The City of Glendale last week released the results of a statistically valid survey about redesigning the Verdugo Wash, a 9.4-mile flood control channel in Glendale.

The survey found that 70% of Glendale voters support redesigning the Verdugo Wash, with two in three responding that they think a redesign would benefit them. The following five features topped voters’ lists for a redesign:

1. Maintaining the Verdugo Wash’s role as a flood control channel
2. Reducing flooding risks
3. Improving water quality
4. Planting native plants to reduce wildfire risks
5. Creating shady areas with trees and canopies

The City commissioned this survey to inform the process of crafting the Verdugo Wash Master Plan, an in-depth analysis of existing conditions and an exploration of a variety of design strategies and alternatives suitable to the different conditions found along the Wash.

When presented with three design options, 70% of respondents picked a natural habitat with walking and biking paths as their first choice, beating out options for a natural habitat without public access and keeping the Wash as is. Eighteen percent picked keeping the Wash as is as their first choice.

More than seven in 10 respondents also ranked elements such as green/park spaces, walking paths, protected bike and walking paths separated from cars or trucks, and protecting native wildlife as extremely or very important.

Respondents expressed highest concern for public safety, cost, environmental issues, and homelessness when asked an open-ended question about their concerns regarding redesigning the Wash. Crime or public safety were cited most frequently at 21%. Two in 10 indicated the project’s cost as a concern. Twelve percent of respondents mentioned either environmental issues, preservation or wildfire prevention, and 11% responded by sharing homelessness or drug use as key concerns.

When asked to list reasons to support a redesign, a need for more green spaces, nature, or shade received the largest share of support at 30% of surveyed voters. This was followed by a need for community spaces, recreation activities, or family gatherings at 19%, beautifies or improves Glendale’s appearance at 17%, and city connection, walkability, biking trails, or car-free paths at 14%.

“These results give the community valuable information to support the exploration of possibilities for the future of the Verdugo Wash,” said Rachel Dimond, director of the City’s Community Development Department. “This type of public input is an important early step in the process of engaging the community to craft a plan that reflects the community’s values.”

The survey was conducted over the phone and online from Aug. 10-31 and it oversampled from Glendale’s north, northeast and downtown areas to elevate the voices of those who live closest to the Wash. The survey sample was created by randomly selecting registered voters in Glendale. The survey was offered in English, Armenian, Spanish, and Korean.

The survey results will inform how the City engages with the community on the process of crafting the Verdugo Wash Master Plan, which started in late 2025. 

The City and its design team are committed to fostering a collaborative planning process with the community and partners, like Los Angeles County Flood Control District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

This fall, the City is preparing to restart the process of engaging the community to help shape the possibilities for the Verdugo Wash, which runs from Crescenta Valley Regional Park to confluence with the Los Angeles River near the 134 freeway. Thanks to this survey, the City and the community can take a data-driven approach to guiding conversations and decision-making about this important piece of Glendale’s landscape. The City will offer more opportunities for the community to share their input during the planning process, such as community surveys and meetings.

Learn more about the planning process, including future community engagement opportunities, and view the full survey results at VerdugoWash.com.

Submitted by the City of Glendale