What is the solution? DTLA Open-Air Drug Use and Sales
Downtown Los Angeles Residents Association (DTLA RA) has been organizing and fighting for solutions to the open-air drug use in downtown LA as well as many other downtown issues. Their efforts caught the attention of the LA Mayor’s office and city officials are now responding.
In early July, the Mayor’s Office assembled a DTLA stakeholders meeting to discuss priorities and initiatives on strengthening public safety. In addition to DTLA RA, South Park Neighborhood Association (SPNA), Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council (DLANC), all downtown Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), and LA City staff met online to discuss priorities and potential solutions.
Open-air drug use, sales, and solutions became a “homework” assignment to research, explore, and determine next steps. DTLA RA compiled a survey and asked DTLA residents, including South Park residents, to weigh in on possible solutions. The interventions covered in the survey have been proposed or implemented in various U.S. cities to address open-air drug use and sales.
· Increased LAPD foot patrols
· Enforcement targeting drug dealers
· Enforcing laws against public drug use
· Expanded addiction treatment and detox
· Court-ordered treatment as an alternative to jail
· Expanded mental health outreach
· Harm reduction services
· Increased supportive and permanent housing
· Cleanup and sanitation improvements
· Encampment removal, consistent with applicable laws
· Better coordination among city agencies
Results will be shared when they become available. The results will be a key part of the next DTLA stakeholders meeting in August.
As stated by DTLA RA, “together we're going to create the DTLA residents need and deserve.” SPNA continues to work with DTLA RA on creating a better downtown environment for all residents and community members.
If you missed the deadline to take the survey, the interventions to open-air drug use are listed above. Post a comment and let us know your thoughts.
Check the September newsletter for an update on the upcoming DTLA stakeholders meeting.
By Debra Shrout