By Stephen Witt
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger and County leaders yesterday unveiled LA County Forward: Blueprint for Rebuilding, a comprehensive roadmap report focused on rebuilding in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, where many of the hardest-hit neighborhoods from this year’s wildfires are located.
The plan comes as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completes most of its debris-removal operations, and the County is stepping forward with the critical next phase of wildfire recovery.
“The Blueprint is an essential roadmap forward, a shift from debris removal to reconstruction that will help residents and businesses navigate the path home with greater clarity and support. Our residents have been through so much, and they deserve nothing less than our full commitment to help them rebuild,” said Barger
Specifically, the plan calls for meeting several objectives, including:
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- Supporting a feasible financial path to return
- Accelerating permitting and inspections
- Growing the pool of builders and materials to achieve scale and lower costs
- Restoring critical infrastructure
- Mobilizing the workforce and coordinating delivery
- Bringing back everyday services and public assets
At the same time, the report also focuses on infrastructure resilience and mitigation to stem the damage of future wildfires.
This includes the County’s public commitment to work with state and utility providers to bury more than 150 miles of electric, gas, and telecom lines to strengthen public safety, reduce wildfire risk, and deliver more reliable, resilient infrastructure.
In tandem, the County will take action to direct and prepare for rebuilding through the restoration of public infrastructure and sewer, stormwater, road, sidewalk, streetlight, and traffic systems in the unincorporated areas.
“This Blueprint shows what’s possible when multiple levels of government, private industry, philanthropy and community partners come together with urgency to facilitate large-scale solutions,” said Barger.
Los Angeles County Chief Executive Officer Fesia Davenport said the report prioritizes community needs and decisive actions.
“This next phase is not just about rebuilding homes—it’s about rebuilding lives, restoring neighborhoods, and making sure families and communities can come back stronger and safer. We’ve listened to residents, studied the barriers they face, and now we’re following through with a plan that brings collective resources together to deliver real solutions at scale,” said Davenport.
The blueprint also drew praise from Gov. Gavin Newsom.
“As we turn the page from recovery to rebuilding, we’re doing it with a clear plan, strong partnerships, and the urgency this moment demands. This report creates a step-by-step guide to accelerate rebuilding and provide support to impacted families,” said Newsom.
To access the full report, click here. To see what the Blueprint for Rebuilding means for you, click here.
