This article was written by Dr. Edidiong “Didi” Mendie, FUSE Executive Fellow (Spring 2024)
Community Taylor Yard Equity Strategy (TYES) — What it Entails
As a FUSE Executive Fellow, I had the privilege of leading the Innovation Lab for the Community Taylor Yard Equity Strategy (TYES), an initiative by the 100 Acre Partnership and the Los Angeles Regional Open Space and Affordable Housing (LAROSAH).
The Community Taylor Yard Equity Strategy (TYES) mission is to develop community-driven programs and policies in the Northeast Los Angeles neighborhoods around one of L.A.’s biggest new green infrastructure projects: a 100-acre property made up of the Bowtie G1, Taylor Yard G2, and the Rio de Los Angeles parcels along the Los Angeles River. The purpose of TYES is to uplift the priorities and strengthen the resiliency of residents and community-serving businesses to thrive in place, as well as to establish strategies that ensure communities are not displaced by “green gentrification.”
Understanding the Problem: The History of Taylor Yard and How It All Began
The challenges surrounding Taylor Yard’s redevelopment are rooted in its industrial past. When the City acquired the land to transform it into green space, residents were both hopeful and concerned. They wanted assurances that this transformation would benefit them not only recreationally, but also socially and economically.
It became clear that equity needed to be at the core of redevelopment, addressing critical issues like displacement, environmental justice, and economic security. This is where my role as a FUSE Executive Fellow came into play: to ensure that equity would be the driving force behind the redevelopment.
The Role of the FUSE Project
The City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Engineering partnered with FUSE for this project.
My FUSE Fellowship—Equitable Redevelopment of Public Green Spaces was designed to bridge that gap. Pertinent questions ranged from addressing green gentrification, housing security, affordability, resident displacement, minor business impacts, workforce development, making public green spaces accessible and inclusive, and addressing the negative impacts on the surrounding neighborhoods’ prevailing social and cultural character.
The project goal was to support the Taylor Yard Equity Strategy by gathering meaningful feedback from stakeholders, developing actionable insights, and ensuring that equity was a central pillar in the redevelopment. This required not only understanding the technical aspects of urban planning but also engaging deeply with the community to understand their needs, fears, and hopes. Thus, advancing effective and equitable solutions to pressing environmental challenges that engage communities and policymakers and utilize evidence-based research formed the core of my journey ahead.
To kick off the project, I conducted a listening tour and landscape analysis to gather insights from diverse stakeholders, ensuring transparency and confidentiality in the data collection process. I interviewed 50 stakeholders, attended community events and town halls, and led a working group to brainstorm strategies and resources for TYES. I also published a Listening Tour Report that captured all of the findings and recommendations and shared it with all involved parties. One major takeaway was the need for a formal governance structure to guide TYES. Over the following months, I worked closely with all stakeholders on this and successfully negotiated the creation of a TYES Oversight Committee in a project charter.
What Has Been Done?
It is important to recognize and applaud the hard work of everyone who has been involved in TYES prior to my involvement. This included different closed-door meetings, brainstorming sessions, community engagement sessions, educational awareness and outreach, and fundraising efforts. Other efforts involved the publication of different progress reports that outlined key findings from the community, recommendations, and strategic opportunity areas to guide the future of the initiative.
Although many efforts were undertaken, there remained a gap in alignment. Stakeholders also distrusted the planning and coordination process. Despite these challenges, everyone involved is passionate about TYES and dedicated to its success, thus requiring greater coordination and collaboration to achieve our shared goals.
Introducing the Innovation Lab Approach
The idea for the Innovation Lab emerged from the need for a structured, collaborative space where the TYES Oversight Committee could align on a shared vision, adopt the project charter, and build relationships. The lab facilitated by a neutral third party, focused on problem-solving and equity-centered design. Our goal was to foster open dialogue, identify roadblocks to equity, and co-create actionable solutions.
The lab planning process involved representatives from all sides to ensure transparency and inclusivity. By incorporating stakeholder feedback into the agenda, we created a space where everyone knew what would be discussed and could fully participate.
Walking Through the Innovation Lab
The Innovation Lab was a half-day event, beginning with introductions, a land acknowledgment, and a community agreement. We then moved into visioning exercises, relationship-building activities, and discussions to review and adopt the project charter. The lab also featured smaller group discussions to address assumptions, concerns, and solutions for TYES moving forward, using tools like journey mapping to capture hopes and fears surrounding the project.
The lab brought together TYES Oversight Committee members, representatives from LAROSAH, the 100 Acre Partnership, leadership from both groups, and FUSE. Their presence was vital, as it allowed for shared learning and collaboration, ensuring all perspectives were considered in shaping TYES’s future.
Key Takeaways
One of the key takeaways from the Innovation Lab was the shared passion for TYES and the common goal of success, though stakeholders differed in how they defined that success. An activity reflecting on the significance of the Los Angeles River underscored that TYES is not just a project, it’s a legacy for past, present, and future generations. Feedback from participants echoed this sentiment, with many expressing optimism about the collaboration and shared vision.
Building trust among stakeholders was another major outcome. Moving forward, the lab will serve as a model for future meetings, and the need for transparent decision-making processes will remain a priority. Importantly, the group formally adopted the project charter, which created the TYES Oversight Committee, and agreed on a meeting cadence to continue the work.
The City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Engineering, was proud to support the FUSE Innovation Lab, which provided an excellent platform for connection and creativity with our valued partners on the Community TYES project. We aim to integrate the empowerment of Northeast Los Angeles communities directly and deeply into our work to create an expansive restored public space at Taylor Yard. The Innovation Lab reflects our ongoing commitment to inclusive collaboration and long-term benefit for residents.
Michael Affeldt, L.A. River Revitalization Coordinator with the City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Engineering
Reflections on My Fellowship
My time as a FUSE Fellow consulting for local government has been incredibly rewarding. I have had the opportunity to bridge diverse stakeholder interests, navigate complex bureaucratic processes, and prioritize equity in a large-scale redevelopment project. The work hasn’t been without challenges, but the passion and commitment of all involved have been inspiring. As my fellowship concludes, I hope that the lessons learned, particularly from the Innovation Lab, will guide future projects and ensure equity remains at the forefront of redevelopment efforts.
My goal is to leave behind a replicable framework for public sustainability projects that ensures inclusivity and community engagement. The Taylor Yard project has the potential to be a model for equitable green space development, and I am proud to have contributed to this important work.
Next Steps and Sustainability of Project
The Innovation Lab provided a foundational model for future meetings, ensuring that discussions about TYES are equity-centered and productive. The TYES Oversight Committee will continue to shape the vision and next steps for the project, with community voices and priorities guiding the process. I am committed to supporting the long-term success of TYES and advancing its mission of equitable community development.
