LOS ANGELES (April 21, 2026) – The state of Downtown reflects the state of the City. And we have work to do.
From extremely violent incidents like the one yesterday in which an elderly resident was attacked and lit on fire to devastating losses like Clifton’s shutting down — it's clear Downtown Los Angeles needs more from the public sector. We are encouraged that Mayor Bass’ proposed budget reflects CCA’s priorities: strengthening public safety, addressing street homelessness, and maintaining core infrastructure and city services. These are foundational to any recovery, but they are just the foundation.
Strengthening Public Safety
We applaud the proposed addition of 510 LAPD officers and dedicated deployments in DTLA. Downtown continues to experience a disproportionate share of heinous crimes, including earlier this month when a woman was stabbed in the neck on a weekday morning. The status quo is not acceptable. CCA will continue to advocate for targeted public safety investments, including the use of technology to leverage existing resources. We’ve secured additional support along the Figueroa Corridor, and appreciate Mayor Bass’ continued investment to eliminate human trafficking and dangerous takeovers on our streets.
Expanding Mental Health
At the same time, these recent tragedies underscore that we must urgently invest in prevention and services. Without mental health interventions and crisis response, we will continue to see preventable acts of violence. The City is stepping up with this budget, our representatives in Sacramento have stepped up, now our County Supervisors must do the same. As one of the largest mental health services providers in the country, it's time for the County to show up clearly, consistently, and at-scale.
Basic Services to Keep Small Businesses Open
We also acknowledge the Mayor’s focus on infrastructure and basic services. Economic growth happens when public spaces are not just safe, but vibrant, welcoming, and activated. Today, that vitality is at risk. More than 100 storefronts sit vacant in the Historic Core alone, and recent closures of beloved institutions like DTLA Cheese Superette and Cole’s French Dip underscore the need for programs that reactivate and bring new life to our commercial corridors. What makes Los Angeles special isn’t just our skyline, it’s the hundreds of thousands of small businesses that line our main streets, employ Angelenos, and build the very fabric of our neighborhoods.
Downtown’s recovery is essential to the future of the City. This budget is a step in the right direction, but it will take full partnership – from City Hall to Sacramento – to deliver the safe, vibrant, and economically resilient downtown Angelenos deserve.
Now, it's time for the Los Angeles City Council to meet our call and double down on these investments.
