Stacy Mata

Stacy Mata is a Master of Urban and Regional Planning student with a concentration in transportation policy and planning at UCLA. During her graduate studies, she has worked as a student researcher with both the UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies and the UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge, focusing her research on transportation equity, mobility justice and climate resiliency.

Stacy earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and environmental studies from Hope College. Prior to beginning her graduate studies at UCLA, she worked as an ecological educator with Friends of the LA River and taught community finance classes in Sydney, Australia. Upon graduation, Stacy plans to leverage her community engagement experience and planning credentials to develop equitable transportation solutions that enhance access to essential social and economic opportunities for marginalized communities.

Project Overview

My research project aims to improve the implementation of Integrated Mobility Hubs in Los Angeles by understanding best practices from past transportation and infrastructure planning efforts. By evaluating previous efforts and interviewing transportation experts, I aim to produce policy analysis and recommendations that prioritize equity through accessible design, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making practices aligned with the just distribution of resources. My research will be guided by a comprehensive literature review, analysis of transit amenities and design, and stakeholder engagement.

Why is this topic, specifically, important to you?

Transportation is a fundamental equity issue. Public transit provides critical access to jobs, education, health care and other essential services. Improving transit and station design strengthens communities by reducing reliance on single-occupancy cars, reducing pollution and fostering stronger social connections. Integrated Mobility Hubs present an opportunity to deliver meaningful improvements for all transit users.

Who are the partners involved in this project and how will you be working with them?

The research project involves coordination and collaboration between my client, LADOT, and their various partners through site visits, community meetings and other priority-setting efforts.

How do you hope that this project will impact the field moving forward?

My work with LADOT will identify equitable and effective approaches for adding design elements and amenities, such as shade structures, restrooms and wayfinding. My goal is to develop a best practices framework that will guide the continual implementation of integrated mobility hubs and future design of transit stations.