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The National Weather Service tracks the number of “weather-related fatalities,” and over the last 30 years, heat has been the most deadly. Los Angeles is one city proving that painting streets in a reflective coating could make a difference. 

In this episode of the podcast, Next City Executive Director Lucas Grindley talks with Michaela Haas, a contributing editor with Reasons To Be Cheerful, about her story on “Cool Streets LA.” The program is expanding to 200 city blocks targeting eight underserved neighborhoods. We also meet the city leader charged with making it happen.

“If you ask people about climate change, they start talking to you about politics,” said Greg Spotts, Chief Sustainability Officer of the City’s Bureau of Street Services (Streets LA). “But if you ask them about the weather in their neighborhood or their comfort in their neighborhood, every single Angelino thinks their neighborhood is getting hotter very recently.”

Listen to this episode below or subscribe to Next City’s podcast on Apple and Spotify.

A message from board member Lynn. M. Ross:

Let’s get back to normal. You’ve probably heard that more than a few times as we continue navigating life in an evolving pandemic. But the normal in The Before Times wasn’t so great for far too many people and communities. A return to that normality means embracing deep inequity and injustice as tolerable features of city life and city-building practice.

That is unacceptable. It’s not a return to normal that we should desire or work toward. Instead — especially as community changemakers — we should chart a course for a future that is equitable, just, and humane. Our team at Next City — board and staff — have spent the last several months thinking about that future and articulating our role in helping to shape it. Today we’re sharing a new strategic plan that boldly affirms our commitment to the diverse changemakers, like you, who are working to liberate our cities from oppression and to the high-quality solutions journalism essential for informing that work.

Will you help Next City fulfill its mission?