Central City Association of Los Angeles blog

L.A. considers expanding Airbnb-style short-term vacation rentals

Admin — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

L.A. Times

Housing advocates call for reform of Measure ULA, the so-called ‘mansion tax’

Admin — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 22:28:00 GMT

Los Angeles Daily News

Central City Association Responds to Mayor Bass' Proposed FY 2026-27 Budget

Admin — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMT

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.

LA business groups unite behind Bass and switch up their playbook

Admin — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Politico

After COVID, raids and other blows, DTLA is hurting. But ‘Mr. Downtown’ believes it will rise again

Admin — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 15:57:00 GMT

L.A. Times

Cobi Jones Named 2026 Treasure of Los Angeles by Central City Association

Admin — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 07:00:00 GMT

LA Galaxy and U.S. Men’s National Team legend to be honored at CCA’s 30th Annual Treasures celebration

LOS ANGELES (March 27, 2026) – The Central City Association of Los Angeles (CCA) today announced that Cobi Jones, Los Angeles native, global soccer icon, and community leader, will be honored as a 2026 Treasure of Los Angeles at the organization’s 30th Annual Treasures celebration. Jones is the first of three honorees to be announced for this milestone event, recognizing individuals whose impact has helped shape the identity, culture, and long-term success of Los Angeles.

For nearly three decades, Jones has stood as one of the most recognizable and respected figures in American soccer, but his influence extends far beyond the field. A foundational player for the LA Galaxy and a mainstay of the United States men's national soccer team, Jones helped elevate Los Angeles as a global sports capital of the world while inspiring generations of Angelenos to see themselves in the game. Jones played in three FIFA World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002) and spent 12 seasons with the six-time champion LA Galaxy, becoming one of the most recognizable and respected figures in Major League Soccer. Beyond his playing career, he has continued shaping the sport as a broadcaster, coach, and co‑founder of Angel City Football Club, helping expand access, representation, and enthusiasm for the game throughout Southern California and beyond, and cementing his legacy as a civic and cultural leader.

“Cobi Jones represents the very best of Los Angeles,” said Nella McOsker, President & CEO of the Central City Association. “He has helped shape how the world sees Los Angeles and how Angelenos see themselves. His legacy extends far beyond the pitch. He represents the energy, resilience, and innovation that makes Los Angeles exceptional.”

“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by the Central City Association as a Treasure of Los Angeles,” said LA Galaxy and U.S. Men’s National Team Legend, Cobi Jones. “Los Angeles is a city of diversity, creativity, and opportunity, and I’ve been proud to be part of its story both on and off the field. I look forward to celebrating this honor with everyone who believes in bringing our city together through the power of sport.”

The 2026 Treasures of Los Angeles event marks a milestone 30th anniversary celebration, bringing together civic leaders, business executives, cultural influencers, and community champions to recognize the people shaping the future of the region. The evening features immersive experiences, networking opportunities, and engagements designed to spark collaboration and connection across sectors. Previous Treasures of Los Angeles have included: Eli Broad, Frank Gehry, Suzanne Goin, Tim Gunn, Magic Johnson, Sherry Lansing, Genevieve Gergis & Ori Menashe, Tim Robbins, and Sandra & Vin Scully.

As Los Angeles continues to compete on the global stage, leaders like Jones underscore the connection between cultural influence and economic strength. From building the popularity of soccer in one of the most diverse cities in the world to expanding access to the sport for young people across neighborhoods, Jones’ impact reflects the kind of long-term investment in people and place that drives regional success. His leadership has contributed not only to the growth of the game, but to the broader ecosystem of sports, entertainment, and community development that powers Los Angeles’ economy.

The 30th Annual Treasures celebration will take place on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center. CCA invites leaders from across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to join in celebrating Cobi Jones and this year’s honorees. Tickets and sponsorship information are available at ccala.org.

LA’s Leading Business Organizations Endorse Zach Sokoloff for City Controller

Admin — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 07:00:00 GMT

LA’s Leading Business Organizations Endorse Zach Sokoloff for City Controller

LOS ANGELES (March 24, 2026) – Los Angeles’ leading business advocacy organizations, today endorsed Zach Sokoloff for Los Angeles City Controller. The joint endorsement by the Central City Association PAC, Hollywood Chamber PAC, VICA PAC, BizFed PAC, and L.A. Jobs PAC is part of their first-of-its-kind effort to align the region’s business community behind candidates committed to job creation and economic vitality across all of Los Angeles.

