Why isn’t LA repaving streets?
Hacker News
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Los Angeles has halted full street resurfacing due to budget constraints and new paving practices, opting instead for "large asphalt repair" (LAR), which only patches parts of the road. This shift has left many streets with worsening potholes and cracks, as untouched areas continue to degrade. The city’s move to LAR appears tied to avoiding compliance with updated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for curb ramps and improvements under Measure HLA, which mandates bus, bike, and pedestrian infrastructure upgrades during repaving projects. By not fully resurfacing streets, LA avoids costly sidewalk repairs needed to meet ADA standards.
The city’s Bureau of Street Services (StreetsLA) claims the switch is primarily due to a 26% reduction in staffing, leaving them short of heavy-duty truck operators and equipment personnel necessary for full-scale repaving. This has forced them to focus on quicker, less comprehensive fixes like LAR, which resurfaces only part of the street while leaving strips untouched. StreetsLA officials argue that this approach is driven by a lack of resources to handle both street repairs and accessibility upgrades required by federal laws.
This matters for tech and startups because it highlights the need for innovative solutions to infrastructure challenges. The city’s prioritization of short-term cost savings over long-term road maintenance creates opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators in construction, materials science, or urban planning to develop sustainable, efficient paving
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Originally published on Hacker News on 2/25/2026