Council Panel Backs Crosswalk Repainting Volunteer Study
The Los Angeles City Council's Public Works Committee approved a report on a volunteer pilot program for repainting city-approved crosswalks.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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The Los Angeles City Council Public Works Committee approved a motion asking city staff to study a volunteer crosswalk repainting pilot program. The move comes after People's Vision Zero volunteers have painted crosswalks around the city without authorization for more than a year.
Why it matters
The councilwomen who introduced the motion said pedestrian safety remains a major concern, and clearly visible crosswalks are particularly important near parks, schools, houses of worship, transit stops and commercial districts. Crosswalks can deteriorate due to weather, vehicle traffic, utility construction and roadway maintenance.
The motion asks city staff to report back within 90 days with a citywide inventory of marked crosswalks and the number of outstanding 311 requests for deteriorated crosswalks. The full City Council must still consider the motion before any pilot program could move forward.
The players
People's Vision Zero
People's Vision Zero is a street-safety advocacy group founded by Los Angeles resident Jonathan Hale that has painted crosswalks around the city without authorization for more than a year.
Katy Yaroslavsky
Katy Yaroslavsky is a Los Angeles City Councilwoman who co-introduced the crosswalk repainting motion.
Eunisses Hernandez
Eunisses Hernandez is a Los Angeles City Councilwoman who co-introduced the crosswalk repainting motion.
The details
The motion, introduced in late October by Councilwomen Katy Yaroslavsky and Eunisses Hernandez, would have the city assess a volunteer pilot program similar to the city's Adopt-A-Median program. The report would also address the feasibility of letting street-safety advocates repaint existing, city-approved crosswalks.
Timeline
Late October 2026: Councilwomen Katy Yaroslavsky and Eunisses Hernandez introduced the crosswalk repainting motion.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026: The Public Works Committee approved the motion for a feasibility report.
Within 90 days: City staff are to report back on the volunteer repainting pilot program.
Legal Context
The proposal would model crosswalk repainting volunteers on the city's Adopt-A-Median program, which already allows community members to care for public medians. Any expansion would have to resolve the legal, labor and safety questions the report is required to address.
If the pilot advances, residents could see volunteer-repainted crosswalks near parks, schools and transit stops, though no change is in place yet. Until the report is completed and the full council acts, existing crosswalk maintenance and 311 reporting processes remain unchanged.
The takeaway
Clearly visible crosswalks are a practical safety measure, and the city's response to volunteer repainting will test how much community help it is willing to accept for basic street maintenance. Residents who notice faded markings can report them through the city's 311 system while the review proceeds.
What happens next
City staff are due to report back to the City Council within 90 days on the feasibility of a volunteer crosswalk repainting pilot program.
Further reading
For related local coverage, explore more in Civic Engagement in Los Angeles.
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