Equity Priority Areas

Equity Priority Areas (EPAs) are Los Angeles Communities with greater transportation needs, identified using social, economic, and environmental data. Prioritizing these areas ensures investments address inequities and support underserved residents.

Central LA

South LA

Eastside Communities

Harbor Area

Northeast Valley

Existing UBM Pilot Area

South LA

EPA 2 — UBM Pilot Program

South LA

Includes neighborhoods such as Watts, Vermont-Slauson, Vermont Square, and Westmont. South LA is the location of the current UBM pilot program and includes Council Districts 8, 9, and 15.

This Equity Priority Area is characterized by a young population, strong Latino cultural presence, and some of the highest levels of economic need in Los Angeles.

Council Districts 8, 9 & 15

Community Profile Highlights

Languages Spoken 67% Spanish at home · 25% English only

Race / Ethnicity 78% Hispanic/Latino · 17% Black · 2% White, Asian, or Native American

Foreign-Born Residents 27% foreign-born non-citizens, all from Latin America

Pilot Area Status Current location of the UBM Pilot Program

$56K

Median Household Income

26%

Poverty Rate

32

Average Age

78%

Hispanic / Latino

17%

Black Residents

27%

Foreign-Born Non-Citizens

Key Takeaways

South LA has the youngest average age of any Equity Priority Area, with residents averaging 32 years old compared with 38 citywide.
The area is predominantly Latino (78%) and has the highest share of Black residents (17%) among all Equity Priority Areas.
South LA faces the highest poverty rate among the Equity Priority Areas at 26%, compared with 15% citywide.
Median household income is substantially below the citywide average ($56,189 versus $81,571).

location_on Equity Priority Area: South LA handshake Partner Org: Trust South LA

WHO WE HEARD FROM

350

responses from
South LA

WHERE WE ENGAGED RESIDENTS

location_on South LA Eco-Lab Community Meeting
location_on Esperanza Community Housing
location_on Watts Historic Train Station

Mobility Investment Priorities

directions_bus Transit
transfer_within_a_station Sidewalks & Crosswalks
park Shade & Public Space Enhancements

Top Mobility Challenges

directions_walk Limited infrastructure for walking, biking and transit
verified_user Cleanliness, cost & traffic safety

    event
    Community Engagement Events
  
location_onSouth LA Eco-Lab
Vermont-Slauson
location_onEsperanza Community Housing
University Park
location_onWatts Historic Train Station
Watts

“A bike path in Watts is very important. Since there is no bike path, cyclists take to the sidewalk and go very fast.”
“Honestly, it feels like this area has been underserved compared to the rest of Los Angeles. Even though our community is organized, it feels like Watts hasn't been a priority for the government.”
“The most frustrating thing is that because I have my back issues after a while I want to get to the bus stop I do want to sit down for a bit and many of these bus stops have taken away the bus stop seating areas.”
“I think the city should invest in cleaning again and security. More police attention so that one can walk in a safe Los Angeles.”

Central LA

EPA — Central LA

Central LA

Includes neighborhoods like Koreatown, Westlake, Pico-Union, and MacArthur Park. This Equity Priority Area spans Council Districts 1, 5, 8, 10, and 13.

Central LA is the most densely populated EPA, characterized by a large renter population, strong immigrant communities, and some of the highest transit use in the city.

Council Districts 1, 5, 8, 10 & 13

Neighborhood Snapshot

Median Household Income $55,336 (citywide: $81,571)

Poverty Rate 23% (citywide: 15%)

Average Age 36 (citywide: 38)

Languages Spoken 48% Spanish · 10% Korean · 27% English only

Race / Ethnicity 56% Hispanic/Latino · 21% Asian · 12% White · 9% Black

Foreign-Born Residents 29% foreign-born non-citizens (citywide: 17%)

$55K

Median Household Income

23%

Poverty Rate

36

Average Age

56%

Hispanic / Latino

21%

Asian

29%

Foreign-Born Non-Citizens

Key Takeaways

Central LA is the most densely populated Equity Priority Area, with over 33,000 residents per square mile.
The area has the highest renter share of any EPA at 88%.
Transit use is more than three times the citywide average (19% vs. 6%).
Central LA is a highly diverse, immigrant-rich region with strong Spanish and Korean language presence.

