Metro-City Seek Closer Relationship to Move Measure R Projects

At tomorrow's hearing of the City Council Transportation Committee, a last-second motion by Councilman Jose Huizar, who also sits on the Metro Board of Directors, and Councilman Bill Rosendahl seeks to create a mechanism for the City to accept Measure R dollars to better coordinate between the city staff and Metro.

At first glance, the motion creates more questions than it answers, so to that end Streetsblog talked to staff with Councilman Rosendahl's office, the Mayor's Office and Metro to get some answers.  Here's a quick F.A.Q. on the motion.

Why does the Mayor's Office need Measure R Dollars to better coordinate with Metro?

The City of Los Angeles is the largest partner that Metro has.  Metro staff has quietly complained that working with the city can be a tough process, especially when permitting is involved.  LADWP is somewhat notorious for this, although nobody was willing to go on the record.  Having a central contact person in the Mayor's office to manage schedules and follow-up with various departments

Where is the money coming from within Measure R?

The money will come from the 1.5% of Measure R that is set aside for "Administrative costs."  The funding will not come from Measure R's local return and will not impact the funding of any project.

Why does the City have to pass a motion to accept money from Metro?

Because the city's budget has already been passed, the city needs to accept the funds as an increase to the general fund and then allocate to the Mayor's Office.  This motion does that.

Will new staff be hired?

No, this will fund a couple of existing positions.  Attendees at our December fundraiser might remember Gregg Spotts, is one of those hired by these funds.

Streetsblog will have an update on this motion and the rest of the City Council Transportation Committee on Thursday morning.