Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Metro gets its first round of private partnership proposals to accelerate big projects
FILE: Metro breaks ground on the Regional Connector in downtown Los Angeles. New proposals for private partnerships could help speed construction of future rail projects.
(
Steve Hymon/Metro
)
About a month before voters decide on Measure M, a sales tax increase to fund transportation projects, Los Angeles County's transit agency has announced new, potential private partnerships that would accelerate construction of some big projects included in the initiative.
Last year, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority launched a program inviting private companies to propose partnerships with Metro. The public-private partnerships are intended to speed up construction of major projects with an infusion of private investment, expertise and shared risk.
Metro now says the first major proposal has moved through its initial review process. Details about Parker Infrastructure Partner's proposal are still scant due to confidentiality guidelines, according to Metro officials. But they did say "the approach offers a chance to deliver multiple Measure M projects sooner than anticipated."
To complement the program, called P3, Metro has also launched an effort to make more projects "shovel ready" should unanticipated funds become available through a private partnership. "Shovel ready" means completing initial environmental reviews, feasibility studies and design work for projects seen as likely to attract funders' interest, like an extension of the Crenshaw line north to West Hollywood.
Support for LAist comes from
The agency has received about 50 unsolicited proposals so far, according to Joshua Schank, Metro's chief innovation officer. Several have the potential to speed up specific Measure M projects, including the West Santa Ana Branch light rail connecting Artesia to downtown L.A. and the Purple Line subway to Westwood.
Metro cautioned that the proposals depend on approval of Measure M, which would produce the revenue stream needed to move the projects and private partnerships forward.
To help you fill out your general election ballot, we've gathered the information you need on candidates and measures on KPCC's Voter Game Plan page and in our Voter's Edge voter guide.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Isolated showers can still hit the L.A. area until Friday as remnants from the tropical storm move out. -
First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings. -
It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning. -
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5425437/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3897+0+0/resize/640x396!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
L.A. County investigators have launched a probe into allegations about Va Lecia Adams Kellum and people she hired at the L.A. Homeless Services Authority. -
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass suspended a state law allowing duplexes, calling more housing unsafe. But in Altadena, L.A. County leaders say these projects could be key for rebuilding. -
This measure on the Nov. 4, 2025, California ballot is part of a larger battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives next year.
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/45c201e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3894+0+0/resize/786x486!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
Best of LAist