“We need our City Controller to manage the city’s finances so that it can deliver the basic services needed to bring investment, jobs, offices, customers, and visitors back to L.A.,” said Nella McOsker, President & CEO of the Central City Association. “Zach Sokoloff understands that at the end of the day, the Controller’s job isn’t about spreadsheets or social media posts – it’s about how safe, clean, and vibrant are L.A.’s streets and neighborhoods.”

“Los Angeles is at a critical inflection point and restoring confidence in how our city manages its finances is essential to driving economic growth,” said Maria S. Salinas, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. “Zach Sokoloff brings the fiscal discipline, accountability, and forward-looking perspective needed to ensure public resources are aligned with results, safe neighborhoods, thriving business corridors, and expanded opportunity for Angelenos. His leadership will help strengthen the foundation for investment, and a more competitive Los Angeles.”

“Zach Sokoloff is the best candidate for City Controller. He will bring a wealth of real world experience to the job and stay focused on the work - instead of making TikToks,” said Stuart Waldman, President & CEO of the Valley Industry & Commerce Association.

The Los Angeles City Controller plays a critical role in overseeing public spending, auditing city departments, and ensuring transparency and accountability across City Hall. With the city consistently facing budget shortfalls, the importance of electing a Controller who will prioritize efficiency, performance, and measurable outcomes is critical for Los Angeles’ economic health and ability to deliver the services upon which Angelenos depend.

The coalition’s endorsement builds on the broader effort to support candidates who will strengthen Los Angeles’ economic foundation, improve essential city services, and help restore confidence in local government. By aligning early and speaking with a unified voice, these organizations aim to elevate the importance of sound fiscal management in the 2026 elections.

For more information about Zach Sokoloff’s campaign, visit: https://zachforcontroller.com/.

Downtown L.A. wants San Francisco’s pop-up secret to get shoppers back

Admin — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

L.A. Times

Central City Association PAC Surpasses $1 Million Raised for 2026 Elections, Sets Goal to Double Before June Primary

Admin — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Business community mobilizes to support leaders who will strengthen Los Angeles’ economy and improve quality of life

LOS ANGELES (March 11, 2026) – The Central City Association (CCA) PAC announced today that it has surpassed $1 million raised for the 2026 election cycle, an early milestone that reflects growing momentum within the Los Angeles business community ahead of the June 2 primary elections. The PAC also announced a goal of doubling that total before primary day, more than doubling the PAC’s total raise and spend from the 2024 election cycle.

“Los Angeles is at a pivotal moment,” said Nella McOsker, President and CEO of the Central City Association. “Our business community — representing employers, workers, builders, innovators, and civic institutions — understands that the decisions made in this election will shape how our city grows, how we invest, and whether we create opportunity for all Angelenos. Reaching this milestone early shows that our members are organized, engaged, and ready to support leaders who are committed to a stronger, more competitive Los Angeles.”

The announcement builds on the CCA PAC’s growing role in local elections. During the 2024 cycle, the PAC raised and invested more than $1 million to support candidates committed to job creation and economic stability. For the first time in the PAC’s history, it conducted its own independent expenditure campaigns in the 2024 primary and general elections. These efforts, led by Chief Strategies, translated into successful outcomes for Los Angeles City Councilmembers Adrin Nazarian, John Lee, Heather Hutt, and Imelda Padilla.

Central City Association PAC will continue fundraising and evaluating candidates throughout the election cycle as it works toward its goal of doubling its current resources before the June 2 primary election. In a historic first for Los Angeles County, the CCA PAC has led a coalition of leading business advocacy Political Action Committees (PACs), including Hollywood Chamber PAC, VICA PAC, BizFed PAC, and L.A. Jobs PAC, in joint endorsements ahead of the 2026 primary elections. This unprecedented collaboration brings together the political and financial resources of the region’s most influential business organizations to speak with a unified voice and directly support candidates committed to economic growth, job creation, and improving quality of life for all Angelenos.

Bass announces LAPD surge in downtown L.A. after ‘despicable’ apartment brawl, street takeover

Admin — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:49:00 GMT

L.A. Times