Councilmember Ysabel Jurado joined President/CEO of the South Park Business Improvement District (SPBID), Nolan Marshall, in a fireside chat about the future of South Park and downtown at the South Park BID’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday, October 21, at ASU on Broadway and 11th Street.
Councilmember Jurado talked about grappling with her decision to support the L.A. Convention Center expansion mostly because of the cost of the project. She said in the end she supported it and will continue to support it because the residents, businesses, and BIDs wanted the project in order to grow convention/tourist opportunities and reap the monetary benefits for all of L.A.
When asked about her most important accomplishment this year, Jurado said, “bringing people together.” She dislikes inefficiencies that happen when people do not work together. Specifically, regarding public safety, Jurado said we need to work together – the community needs to be involved. She also said the BIDs are an investment in safety.
“I am an armchair urban planner,” said Jurado. She originally considered a career in urban planning but instead became a lawyer. However, her interest in urban planning continues to influence her work. Jurado said we need to have a comprehensive vision, identify opportunities, and move from a reactive mode to a proactive mode. She wants a strategic plan for the next two years.
Councilmember Jurado also talked about the need for innovation, increased revenue, improved spending, bringing back L.A. Fashion Week to L.A., and re-imaging downtown.
By Debra Shrout