Advancing Infrastructure Strategy: BOE and City Agencies Collaborate with UCLA on Hillside Prioritization Model

BOE and other City agencies visited the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering to see a demonstration of the Hillside Study Prioritization Application and discuss potential use cases for the City. Originating from two City Council motions requesting a comprehensive assessment of street infrastructure in hillside areas (CF 17-1143 & CF 18-1114), the research project developed a model for assessing infrastructure condition, a cost estimator for addressing deficiencies, and a prioritization tool with adjustable criteria to help the City determine a more strategic approach to improving infrastructure in hillside areas. This tool exemplifies the incredible value of partnering with a major research university to develop new technologies to address the City's major challenges.

The group discussed a range of potential future projects that could build on the tool with applications including hillside development regulation, emergency evacuation planning, hazard mitigation, and data-driven capital program development. BOE looks forward to continued partnership with UCLA to provide students an opportunity to tackle real-world challenges in an academic setting while giving the Cia ty access to cutting-edge research and technology not otherwise available in the public or private sector.