City of Los Angeles

At a Glance

Industry

Government/Public Administration

Project Types

Commercial Energy Efficiency, Engagement and Behavior Change, Sustainability and Energy Management Strategy

Year

2012

Location

Los Angeles, CA

Summary

Emily Meyer Steinberg modeled the value of urban parks for the City of Los Angeles to inform new park construction and policy.

Goals 

While working in the Mayor’s Office in the City of Los Angeles, Emily Meyer Steinberg was asked to model the economic value of 50 newly constructed urban parks. 

Solutions

Steinberg’s model evaluated direct revenue sources, including potential property tax revenue increases, and less tangible benefits, such as the value residents derive from free access to recreational facilities.

Steinberg also developed a strategic plan for the Los Angeles Green Angel program, which engages the city's 40,000 employees to save energy. Drawing on feedback she gathered by interviewing and surveying employees about the current program, she designed an action plan for Green Angel. The program aims to reduce the City’s annual utility bill by $1 million.

Potential Impact

The urban park model Steinberg designed, makes a case for new park construction and informs future urban park policy.


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