    
      location_on
      Equity Priority Area: Central LA
    
      handshake
      Partner Org: CCNP
    
Who We Heard From390

          responses from

          Central LA
        
      Where We Engaged Residents

          location_on
          East Hollywood Farmers Market
        
          location_on
          Wilshire/Western Metro Station
        
          location_on
          MacArthur Park
        
        Mobility Investment Priorities
      
            1
            Transit
          
            2
            Bike Enhancements
          
            3
            Shade & Public Space Enhancements
          
        Top Mobility Challenges
      
            1
            Limited Infrastructure for Walking, Biking and Transit
          
            2
            Traffic Safety
          
            3
            Cleanliness

    event
    Community Engagement Events
  
location_onEast Hollywood Farmers Market
East Hollywood
location_onWilshire / Western Metro Station
Koreatown
location_onMacArthur Park
Westlake

“There's insecurity and the streets are in bad shape.”
“More accessibility for people with disabilities, and also that they check the streets to make sure they are level. Fix the sidewalks that are damaged by trees.”
“More bike lanes would reduce the number of cars. More bicycle use would improve transportation and traffic.”

Northeast Valley

Neighborhood Snapshot

Northeast Valley

Includes neighborhoods like Pacoima, Sylmar, Van Nuys, Arleta, Sun Valley, and Panorama City.

Northeast Valley is the largest Equity Priority Area by population, with over 613,000 residents.

Council Districts 2, 3, 6, 7 & 12

Community Profile Highlights

Languages 56% Spanish at home · 25% English only

Race / Ethnicity 69% Hispanic/Latino · 16% White · 9% Asian · 4% Black/Native American/NHPI

Foreign-Born Residents 21% foreign-born non-citizens, 18% from Latin America (citywide: 17%)

Population Largest EPA by population, with over 613,000 residents

$79,038

Median Household Income

16%

Poverty Rate

36

Average Age

69%

Hispanic / Latino

16%

White Residents

21%

Foreign-Born Non-Citizens

Key Takeaways

Northeast Valley is the largest Equity Priority Area by population, with over 613,000 residents.
70% of residents drive alone to work, well above the citywide rate of 62%.
Northeast Valley has some of the lowest transit access to jobs of any Equity Priority Area.
Median household income ($79,038) is slightly below the citywide average of $81,571, while poverty levels remain close to the citywide rate (16% versus 15%).

location_on Equity Priority Area: NE Valley handshake Partner Org: Pacoima Beautiful

WHO WE HEARD FROM

231

responses from
NE Valley

WHERE WE ENGAGED RESIDENTS

location_on San Fernando Swap Meet
location_on Mid Valley Senior Center
location_on Alicia Broadous-Duncan Senior Center

Mobility Investment Priorities

directions_bus Transit
transfer_within_a_station Sidewalks & Crosswalks
directions_bike Bike Enhancements

Top Mobility Challenges

warning Traffic Safety
directions_walk Limited Infrastructure for Walking, Biking and Transit
payments Cost

    event
    Community Engagement Events
  
location_onSan Fernando Swap Meet
Pacoima
location_onMid Valley Senior Center
Panorama City
location_onAlicia Broadous-Duncan Senior Center
Pacoima

“Sometimes one is left waiting... for example, the DASH passes here and sometimes one is left waiting half an hour for the DASH.”
“Suddenly, the sidewalk disappears. Specifically on one street, Owensmouth, which leads directly to Lanark Park; there are moments when I have to start walking in the street because the sidewalk suddenly vanishes.”
“The frequency of public transportation is an issue. Not all stops have shade or a roof. There are stops where there is only a sign, and people have to wait standing up. In the summer, especially, that is very, very complicated.”

Eastside Communities

Eastside Communities

Includes neighborhoods like Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, and El Sereno.

Eastside Communities reflect a diverse and multigenerational population with strong neighborhood identities and longstanding community networks.

