Media
For Immediate Release
NEW URBAN PLANNING COLLABORATIVE LAUNCHES IN LOS ANGELES
Los Angeles Urban Renewal Network Brings a New Face to Development
LOS ANGELES (June 16, 2009) — They call themselves the Los Angeles Urban Renewal Network and they mean to do what they say.
The Los Angeles Urban Renewal Network, or LURN, is a newly formed multi-disciplinary coalition of young professionals who seek to bring about positive change to communities that have long been neglected by those in power and influence. And, coalition members say, it’s time that a new model be developed to build cleaner, greener and more sustainable communities in every part of Los Angeles.
“Thousands of Angeleno households live in poorly invested neighborhoods and are marginalized from the city’s powerful economy,” said Alfred Fraijo, associate at the law firm of Allen Matkins and founder of LURN who brought the group of talented professionals together earlier this year. “LURN is striving to work with government and community based organizations to empower residents to breathe new life into their neighborhoods.”
LURN is diversely comprised of real estate attorneys, architects, communications experts, developers, educators, urban planners, investors, community organizers and other disciplines that, combined, are a formidable force to bring positive change into areas that historically have been denied important development resources. LURN’s first project will focus on East Los Angeles and use a place-based approach to development. It will conduct a needs assessment of the area to identify under-invested properties and strategize on how to increase human and financial investment into the community, including the development of new park space and mixed income housing.
Some of LURN’s objectives include active steps to:
- Promote and facilitate the development of greater open space and civic space through effective neighborhood planning and community-based zoning;
- Increase investment in the infrastructure of underserved communities;
- Design and construct demonstration projects that encourage greater sustainable methods for design and construction in commercial and residential development, including more affordable housing;
- Streamline the development process for those engaged in responsible development;
- Support small business to be competitive and respond to the emerging green economy.
LURN’s ultimate objective is to use effective urban planning as a force for social change to develop more sustainable and vibrant communities that benefit all of Los Angeles.
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