Description

Graham Rossmore, MURP '23, conducted his year-long research project at UCLA on LADOT's then-temporary L.A. Al Fresco outdoor dining program to compare the economic benefits to losses of parking meter revenue. The program provided a crucial lifeline to businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and effectively relaxed zoning codes like off-street parking requirements while providing Angelenos with safe places to dine and socialize. The program was a success, resulting in the issuance of more than 3,000 temporary authorizations, allowing businesses to expand their restaurant space to occupy the sidewalk, curbside parking space, or private off-street lot. Graham's study analyzed and compared sales tax revenue with parking meter revenue in case study corridors across the City of Los Angeles, resulting in impressive findings. 

Graham will share his findings with CMPA during this webinar, accompanied by parking guru Donald Shoup, and provide updates on the new-permanent program with fellow Transportation Planner, Jaclyn Garcia.

Jaclyn is a Supervising Transportation Planner at the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), where she has worked for the last ten years. Nearly half of her career has been spent managing the L.A. Al Fresco Outdoor Dining Program, which began in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. The program provided a critical lifeline to businesses during a time when many were close to shutting down. Jaclyn has enjoyed the interdisciplinary nature of the work which spans transportation, urban design, and economic development. Jaclyn has a Masters Degree in Urban & Regional Planning from Cal Poly Pomona and a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Cruz.