Council Districts 1, 9, 13 & 14

Neighborhood Snapshot

Languages 48% Spanish at home · 33% English only

Race / Ethnicity 60% Hispanic/Latino · 16% Asian · 15% White · 7% Black · 2% Native American

Foreign-Born Residents 21% foreign-born non-citizens, 15% from Latin America (citywide: 17%)

Accessibility Highest rate of disabled residents among the EPAs (14% vs. 11% citywide)

$69,027

Median Household Income

22%

Poverty Rate

37

Average Age

60%

Hispanic / Latino

16%

Asian Residents

21%

Foreign-Born Non-Citizens

Key Takeaways

Eastside Communities have the highest rate of disabled residents among the Equity Priority Areas, with 14% of residents reporting a disability compared with 11% citywide.
Twelve percent of households lack home internet access, twice the citywide rate of 6%.
Residents face some of the city's highest transportation cost burdens.
Median household income ($69,027) remains substantially below the citywide average of $81,571, while poverty rates are significantly higher (22% versus 15% citywide).

location_on Equity Priority Area: Eastside handshake Partner Org: Proyecto Pastoral

WHO WE HEARD FROM

348

responses from the
Eastside

WHERE WE ENGAGED RESIDENTS

location_on Mariachi Plaza
location_on Albion Riverside Park
location_on Aliso Pico Rec Center

Mobility Investment Priorities

directions_bus Transit
transfer_within_a_station Sidewalks & Crosswalks
directions_bike Bike Enhancements

Top Mobility Challenges

directions_walk Limited Infrastructure for Walking, Biking and Transit
warning Traffic Safety
shield Personal Safety

    event
    Community Engagement Events
  
location_onMariachi Plaza
Boyle Heights
location_onAlbion Riverside Park
Lincoln Heights
location_onAliso Pico Recreation Center
Boyle Heights

“I would like to see more sidewalk maintenance and trees and shade.”
“If only they would put some little benches and an area for shade. At 1st and Soto, which is a very busy crossing, there isn't even information about when the bus will arrive.”

Harbor Area

Harbor Area

Includes neighborhoods like Wilmington, San Pedro, Harbor City, and Harbor Gateway.

Harbor Area is the smallest Equity Priority Area by population, with just over 200,000 residents, and the least densely populated.

Council District 15

Neighborhood Snapshot

Languages 43% Spanish at home · 41% English only

Race / Ethnicity 59% Hispanic/Latino · 20% White · 10% Asian · 8% Black

Foreign-Born Residents 16% foreign-born non-citizens, 13% from Latin America (citywide: 17%)

Population Density Smallest EPA by population and the least densely populated

$83,584

Median Household Income

15%

Poverty Rate

39

Average Age

59%

Hispanic / Latino

20%

White Residents

16%

Foreign-Born Non-Citizens

Key Takeaways

Harbor Area is the smallest Equity Priority Area by population, with just over 200,000 residents, and the least densely populated.
Nearly 74% of residents drive alone to work, while just 3% take transit.
Harbor Area experiences some of the lowest transit access to jobs of any Equity Priority Area.
Despite median household incomes slightly above the citywide average ($83,584 versus $81,571), residents continue to face high transportation cost burdens.

location_on Equity Priority Area: Harbor Area handshake Partner Org: LA Walks

WHO WE HEARD FROM

217

responses from the
Harbor Area

WHERE WE ENGAGED RESIDENTS

location_on Ken Malloy Regional Park 5K
location_on LAHC Swap Meet

Mobility Investment Priorities

transfer_within_a_station Sidewalks & Crosswalks
directions_bus Transit
park Shade & Public Space Enhancements

Top Mobility Challenges

train Transit Reliability, Personal Safety (Tied)

    event
    Community Engagement Events
  
location_onKen Malloy Regional Park 5K
Harbor City
location_onLAHC Swap Meet
Harbor City / Wilmington

“The sidewalks are very bad; they are very broken by the trees, and at my age, one has to watch carefully because you can fall. Also, it gets very hot and there is no shade.”
“There are no bike lanes. One has to be very careful among the cars, and sometimes drivers don't respect you. Also, the pavement is very bad; there are many potholes that are dangerous for bike tires.”
“The sidewalks are a big problem. There are parts where they are so cracked or uneven that it's dangerous, especially at night because the lighting is very poor on some blocks.”

How this shapes the MAP

      SOUTH LA
    
      South LA faces some of the city's greatest mobility and economic challenges, with the highest poverty rate among the Equity Priority Areas. Community feedback highlighted a need for safer streets, improved transit service, dedicated bike infrastructure, better bus stop amenities, shade, seating, and cleaner public spaces. MAP investments can help address historic underinvestment while improving access, safety, and mobility.
    
