Stormwater Management in Los Angeles: Measure W Community Outreach

The Venice Beach community secured a grant from The Safe Clean Water Program to study projects in the local watershed.

The Water Foundation administers the Measure W parcel tax on properties with impermeable surfaces.  A fraction of the parcel tax goes to community groups.   These groups generate support for projects that capture and filter stormwater.  The majority of Measure W funds go to building and delivering projects that improve water quality across LA.

Compared to other LA neighborhoods, Venice Beach has minimal tree coverage.  Trees provide multiple benefits.  One is slowing rainfall from hitting paved surfaces.  Another is absorbing water during rain events.  The Venice Beach community is busy planting trees and wants to do more.

The grant will fund the study of a range of projects.  Small interventions like curb cuts and permeable pavers will be part of the discussion.  Expanding the network of canals in Venice is also a proposal.  LA prioritizes multi-benefit projects that provide recreational opportunities and community beautification.

What’s your water story?