Inglewood Approves $34 Million Revamp of Transit Connector Project with Community Focus
The Inglewood City Council has approved a $34 million agreement with Elevate Inglewood Partners (EIP) to reassess and revitalize the Inglewood Transit Connector project, adopting a phased approach that prioritizes community needs while improving access to the city’s sports and entertainment district.
The revised plan aims to create a comprehensive transportation network connecting Metro riders to SoFi Stadium, Intuit Dome, Kia Forum, and other venues through multiple transportation modes, addressing both visitor needs and resident concerns.
“With the world watching us as we prepare to host the 2028 Olympics, we’re also looking inward—listening to our community and taking strategic steps to deliver on what matters most to the people who live and work here,” said Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts in a statement about the project.
This new direction comes after Congresswoman Maxine Waters opposed the original $2 billion proposal last year, describing it as an “outrageously expensive boondoggle” and blocking $1 billion in federal funding, including a $200 million initial payment. The South Bay Cities Council of Governments similarly rejected a $500 million funding request in October 2024, effectively halting the original project.
The revised approach has gained support from transportation partners including CalSTA and LA Metro, Inglewood City Councilmembers, Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, and other civic leaders committed to community-centered infrastructure development.
Phase 1 will focus on investing in Inglewood’s historic downtown Market Street area with storefront and tenant-friendly improvements. The transit elements include several mobility hubs providing convenient access from the Metro K and C lines, improved shuttle services, bus-only lanes, and enhanced smart traffic technology.
“Market Street is more than a historic business corridor—it’s a reflection of who we are,” Mayor Butts emphasized. “That’s why we’re starting there first.”
While the original plan would have displaced approximately 48 businesses along the proposed route, the revised plan reduces this number to 23. According to the city, affected businesses will receive “robust relocation support, supplemental grants and promotional assistance.”
Councilmember Gloria Gray emphasized the city’s commitment to transparency: “The City committed to a transparent public engagement effort—including workshops, focus groups, one-on-one meetings, and open houses—to shape the core components of the plan, and there will be robust outreach and assistance to all businesses that will be subject to relocation.”
In February, the city created the Destination Market Street Business and Tenant Improvement Program using state funds received under Senate Bill 170. This program will offer grants of up to $250,000 to qualified businesses for storefront improvements.
The revised plan also includes two “mobility hubs” — one at Market Street and Florence Avenue and another at Hillcrest Boulevard and La Brea Avenue — featuring above-grade parking and a bus rotary where visitors can access transportation to the sports and entertainment venues on event days.
Residents interested in learning more or participating in the planning process can visit inglewoodtransitconnector.com and sign up for project updates.
