About BPLA

The Black Planners of Los Angeles (BPLA) is a Minority Employee Organization with the City of Los Angeles. BPLA works towards the betterment of Black Los Angeles employees working within the planning profession and related fields as well as the fair representation of communities impacted by planning policies, especially marginalized, historically underserved, and disadvantaged communities.

Latest News!

Support for a Planner Position for Cultural Crescent and Other Unique Assets in Watts

To view the full letter, please click here! The Black Planners of Los Angeles (BPLA) was established in 2024 as a qualified minority employee organization within the City of Los Angeles. We write today in enthusiastic support of Councilmember Tim McOsker’s proposal to establish a City Planner position within the Los Angeles City Planning Department... Continue reading→

2024 APA National Planning Conference (NPC) Recap

Attending the 2024 APA National Planning Conference (NPC) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was an enriching experience that exceeded all my expectations. The conference was packed with insightful sessions, cutting-edge presentations, and invaluable networking opportunities with leaders and peers from across the planning profession. One of the most impactful and personally meaningful aspects of the conference was... Continue reading→

The Framework and Action Plan for Transformative Planning in Los Angeles

BPLA created the Framework and Action plan as a living, grassroots document that reflects the values and principles of Black professionals in the planning profession. Additionally, with many City Planning Black professionals originating from communities that have been impacted by racist land use policies, this Framework also reflects the priorities and aspirations of Black communities in Los Angeles overall. BPLA hopes for future generations of planning professionals to carry forward this work—recognizing the struggles, sacrifices and contributions of Black urbanists before them. See below for an outline of the key goals of the Framework:

Housing and the Black Community

We must acknowledge the Black families who fought for their slice of the “American Dream” and their achievements that continue to define Los Angeles.

Action through Authentic Engagement

A new outreach platform is required that is centered on listening and education with a goal of building trust that will form lasting partnerships within Black communities.

Creating Black Spaces for Black Faces

We must deliver policies to support community-serving spaces and leverage on-going investments that are sensitive to our shared sense of cultural identity.

Transformative Leadership

We must uplift Black voices to lead the conversation on de-policing our neighborhoods and rethinking planning’s inequitable practices.