L.A. City Shifts Repaving Strategy to Sidewalk-less Streets Amidst Measure HLA Scrutiny

L.A. City Shifts Repaving Strategy to Sidewalk-less Streets Amidst Measure HLA Scrutiny
SLUG: la-city-shifts-repaving-strategy-sidewalk-less-streets-measure-hla
EXCERPT: Los Angeles is reportedly prioritising repaving streets without sidewalks, a move that critics suggest may be an attempt to circumvent accessibility and multimodal transport requirements mandated by Measure HLA.
CATEGORY: transportation
TAGS: Los Angeles, Measure HLA, street repaving, public works, multimodal transport, accessibility, urban planning
SEO_TITLE: L.A. City Repaving Sidewalk-less Streets Amidst Measure HLA Controversy
SEO_DESCRIPTION: An investigation into Los Angeles’s shift in street repaving practices, focusing on the prioritization of streets without sidewalks and potential implications for Measure HLA compliance and urban equity.
MEDIA_QUERY: Los Angeles street repaving operation, showing asphalt paving machinery on a residential street
IMAGE_ALT: Asphalt paving machinery at work on a residential street in Los Angeles.

The City of Los Angeles appears to have altered its street repaving strategy, now focusing its efforts on streets that lack sidewalks. This shift, which has not been formally announced by the Department of Public Works Bureau of Street Services (StreetsLA), has drawn criticism from advocates who suggest it may be a tactic to avoid complying with Measure HLA, a voter-approved initiative mandating improvements for accessibility and multimodal transport during repaving projects.

Measure HLA, which passed in 2024, requires the city to incorporate planned bus, bike, pedestrian, and accessibility enhancements on repaving projects over 1/8 mile long. These improvements are drawn from the city’s Mobility Plan 2035. However, since the measure took effect, the city has reportedly sought ways to limit its application.

Sidewalk-less Streets Focus

The recent change in practice involves prioritizing streets without sidewalks for repaving. This approach potentially bypasses the requirements of Measure HLA, as streets lacking sidewalks do not necessitate the installation of curb ramps or sidewalk repairs. Furthermore, it is noted that streets without sidewalks are predominantly located in relatively affluent suburban neighbourhoods, including areas like Bel Air, Holmby Hills, Mount Washington, Pacific Palisades, Studio City, Northridge, Toluca Woods, Valley Village, Valley Glen, and Woodland Hills.

This selective repaving is occurring even on street segments that are already in good condition, as indicated by StreetsLA’s Pavement Condition Index (PCI) data. The practice raises concerns about equity in infrastructure investment and adherence to the spirit of Measure HLA, which aims to create a more balanced and inclusive transportation system.

Previous Maneuvers to Avoid Measure HLA

This current strategy follows a series of adjustments in StreetsLA’s repaving practices since Measure HLA’s implementation in April 2024. Initially, the city paused repaving of streets that would trigger HLA, favouring smaller streets over larger arterials. This move, while legal, was seen by some as undermining street safety and voter intent.

Subsequently, from July 1, 2025, StreetsLA shifted to a “large asphalt repair” (LAR) approach, undertaking partial resurfacing projects typically under the 660-foot threshold for HLA requirements. Advocates began appealing these LAR projects when they exceeded the threshold, but the city has reportedly not responded to these appeals.

In mid-March, StreetsLA resumed some full resurfacing alongside LAR projects, and also included grant-funded resurfacing claimed to be exempt from HLA. In early April, a lawsuit was filed challenging the legality of using LAR and other methods to avoid HLA compliance. The current focus on sidewalk-less streets appears to be the latest in these evolving strategies.

Implications for Urban Equity and Mobility

The concentration of repaving on sidewalk-less streets in specific neighbourhoods raises questions about the equitable distribution of city resources. While these streets may require surface maintenance, the exclusion of broader multimodal and accessibility upgrades contrasts with the goals of Measure HLA. The lack of sidewalks in these areas can also present challenges for pedestrians, particularly those with mobility issues.

The Pavement Preservation map maintained by StreetsLA shows the condition of various street segments across the city. The decision to repave streets that are already rated as “good” by the PCI, while potentially neglecting streets in poorer condition that might be in more densely populated or transit-oriented areas, suggests a departure from a condition-based repaving strategy.

The author of the source article, Streetsblog Editor Joe Linton, declares his position as a non-neutral observer, actively challenging the city’s inaction on Measure HLA in legal and administrative forums. His reporting highlights a perceived pattern of the city attempting to circumvent voter-approved mandates designed to enhance street safety and multimodality.

Key facts

The shift in repaving focus to streets without sidewalks by the City of Los Angeles is a developing situation with significant implications for urban planning, transportation equity, and the implementation of voter-approved accessibility mandates. The practice raises concerns about whether the city is prioritising expediency over the inclusive and multimodal street network envisioned by Measure HLA and the Mobility Plan 2035. The long-term impact on different neighbourhoods and user groups remains a subject of ongoing scrutiny.

Source: Streetsblog LA, https://la.streetsblog.org/2026/06/04/l-a-city-shifts-repaving-practice-again-now-repaving-only-streets-with-no-sidewalks