Nella McOsker speaks at CCA's 2024 Annual Holiday Party

2024 has been CCA’s Centennial Year — an opportunity to look back on what this organization has accomplished over the past 100 years and look forward to the work needed for a brighter, more prosperous and resilient future. 

This year has been all about tackling the present-day challenges facing DTLA and simultaneously keeping our sights on the long-term planning required to leverage the tremendous economic development benefits that the upcoming global events will bring to our region.

I’m thankful to CCA’s Board of Directors and our staff who have so deftly struck this balance in the service of our members. We accomplished much together and while the work continues, I want to lift up the following policy highlights:

Incentivizing More Housing Throughout Los Angeles

This year brought on the culmination of a decade of CCA advocacy on the DTLA 2040 Community Plan, which was recently adopted by the City Council and signed into law by Mayor Karen Bass. This plan sets the stage for the next wave of significant growth in our city center by nearly doubling the area where housing can be constructed by right. Last year, CCA heavily advocated for key provisions in DTLA 2040, and this year CCA was successful in securing an amendment to allow mixed-income projects in Skid Row moving away from the city’s historic, implicit policy of containment.

CCA continues to build on its legacy of adaptive reuse both in DTLA and throughout the city. This year, the City adopted expanded regulations to facilitate conversions through the DTLA 2040 Community Plan and the Citywide Adaptive Reuse Ordinance which included policies modeled after our 2021 white paper.

CCA also led a coalition that helped enhance the financial feasibility of housing projects under the recently adopted Citywide Housing Incentive Program. This program is intended to help build capacity for over 255,000 new housing units across the city.

Planning for Legacy Projects Leading to World Sporting Events

Looking ahead, CCA is leading advocacy efforts to advance the expansion and modernization of the LA Convention Center and ensure its completion before the 2028 Summer Games. The expansion would give DTLA a significant economic boost and help generate revenue for the City’s General Fund. Negotiations are ongoing and we continue to remain in close coordination with the City Council and Mayor’s Office in anticipation of critical decision points early next year.

As we look towards the 2028 Summer Games, our return to in-person CCA policy committees has created a space for members to gain insight on 2028 preparations from the Mayor’s Office, Department of Transportation, LA Metro and Exposition Park. Moving into 2025 our policy committees will continue to be spaces for members to hear directly from local leaders on our region’s most pressing issues.   

Improving Perceptions of DTLA

Recognizing that improving perceptions of DTLA is key to helping it achieve full economic recovery, CCA has been laser-focused on addressing public safety and homelessness. CCA successfully advocated for $3.9 million in LAPD overtime for DTLA during the city’s budgeting process. CCA also supported motions to address copper wire theft and the appointment of Jim McDonnell as the new LAPD Chief.

On homelessness, CCA submitted an amicus brief alongside the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce in support of the City of Grants Pass’ position in the Grants Pass V. Johnson case. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Grants Pass giving local governments yet another tool in the fight to solve homelessness.   

Participating in Electoral Work to Shape LA’s Future

CCA’s Political Action Committee had one of the most successful election seasons yet with a 100% success rate for endorsed candidates and measures across City, County and State races. We look forward to continuing our work with incoming and incumbent elected officials and helping shape a better landscape for CCA and its members.

Reinvigorating CCA’s Signature Events

Finally, it was wonderful to gather with so many of you at our reinvigorated CCA signature events including the reformatted Treasures of Los Angeles which is here to stay. We look forward to continuing to bring you engaging events that foster connections as we work together towards a more vibrant region.

I wish you and yours a joyous holiday season and look forward to our continued partnership and collaboration.

With gratitude,

Nella McOsker

President & CEO, CCA