I recently planned and facilitated an exciting leadership seminar for Leadership Southern California, a 10-month leadership development program for mid- to senior-level executives  to explore our regon's assets and opportunities.

The day focused on the issues of Land Use, Transportation and Housing and included a tour of the Gold Line. Throughout the day, we heard from our region’s leaders, including LA Council Member Ed Reyes, Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard, MTA’s CEO Art Leahy, ULI LA’s Director Katherine Perez, Reconnecting America’s Gloria Ohland, SCAG’s Executive Director, Hasan Ikhrata and several others. 

Beth Steckler, a housing consultant, helped lead the Gold Line tour where we toured an innovative affordable housing development built by Amcal and the Del Mar station in Pasadena designed by Moule and Polyzoides. We also stopped at the Memorial Park Station and enjoyed a healthy lunch catered by Large Marge Sustainables.

Throughout the day, we had really good discussions about the challenges and successes of linking land use, transportation and housing, a key solution towards making the Los Angeles region a more sustainable place.

I was impressed with the caliber of the Leadership Southern California Class – they asked sharp questions! Everyone in the program also seemed to enjoy each other’s company as well.  Having participated in this program in 2007, I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about important issues that affect our region.  

Here's a link to some photos from the day.