The idea: Convert a five-mile stretch of blighted, abandoned railway into a beautiful, tree-lined bike and pedestrian path in a historically neglected area of South Los Angeles. The problem? Metro would have to find $143 million to pay for it.
Rail to Rail
From Eyesore to Asset
Working closely with the project team, Lisa Richardson developed a “before-and-after” communications strategy to show what existed vs. what was possible. The campaign featured a video as its signature piece, allowing community advocates, Metro staff members and elected officials to compare the existing decrepit railway line with images of the safe, vibrant and green pathway that it could be. The video catalyzed support. Huffington Post and the Los Angeles Times’ editorial board wrote about the “Rail to Rail” idea and posted the video. Many other outlets followed suit. The community responded with enthusiastic support.
Metro ultimately provided substantial funding for the project. Rail to Rail opened in May 2025.