Santa Monica Land Use and Circulation Element

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The Santa Monica Land Use and Circulation Element, aka LUCE, is a long range plan which sets the direction of Santa Monica's transportation and land use planning. The LUCE has not been updated in approximately two decades when the city initiated a program to update the element in 2004. The update process is notable for it's engagement as a principle of open planning. The draft plan itself is progressive for the region with a focus on keeping total private car trips stable to declining. The recommendations for cycling infrastructure and policy are reasonably strong and comprehensive. As of June 2008 process is now nearing a close, as a draft has been submitted for the consideration of Santa Monica City Council.

1 Role of the Element in Santa Monica
- 1.1 Relevancy to Cyclists
2 History of the LUCE
3 Cycling Recommendations in the Draft LUCE
4 Cyclist Involvement in the Update Process
5 List of notable players
6 Cyclists
- 6.1 Political Figures
- 6.2 Staff & Consultants
7 External Links & Resources

Role of the Element in Santa Monica

The Land Use and Circulation Element is, in some ways, a fancy term for a General Plan mandated by California law. California requires that each municipality maintain a general plan covering seven elements. One of those elements is Land Use, and another is Circulation. The Land Use and Circulation Element is therefore part of Santa Monica's legally required General Plan.

Relevancy to Cyclists

The LUCE sets the direction for long range transportation planning in Santa Monica. It covers most topics in transportation from promotion & outreach, to streetscapes, signalization and signage. As such it can elevate cycling or deter people from cycling.

History of the LUCE

The LUCE was last updated in 1984. Beginning in 2004 the City Planning Department has been working through a update process. The process began with outreach to notable stakeholder groups and culminated with a series of community workshops hosting by the Planning Commission. Afterward the Planning Department drafted and presented a Draft LUCE to the Planning Commission. Eventually this Draft LUCE began to be considered in both the Planning Commission hearings and the City Council meetings.

Cycling Recommendations in the Draft LUCE

Cyclist Involvement in the Update Process

Cyclists had a notable presence at the final community meetings in late 2007 and early 2008. At one meeting in January 2008, 15 cyclists spoke in support of stronger cycling recommendations, outnumbering non-cyclists.

List of notable players

Cyclists

Political Figures

Gwynne Pugh, Chair of the Planning Commission
Kevin McKeown, City Council, cyclist
Mike Feinstein, ex-mayor
Pam O'Connor, City Council, Chair and Vice Chair of the Metro Transit Authority during the draft process
Terry O'Day, Planning Commission, 5th place vote getter (top four receive Council seats) previous council race