issue to committee-level review and public presentation.

The motion, introduced by Council member LeBonge and supported by several colleagues, asks the Los Angeles Unified School District superintendent and the Los Angeles Community College District chancellor to appear before the committee (Education & Neighborhoods, with suggested joint PLUM participation) for a comprehensive presentation of construction and land-use plans. The council unanimously approved a motion to send the matter to committee and directed staff to prepare a report summarizing the council's legislative history on school-site issues.

Why it matters

Speakers said the city has limited developable land and must coordinate land use with the Unified School District and the community college district to site future schools near parks, transit and other services and to avoid displacement of neighborhoods. Several council members urged exploring shared-use agreements, energy- and water-efficient building design, and creative site options such as decking over underused infrastructure or redeveloping commercial properties and parking lots.

Discussion highlights

- Council member LeBonge said coordinated planning should involve the school superintendent, the community college chancellor and city departments (planning, general services, DWP, transportation) to use public land effectively and avoid unnecessary eminent-domain actions. - Council member Ridley Thomas suggested making the issue a high-profile, special-order presentation to the full council so members and the public understand long-range plans. - Several members recommended a joint committee meeting (Education & Neighborhoods together with PLUM) to allow cross-disciplinary staff and stakeholders to participate. Chair members agreed to pursue a joint session before the end of the year. - Council member Glanter urged that new school facilities incorporate energy-efficient designs and water-conservation features to lower long-term operating costs.

What the council directed

- Refer the item to committee with instructions to convene district leaders (superintendent and community college chancellor) for a comprehensive presentation. - Request a City Administrative Officer/CLA report summarizing the council's legislative history on school-site and school-district coordination. - Explore joint-use agreements and shared facilities with community colleges and city departments; consider creative site options (including decking over infrastructure) and minimize displacement.

Next steps

Committee staff will craft a joint-meeting agenda, invite the Unified School District and community college leadership, and prepare a CLA/CAO report on prior council actions and potential sites. Council members suggested aiming for committee work and a full-council presentation in the early weeks of the new year.

Ending

Members described the item as a major land-use initiative with citywide impact and asked committees and staff to return with actionable proposals to coordinate school construction and city land-use planning.