Planted median on Wilshire Boulevard

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Most of Los Angeles' major roadways are sufficiently wide to support the addition of landscaped medians, which provide numerous benefits for more livable streets. Median strips improve traffic safety by providing a physical barrier between vehicles traveling in opposite directions, and allow for safer pedestrian crossings when placed at intersections. Furthermore, medians planted with trees, shrubs, and even grass can significantly reduce urban heat island effects and improve stormwater management. The installation of planted medians will also facilitate the city's goal of substantially increasing its urban tree cover.

Successful models can be seen along two sections of Wilshire Boulevard which currently have planted medians, in Wilshire Center and Miracle Mile. In both districts, planted medians improve the road environment for drivers and pedestrians alike, while fostering a sense of place. The median palm trees in Miracle Mile are one of the district's most instantly recognizable landmarks.