      CENTRAL LA
    
      As the most densely populated EPA and one of the city's most transit-dependent communities, Central LA residents emphasized the need for accessible sidewalks, safer crossings, improved transit access, traffic safety improvements, and expanded bicycle infrastructure. Investments here can benefit thousands of residents who rely on walking, biking, and transit every day.
    
      NORTHEAST VALLEY
    
      Northeast Valley has the largest population of any EPA but some of the lowest transit access to jobs. Residents identified challenges related to infrequent transit service, missing sidewalks, inadequate bus shelters, and poor pedestrian connectivity. MAP investments can improve mobility by strengthening transit reliability and closing critical infrastructure gaps.
    
      EASTSIDE COMMUNITIES
    
      Eastside residents face high transportation costs and include the highest percentage of disabled residents among the EPAs. Community feedback emphasized sidewalk maintenance, shade, seating, accessibility improvements, safer crossings, and enhanced transit amenities. Investments can create a more comfortable, accessible, and affordable transportation network.
    
      HARBOR AREA
    
      Harbor Area residents highlighted deteriorated sidewalks, limited bicycle infrastructure, poor lighting, and low transit access as major barriers to mobility. MAP investments can support safer walking and biking connections, improved transit reliability, additional shade, better lighting, and enhanced public spaces.

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Equity Priority Areas

South LA

South LA

Key Takeaways

WHO WE HEARD FROM

WHERE WE ENGAGED RESIDENTS

“A bike path in Watts is very important. Since there is no bike path, cyclists take to the sidewalk and go very fast.”

“Honestly, it feels like this area has been underserved compared to the rest of Los Angeles. Even though our community is organized, it feels like Watts hasn't been a priority for the government.”

“The most frustrating thing is that because I have my back issues after a while I want to get to the bus stop I do want to sit down for a bit and many of these bus stops have taken away the bus stop seating areas.”

“I think the city should invest in cleaning again and security. More police attention so that one can walk in a safe Los Angeles.”

Central LA

Central LA

Key Takeaways

Who We Heard From

Where We Engaged Residents

“There's insecurity and the streets are in bad shape.”

“More accessibility for people with disabilities, and also that they check the streets to make sure they are level. Fix the sidewalks that are damaged by trees.”

“More bike lanes would reduce the number of cars. More bicycle use would improve transportation and traffic.”

Northeast Valley

Northeast Valley

Key Takeaways

WHO WE HEARD FROM

WHERE WE ENGAGED RESIDENTS

“Sometimes one is left waiting... for example, the DASH passes here and sometimes one is left waiting half an hour for the DASH.”

“Suddenly, the sidewalk disappears. Specifically on one street, Owensmouth, which leads directly to Lanark Park; there are moments when I have to start walking in the street because the sidewalk suddenly vanishes.”

“The frequency of public transportation is an issue. Not all stops have shade or a roof. There are stops where there is only a sign, and people have to wait standing up. In the summer, especially, that is very, very complicated.”

Eastside Communities

Eastside Communities

Key Takeaways

WHO WE HEARD FROM

WHERE WE ENGAGED RESIDENTS

“I would like to see more sidewalk maintenance and trees and shade.”

“If only they would put some little benches and an area for shade. At 1st and Soto, which is a very busy crossing, there isn't even information about when the bus will arrive.”

Harbor Area

Harbor Area

Key Takeaways

WHO WE HEARD FROM

WHERE WE ENGAGED RESIDENTS

“The sidewalks are very bad; they are very broken by the trees, and at my age, one has to watch carefully because you can fall. Also, it gets very hot and there is no shade.”

“There are no bike lanes. One has to be very careful among the cars, and sometimes drivers don't respect you. Also, the pavement is very bad; there are many potholes that are dangerous for bike tires.”

“The sidewalks are a big problem. There are parts where they are so cracked or uneven that it's dangerous, especially at night because the lighting is very poor on some blocks.”

How this shapes the MAP

SOUTH LA

CENTRAL LA

NORTHEAST VALLEY

EASTSIDE COMMUNITIES

HARBOR AREA

Stay Involved