Steven Welliver: What do you think led to the decision by UCLA students to form a separate neighborhood council for Westwood Village? Was there a "last straw?"

Andrew Thomas: The UCLA students represented at Westwood Neighborhood Council meetings consistently asked for two things: affordable housing and entertainment and nightlife options in Westwood Village, which is the commercial district that shares a border with the campus. The students saw that the Council was not only not addressing these concerns, but was actively supporting restrictions on entertainment and nightlife, density and campus housing. These actions essentially "woke" UCLA student leadership and they determined to run for seats on the Council. Unfortunately, that effort was stymied when the Council determined to extend their member terms from 2018 until 2019 without an election. I believe this was the "last straw." With no option to run for the existing council, the student leaders determined to create their own council with narrower boundaries that include campus, multi-family communities, and the neighboring business community.

Steven: Where does the process of establishing the new council currently stand and what still needs to happen to subdivide the new council from the old?

Andrew: The student leadership began its process to form a new neighborhood council in November 2017. It is not a simple process to move the City of Los Angeles so quickly - especially with some local opposition - but to credit the student's effort, our community is now poised to determine at a May 22, 2018 election whether to subdivide to create two councils. In reaching this point, there have been a number of WVIA meetings regarding this item, town hall meetings, engagement with the City's Department of Neighborhood Empowerment and the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners, and also a failed attempt to negotiate a compromise, which was led by the WVIA. I can add that the current Council believes that Westwood Village should be determined a "shared resource," meaning our district could exist in multiple council jurisdictions, and the current Council has stated they will fight the City to assure this happens in the event the subdivision is approved on May 22nd. I believe the "shared resource" argument is weak, but the effort behind it is indicative of the fact that this issue will likely remain contentious for some time.

Steven: What opportunities do you see for WVIA to collaborate or partner with this new group of engaged stakeholders?

Andrew: One of the chief victories of the movement to create a new council is the fact that so many commercial property owners, business owners, and even local homeowners now support what began as a student effort. The WVIA spent several months evaluating the potential for a new council. After identifying a clear pattern of restrictions to business and growth, the WVIA also determined to support change.

I am hopeful that the WVIA and the proposed new neighborhood council will be more aligned on matters that relate to our district, especially those matters that push for a healthy and thriving business community. I believe this can help move the needle in our community in a number of areas like planning, transportation, and governmental advocacy. Metro is just now starting significant construction to continue the Purple Line subway extension to be completed in Westwood in 2026, and the Olympic Village will be on the UCLA campus in 2028. It is a crucial time. The WVIA and our local neighborhood elected body need to speak with one voice to advance the needs of our community.