Westside Community Plans Advisory Group (WCPAG)
The planning staff is seeking assistance from a diverse group of community leaders to help advise the Westside Community Plans Update. The staff aims to form the Westside Community Plans Advisory Group (WCPAG) and invites those with specialized knowledge and a desire to help further shape the zoning and policy outcomes for the Westside Community Plans Update to submit an application. THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS IS TUESDAY, 5/31/2022 by 5:00 PM. Applicants selected for the WCPAG will be informed in June 2022 via email. Staff will provide WCPAG members details about the first meeting at the time of their selection.
What Is the Westside Community Plans Update Program?
The Westside Community Plans Update Program is a multi-year, multi-phase effort that kicked off in 2018. It includes four Community Plans on the Westside: (1) West Los Angeles, (2) Venice, (3) Palms–Mar Vista–Del Rey, and (4) Westchester–Playa del Rey. The program is entering its fourth year and will soon be carrying out Environmental, Policy, and Zoning outreach activities. Members of the WCPAG will have the opportunity to offer their expertise and ideas regarding these areas and help shape a transparent and participatory outreach process.
WCPAG Purpose
Members of the WCPAG will function as a sounding board and assist in evaluating and advising the plan update at each stage of the process. The WCPAG will serve to ensure that various stakeholder perspectives are received and taken into consideration through the facilitation of effective and open communication as well as creative approaches to receiving input.
WCPAG Role and Time Commitment
The WCPAG will not be a decision-making body. The Westside Community Plans Advisory Group will serve in an advisory capacity providing feedback to planning staff on the four draft community plans during its various program phases. Input from the WCPAG will directly inform the key deliverables of the four Westside Community Plans Updates, including the policy plan, and land use and zoning regulations that will be included in the Draft Plan for each of the four plan areas.
The time commitment associated with serving on the Westside Community Plans Advisory Group will vary depending on the Plan Update milestones, but on average, members should anticipate a two-year commitment and at least 2 to 3 virtual meetings per year or one virtual meeting every 4-6 months. Each virtual meeting will last approximately 2 hours. Additional hours may be necessary for the review of materials and meeting preparation. Time commitment may also vary depending on the stage of the update process. Members are encouraged to serve until Plans are presented for an Open House/Public Hearing and ideally until planning presents a recommended plan for adoption.
The WCPAG will meet virtually for the first year and contingent upon CDC, LA County and City Public health guidelines, planning staff will evaluate and assess multiple meeting formats. Advisory group members should have internet access via smartphone, tablet, computer desktop, or laptop to participate in the virtual meetings.
WCPAG Composition
The WCPAG will be made up of a diverse team of 35-40 people who live in, work in or visit the geography and strive to equally represent the Westside region. Each candidate should represent the voice of their organization, association, specialized sector, and/or the community they serve. Special consideration of WCPAG member selection will be given to individuals and organizations who:
(1) Represent communities and populations that have historically been left out, excluded, or underrepresented in the planning process.
(2) Represent a coalition or membership-based organization.
(3) Represent a neighborhood council; ideally a member of the land use committee or neighborhood council community plan working group (from a certified neighborhood council located within the four Westside Community Planning areas).
(4) Live/work or attend school in one of the four plan areas.
Positions will be allocated to ensure balanced perspectives (see full description below), with representation from:
(1) Neighborhood Leaders and Residents.
(2) Professionals working in related fields.
(3) Individuals representing various related sectors and perspectives.
(4) Individuals representing or affiliated with specific organizations.
(5) Neighborhood Council Representatives: ideally a member of the land use committee or neighborhood council community plan working group (limited to 1 representative from each of the nine certified Neighborhood Councils located in the four Westside Community Plan Areas).
(6) Subject area experts covering various topic areas
Positions will be allocated to ensure balanced perspectives, with representation from:
(1) Neighborhood Leaders and Residents with experience and established connections to the Westside communities;
(2) Professionals working in related fields but not limited to: construction, market-rate, and affordable housing lending/financing, urban planning; architecture, social welfare, law, and public policy, public health, education, and public outreach.
(3) Individuals representing various related sectors and perspectives, including business owners, academia/research, government, people with lived experience of homelessness, residents of affordable housing, service providers, philanthropy, apartment management, real estate, land use consultants/attorneys, architects/urban designers/landscape architects, youth including local high school and college students.
(4) Individuals representing or affiliated with specific organizations such as:
- Community Based Organizations and Advocacy Groups
- For Profit and Nonprofit organizations
- Renters’ Associations
- Homeowners’ Associations
(5) Neighborhood Council representatives (ideally from the land use committee or community plan working group) from each of the nine certified Neighborhood Councils located in the four Westside Community Plan Areas.
(6) Subject area experts covering the following topical areas:
- Community building and neighborhood leadership in the Westside
- Housing and Equity - Including housing developers
- Urban Form, Design, and Architecture (including landscape architecture)
- Historic Preservation, Indigenous Knowledge and Tribal Acknowledgement
- Community-based Arts and Multi-Cultural Appreciation
- Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Justice
- Public Health and Wellness
- Economic Development and Post Covid Small Business Recovery Strategies
- Ecological Resources, Climate Change, and Adaptation
- Urban Forestry or Greenery, Public Realm, and Open Space
- Transportation, Mobility, and Pedestrian Safety
- Land Use and Zoning
- Consensus building
- Other (include in application)
Selection will be made based upon meeting the following criteria:
Selection and Notification
Applicants selected for the WCPAG will be informed in June via email. Staff will provide WCPAG members details about the first meeting at the time of their selection.
If you have any additional materials to submit in connection with your application or if you have any questions regarding the advisory group application process, please contact christopher.j.leon@lacity.org