Compton Has Not Developed an Updated Plan for Prioritizing Its Capital Improvements

Compton’s Deteriorating Infrastructure Presents Significant Health and Safety Risks

Compton Has Not Developed an Updated Plan for Prioritizing Its Capital Improvements

Providing basic infrastructure—such as safe streets, an adequate water supply, and a secure sewage system—is among Compton’s chief responsibilities as a city. However, Compton’s leadership has not properly planned, funded, and carried out critical repairs and upgrades to its infrastructure, as Figure 4 shows. In part because Compton has left many of its infrastructure needs unaddressed, city documents indicate that repairs to its streets, water systems, and sewer systems will likely end up costing the city well over $100 million.

Figure 4

Compton’s Infrastructure Is in Disrepair A recent report found half of the city’s streets were in poor or very

poor condition

Its water infrastructure is

overdue for replacement

Its sewer system

requiresrepairs and upgrades

Compton has received hundreds of legal claims related to its streets. The condition of these streets can cause pedestrian injuries and vehicle damage. Infrastructure at water well sites has been decaying, and the city needs to make significant changes—such as improving pipelines and constructing a new well—to ensure a quality water supply. Numerous sewage overflows have posed public health and environmental risks and prompted legal action from the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Source: March 2021 report updating Compton’s pavement report, the city’s 2008 and 2022 master water studies, and documents related to its sewer system.

One reason for the disrepair of Compton’s infrastructure is that it has not developed an effective plan for prioritizing and funding key projects. This type of plan is often referred to as a capital improvement plan. According to the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), capital planning is critical to water, sewer,