Councilmember Hernández proposes repurposing vacant parcels for fiber conduit and EV infrastructure

Councilmember Hernández introduced a motion on Jan. 1 to explore converting vacant parcels in Filipinotown into conduit for fiber, expand high‑speed internet access and install electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Councilmember Nazarian seconded the motion.

Hernández described the proposal as a potential source of new revenue through public–private partnerships and said the city already uses more than "700 millas" of conduit fiber in related infrastructure. She framed the motion as an opportunity to improve street-level services, increase digital access and support EV adoption.

The clerk opened the vote list for the item; the meeting transcript records the motion, its second and the council's discussion of potential benefits but does not provide a clear final tally for this specific motion in the excerpt. Because the transcript does not record a definitive outcome for this item in the provided segments, this article reports the motion and discussion but does not assert its passage.

Why it matters: Repurposing city-owned or vacant parcels for broadband and EV infrastructure could affect digital equity, street services and potential revenue streams through partnerships; the issue intersects with budget pressures and service priorities discussed elsewhere in the meeting.

Next steps: The council opened the vote list on the motion; staff follow-up and any recorded vote would appear in the meeting record or subsequent minutes.