LADWP’s development services play a major role in how projects move from design to construction in Los Angeles. Many of you have been clear that parts of our process are too slow, too complex, and too difficult to navigate. We recognize those concerns, and we understand how they impact timelines, budgets, and the overall momentum of development across the city.

Making it easier to build in Los Angeles and to get connected to water and power —that is my top priority for LADWP.



I know many find our requirements to be very strict and some, outdated, which can make it harder for you to get what you need to keep projects on track. Through the Mayor’s Executive Directive 19, we are moving quickly to rethink longstanding practices, simplify requirements where appropriate, and modernize how customers interact with LADWP. The goal is straightforward: make it easier to work with us and get your projects through. 

Your work shapes affordable housing, commercial development, and infrastructure that improve the quality of life for Angelenos. We understand the value of these projects and the role LADWP must play in supporting them. We are committed to being a reliable partner — improving the process, problem-solving with you, and strengthening coordination across agencies and industry partners. We will continue meeting with you directly, listening carefully, and using your feedback to guide the improvements ahead. 

The information below shows you what we have accomplished since Mayor Bass issued the executive directive. We are committed to keeping you informed and sustaining the momentum, and with your partnership, we know we will succeed together. Thank you for the work you do to build Los Angeles. 

End-to-End Process Mapping: We mapped the entire new business process to identify unnecessary handoffs, steps, and bottlenecks. This work is the foundation for simplifying the process and reinforcing accountability.

Energy Demand Forecasting: A new forecasting framework now anticipates neighborhood-level demand earlier in the planning process. This allows LADWP to identify potential infrastructure constraints before they impact customer projects.

Customer Project Portal: Phase 1 of the Customer Project Portal is complete, which includes enhancements to the existing project status tracker. Phase 2, now in development, will expand project information, milestones, responsibilities, and customer visibility.