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Dear Angelenos:

This month, the City Planning Commission recommended a new proposed Community Plan for Downtown to the City Council. This plan has been a long time coming: it is the first downtown update since the early 2000s, and represents a whole new direction for the urban core. The Commission’s vote advances the Downtown Community Plan and its housing- and job-creating policies one step closer to adoption.

Between now and 2040, Downtown is projected to accommodate 175,000 new residents and add 100,000 jobs. In other words, 20% of the City’s projected growth will take place in just 1% of its land area. Our Downtown Community Plan proposes to meet the community’s needs by nearly doubling the area where housing is permitted in LA’s urban core and expanding the range of housing types allowed. It would also establish a Community Benefits Program to incentivize the construction of affordable housing Downtown, plus built-in open space and community facilities like childcare centers, schools, and libraries for all Angelenos.

This plan is the result of extensive engagement with Downtown’s residents and businesses. We worked closely with Downtown stakeholders, conducting outreach in five languages (English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese) and collecting input from more than 40 community organizations. It reflects the priorities of those who live and work in the heart of one of the world’s most exciting and dynamic cities.

Together, we are Planning4LA.

Sincerely,
Vince Bertoni,
Director of Planning