Mayor Bass Signs Final Approval of Convention Center Project, Achieving a Major Milestone in DTLA Revitalization Efforts

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LOS ANGELES - Mayor Karen Bass signed the final approval of the modernization and expansion of the Convention Center project, a major milestone in her efforts to revitalize Downtown Los Angeles which has struggled to recover from slow foot traffic and office space vacancies brought on by the pandemic. Renderings of the Convention Center can be found here.

She then detailed new actions that will support Downtown's ongoing revitalization in the immediate term while the Convention Center is being built:

• LAPD has designated teams of foot patrols to be eyes and ears on the ground and is preparing to deploy trained bike officers in Downtown neighborhoods to prevent crime and make people feel safe.
• Trained mental health teams are being deployed in priority areas like the Historic Core neighborhood.
• Advancing plans to fast-track key permits for Downtown developments.
• A coordinated effort to remove graffiti, clear trash, and enhance the cleanliness of our major streets and public spaces.

"I am signing the final approval to begin construction on the Convention Center, a transformational project for Downtown and our entire city," said Mayor Bass. "This project is more than just a building, it is about revitalizing the heart of our city and bringing good-paying jobs and tourism straight to Downtown. Thank you to the City Council for your partnership and dedication in moving this vital initiative forward with me."

Today's announcement underscores Mayor Bass' commitment to restoring Downtown Los Angeles as a vibrant hub of economic, cultural and civic life. The Convention Center expansion is a cornerstone of this plan, designed to attract larger conventions, boost tourism, support local businesses and create thousands of union jobs during and after construction. Mayor Bass has committed to protecting the City's fiscal health with oversight in partnership with the City Council as the project is being built. Construction workers are expected to break ground in October.

Mayor Bass has publicly called for the modernization and expansion of the Convention Center in her State of the City addresses in 2024 and in 2025. She has championed the project through key milestones and sponsored state legislation to increase revenue to cover associated development costs. The Convention Center was contemplated by the city for more than a decade before Mayor Bass and the City Council took this decisive action.