Five projects will explore transportation challenges and community engagement in disaster recovery

California has long battled wildfires, but the scale and impact of recent fires have pushed emergency response systems to their limits. The fires that broke out in Los Angeles County in early January presented new challenges as flames reached deeper into urban areas.

Los Angeles’ well-known auto-centric environment played a significant role in shaping residents’ ability to evacuate quickly and safely. Heavy reliance on personal vehicles and poor street connectivity led to gridlock for many, while those without access to cars were presented with critical barriers to safety. As recovery efforts begin, the fires have highlighted critical gaps in our region’s emergency response and transportation systems, especially for vulnerable communities.

To assess and understand these challenges, the UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies is funding five rapid-response research projects. The studies aim to support policymakers, transit agencies, emergency planners, and local communities in shaping a more equitable and resilient approach to disaster response in the Los Angeles region.

UCLA ITS director Adam Millard-Ball noted that the wildfire threat in Los Angeles is not going away. “We’re supporting research that can help us to be prepared for a future emergency, and to plan for rebuilding in an equitable, resilient manner,” Millard-Ball said.

Understanding mobility challenges for vulnerable communities with limited vehicle access
Tierra Bills, UCLA assistant professor of public policy and civil and environmental engineering, will lead a comprehensive literature and data review intended to better understand the mobility needs of communities with limited access to vehicles. More vulnerable during emergencies, these populations often include those who are low-income, people with disabilities, and people with limited English-language proficiency. The project will culminate in a policy brief offering recommendations for more inclusive future emergency evacuation planning.

Improving evacuation plans for transit riders
Madeline Brozen, deputy director of the UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies, will bring her experience studying travel needs of people who depend on public transportation to aid local transit agencies in improving evacuation response plans for transit riders. In partnership with LA Metro, Brozen will conduct a survey targeting L.A. County transit riders to identify gaps in emergency response efforts during and after the 2025 fires. Findings will be compiled into a report, accompanied by a policy brief outlining recommendations for multi-modal evacuation strategies.

Bridging gaps in evacuation and resilience strategies for older adults with disabilities
Older adults and people with disabilities often face physical and cognitive challenges that make emergency evacuations particularly difficult. UCLA assistant professor of nursing and medicine Yeonsu Song will lead an interdisciplinary team in creating a research agenda and suite of policy recommendations for improving evacuation and resilience strategies for these populations. Research will focus on identifying gaps and challenges, as well as lay the groundwork for future funding opportunities.

Exploring community-driven approaches to infrastructure rebuilding
Megan Mullin, faculty director of the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation, will spearhead an effort to explore community-driven models for disaster recovery. Drawing on California’s Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) program, the study will assess strategies for inclusive, neighborhood-scale rebuilding. Findings will be summarized in a final report and policy brief to guide transportation agencies and local governments responsible for the rebuilding process.

Strengthening street network resilience after disasters
Poor street connectivity can create significant safety risks during natural disasters, leading to delayed emergency response times and congested evacuation routes. To explore how cities can use rebuilding efforts to enhance street network resilience, UCLA ITS research consultant John Gahbauer will analyze before-and-after changes to street networks in the aftermath of disasters in California, across the U.S. and internationally. Findings will be summarized in a policy brief with recommendations for cities looking to take proactive measures or those currently engaged in rebuilding efforts.

The projects will begin immediately, with results expected within one to three months.