Cemal Clik was rinsing strawberries for lunch when he felt a gun pressed against his temple. The 61-year-old, sitting near his gift shop in downtown Los Angeles, was threatened by two men demanding the gold chain around his neck. They took the chain and vanished, leaving Clik feeling skeptical that police, who arrived 45 minutes later, would catch them or recover his jewelry.
“This is what downtown is now,” Clik remarked, questioning its current state and appeal. As mayoral elections near, business owners are urging city officials to address downtown’s ongoing issues. They call for increased police presence and improved amenities, such as better parking options and public restrooms, to revive the area.
Clik opened his small store in 2001, selling goods ranging from snacks to toys to tourists and locals. Over the years, he has seen the vibrant area deteriorate, challenged by rising crime, soaring costs, and competition from safer neighborhoods. Fear of robbery accompanies him each time he opens his shop, and the incident left him with panic attacks. Businesses downtown are calling for a mayor who will prioritize safety and cleanliness to bring shoppers and professionals back to the area.
The downtown area continues to lose businesses, with companies like Deloitte and KPMG relocating. The once-busy district suffers from high vacancies, with nearly 40% of office spaces empty in the Financial District, according to CBRE. Retail spaces also struggle, with many standing vacant.
Downtown’s decline raises concerns, especially with the upcoming 2028 Olympics drawing international attention. Data from the Los Angeles Office of Finance indicate a rise in businesses leaving downtown over the past two years, and the area accounts for a large share of regional exits.
Downtown neighborhoods face challenges at the heart of the mayoral race: crime, homelessness, and crumbling infrastructure. Business owners demand more policing, solutions to homelessness, and improved public spaces to make the area safe and inviting. Paul Kaufman, a local business owner, highlights these concerns, noting that many storefronts remain vacant, complicating efforts to attract customers.
Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass has focused on revitalizing downtown through safety initiatives and economic investments. However, candidates criticize her for either not doing enough or overspending on ineffective solutions. Councilmember Nithya Raman, a mayoral candidate, critiques Bass’s housing program, suggesting apartment vouchers as a more cost-effective alternative.
Public safety emerges as the primary concern for downtown advocates. The Central City Association (CCA) emphasizes downtown’s significant contribution to the city’s economy and the necessity for enhanced security measures. The downtown area represents a small fraction of the city but historically generates a substantial portion of business and tax revenue.
Businesses criticize the city’s failure to maintain basic infrastructure, citing broken streetlights and sidewalks. The recent Capital Infrastructure Program aims to address these issues, focusing on roads and public spaces, but more efforts are needed.
Encouraging public employees to return to the office could support downtown recovery. Government workers traditionally boost the local economy, but remote work hampers small businesses reliant on their presence.
Specific proposals from the CCA include a dedicated police detail for entertainment areas and additional funding for public safety and maintaining public spaces. Business leaders view San Francisco’s recent success as a model for revitalizing downtown L.A. Efforts there, led by Mayor Daniel Lurie, focus on reducing homelessness, enhancing cleanliness, and revitalizing public areas.
San Francisco’s program to activate vacant spaces by supporting local entrepreneurs showcases a possible path forward for L.A. This approach aims to transform empty storefronts into vibrant businesses, enticing more visitors.
Los Angeles business leaders recognize that the county’s tech and defense industries are thriving outside downtown. The area seeks attention and support to overcome its challenges and capitalize on potential opportunities.
The question remains whether downtown businesses can recover from their struggles. Mayoral elections present a crucial opportunity for the area to gain the attention and support it needs.
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