Nella McOsker speaks at CCA's 2023 Treasures of Los Angeles.
2023 has been a tremendous year filled with challenges and opportunities for our region. Reeling from the prolonged economic impacts of the pandemic, Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) finds itself at a critical juncture that will define its future. Understanding the urgency of this moment, CCA has been working diligently to fulfill our mission of enhancing DTLA’s vibrancy and increasing opportunity in the region as evidenced by our RISE Initiative that brought together cross-sectoral leaders to map out the road towards full economic recovery.
In my first year as President & CEO, I’ve been fortunate to work in partnership with CCA’s Board of Directors, and our staff has been instrumental in both supporting our members and laying the groundwork for what be a defining moment of transformation for our city and region. Together, we should be proud of what we have accomplished this year, including our many policy accomplishments. I’m honored to share the following highlights:
Carving Pathways for Additional Housing in DTLA
Housing remains a critical priority for CCA as we work to address our region’s deep housing shortage and elevate DTLA as the leader for new housing. CCA continues to lead advocacy for the DTLA 2040 Community Plan’s implementation approved by the City Council in the middle of 2023, which will ultimately make way for 20 percent of the city’s future housing growth on one percent of its land. CCA is steadfast in engaging with the City Attorney to see the plan implemented in the coming year.
CCA is also building on its legacy of spearheading expansive efforts to support the conversion of underutilized office space to new uses across multiple policy fronts. We have been working with the Department of City Planning to update and expand land use regulations that unlock more opportunities for adaptive reuse, including through the proposed Citywide Adaptive Reuse Ordinance. CCA will continue to be the leading voice on adaptive reuse in Los Angeles and push for ways to make it economically viable.
Prioritizing Economic Development & Increasing Livability
While we continue to feel the impacts of shifts in the office market in our city’s center, we are committed to restoring and strengthening the economic health of the most important job center in the region. One key project to achieving that goal is the urgent modernization and expansion of the Los Angeles Convention Center as I called for in a recent op-ed. CCA has been a driving force for the project and rallied stakeholders this year to call upon the City to move the project forward and to deliver it using a public-private partnership approach. We have impressed the importance of this project on the City Council and have been successful in keeping negotiations ongoing through this year. This will remain a top priority for CCA in 2024.
CCA also joined a broad coalition successfully calling for the Department of City Planning to make the permanent Al Fresco program as flexible, useable and inexpensive as possible for businesses. We are excited to see this program become a permanent feature of the City, supporting our many small food and beverage businesses that are a marquee feature of DTLA and enlivening our sidewalks and public spaces.
Improving Mobility
2023 was another major milestone for improved transit connectivity and access in DTLA with the opening of three new Metro rail stations with the completion of the Regional Connector. In tandem with the opening of the new Regional Connector stations, CCA launched the 24x24 initiative with 26 other DTLA organizations pledging to take 24 rides on Metro by 2024 to boost transit ridership and visitors to DTLA. We are glad to see our collective efforts working as Metro is near its pre-pandemic ridership levels, despite fewer commutes to offices.
CCA is also working to improve the busiest rail station in the system. We launched a partnership between Downtown building owners and Metro to enhance safety and cleanliness at the 7th Street/Metro Center station. Thanks to CCA’s advocacy, Metro has designated the 7th Street/Metro Center station as the next station to receive dedicated environmental improvements. We look forward to sharing more positive updates on this effort in 2024.
Pushing for City Governance Reform
As DTLA has been disproportionately impacted by the series of controversies involving local public officials, CCA elevated governance reform as a priority in 2023. In doing so, we published a report this year on City of Los Angeles Governance Reform. The City Council approved the placement of an Independent Redistricting Commission proposal on the November 2024 ballot, which we called for in our report. We are continuing to engage with City Council on a larger set of reforms, chiefly focused on land use powers and processes.
Connecting through CCA Signature Events
This year’s Treasures, Elected Officials Reception, and Holiday Party further underscored that DTLA’s vibrancy is largely a function of its people. These opportunities to convene and form meaningful connections remind us of the importance of our DTLA community. We look forward to many more of these opportunities in the new year—particularly as we reimagine them in honor of our Centennial.
As we look towards our Centennial next year, I am confident that our achievements will continue to build on past successes and lead us into a brighter, more prosperous future. I’m grateful to each of you for making my first year as President & CEO both significant and memorable.
I wish you a joyous holiday season. CCA looks forward to our continued partnership and collaboration.
With gratitude,
Nella McOsker
President & CEO, CCA