Antonio Villaraigosa Mayor of Los Angeles

Dear Fellow Angelenos:

The Los Angeles River traverses our diverse City, touching neighborhoods from its headwaters in Canoga Park through Downtown. Today, most of the River's 51 miles - 32 of which are in the City of Los Angeles -flow within a concrete channel, serving a vital function as a flood control measure for the City and County of Los Angeles. This important but singular function has limited the vast potential of the River as a focal point for economic growth and community revitalization, environmental stewardship, and recreational opportunities. After nearly two years of research and dialogue, the long awaited Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan provides the first comprehensive proposal for river restoration.

The Plan provides a 25- to 50-year blueprint for transforming the City's 32-mile stretch of the river into an "emerald necklace" of parks, walkways, and bike paths, as well as providing better connections to the neighboring communities, protecting wildlife, promoting the health of the river, and leveraging economic reinvestment.

In order to give the Plan continued life, it proposes the establishment of an innovative, three-tiered River management structure-linking together governance, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. In fact, the City has already laid the groundwork for ongoing cooperation with other public agencies such as the County of Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, and the Army Corps of Engineers, to facilitate River Corridor improvements as soon as possible.

The Plan has been a collaboration of elected officials, multiple city departments and bureaus, a network of experts and consultants, concerned citizens, and environmental and recreational groups. A critical element of the Plan will be to provide ongoing opportunities for public involvement as specific projects move forward.

The adoption of this Plan marks an auspicious moment in our collective effort to revitalize the Los Angeles River. Whether you live in a neighborhood adjacent to the River or in a community 20 miles away, I hope that you will celebrate with us.