Recovery Plan, Revitalization of Downtown LA

Mayor Karen Bass announced the city’s actions to revitalize Downtown LA as she signed the Los Angeles Convention Center expansion resolution into law on September 24 at the Convention Center.

Bass relayed the following:  (1) LAPD has designated teams of foot patrols to be eyes and ears on the ground and is preparing to deploy trained bike officers in downtown neighborhoods to prevent crime and make people feel safe. (2) Trained mental health teams are being deployed in priority areas like the Historic Core neighborhood. (3) The city is advancing plans to fast-track key permits for downtown developments. (4) A coordinated effort to remove graffiti, clear trash, and enhance the cleanliness of our major streets and public spaces is under way.

Bass also stated that the approval of the Convention Center expansion will improve chances of finalizing a deal with  two purportedly interested buyers of the Oceanwide – Graffiti Towers. She stated that the growth of the Convention Center is appealing to potential buyers of the Oceanwide property.

But the revitalization of downtown LA does not stop there. The Central City Association of Los Angles (CCA) launched its action plan on September 25 at a press conference and round table discussion at the Grand Central Market. The90-day action plan includes:

·      Safety: Dedicated LAPD foot patrols, more bike patrol units, and more substations to improve safety.

·      Homelessness:  Address homelessness and addiction issues by expanding shelters and services.

·      Cleanliness and Beautificatin: Overnight city crew  deep cleaning and daytime cleaning, a concentrated graffiti removal effort, coordinated efforts with Caltrans for debris cleaning on freeway off-ramps, and improved entrances and exits at Metro stations as part of a cleanliness and beautification effort.

·      Reactivating DTLA:  Return-to-office for government workers, action on Oceanwide, fast-track permits and inspections to fill storefronts, subsidized rents in key corridors, expansion of Department of Economic Opportunity, pop-ups nonprofit master lease, and funding for cultural programming that draws crowds were listed as ways to reactivate Downtown LA.

There is renewed energy and work to revitalize downtown. Downtown is home to more than 90,000 residents, 6,000 retail and food/beverage businesses, and generates $5 billion in annual retail sales. The success of downtown means success for all of LA.

Let’s get to work!

By Debra Shrout