Posted on 04/03/2024
The City Council approved a report from the Energy and Environment Committee regarding the deployment and coordination of cooling facilities in Los Angeles, including public libraries, recreation facilities, and senior centers.
This action was prompted by the escalating health risks posed by extreme heat in the City of Los Angeles. Over the past two decades, heat-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits have significantly increased across LA. Establishing cooling centers offers critical and lifesaving services, particularly during the months of June to September. To prepare for future hot months, the Climate Emergency Management Office (CEMO) has already applied for the statewide Community Resilience Centers Grant, which could provide up to $10 million for additional heat risk research and the retrofitting of three local libraries into heat resilience centers.
This report directs the CEMO, the Department of Aging, the Department on Disability, the Department of Recreation and Parks, Library Department and others to report to the Council with recommendations for deploying and coordinating more cooling facilities throughout the city.