Challenges Facing Downtown Los Angeles

Cemal Clik was preparing strawberries for lunch when an unsettling experience unfolded. The 61-year-old was near his gift shop in downtown Los Angeles when two men threatened him with a gun, demanding the gold chain he wore. They took it and fled, leaving him doubtful about law enforcement’s ability to catch them or recover his belonging. “This is what downtown is now,” Clik remarked. “Who would want to come here?”

As the city of Los Angeles approaches its mayoral elections, business owners are urging officials to tackle the problems affecting downtown. They emphasize the need for more police presence and improved amenities, like parking and public restrooms, to rejuvenate the area. Clik, who opened his store in 2001, has witnessed a decline in the once-thriving area, now beset by crime, rising costs, and competition. His concerns for safety grow each day.

In the aftermath of COVID-19, businesses in downtown Los Angeles press for leadership that ensures safer, cleaner streets, encouraging workers and shoppers to return. With the June primary election looming, some businesses strive to amplify their voices, hoping city representatives will address the challenges that hinder their recovery.

Big companies such as Deloitte and KPMG have reduced their office footprint or altogether left downtown. Data from the Los Angeles Office of Finance indicate increasing business departures, as reported closures from 2024 and 2025 illustrate.

Some areas of downtown, like South Park, the Fashion District, and Pico-Union, top the list of closures.

Nearly 40% of office space in the Financial District is vacant, and about 30% of retail space remains unused. This underlines a need for urgent intervention.

Downtown exhibits acute symptoms of broader issues central to the mayoral race: crime, homelessness, and infrastructure decay. Business owners demand more policing and clean streets, along with programs to fill vacant spaces.

Handmade shoe store owner Paul Kaufman shared, “It’s not a simple problem. There’s not one solution.”

Mayor Karen Bass prioritizes revitalizing downtown by working with residents and businesses to boost safety. Since taking office, she has aimed to increase police presence but has not met her target of 9,500 officers. Critics point to unmet goals. Councilmember Nithya Raman, a mayoral candidate, critiques Bass’ housing approach, favoring apartment vouchers instead. Spencer Pratt, another candidate, promises to address homelessness and crime.

A pivotal concern for downtown advocates is public safety. The Central City Association (CCA) highlights downtown’s disproportionate share of serious crimes while backing Bass for reelection. They stress downtown’s role as an economic engine and advocate for a strategic focus on the area.

Downtown businesses face challenges with basic infrastructure. Broken sidewalks and poor lighting exacerbate safety concerns. City plans for infrastructure improvement bring some hope.

Local leaders call for public servants to return to offices, emphasizing their economic impact. High remote work levels hinder small businesses reliant on government workers. CCA requests specific budget actions, including a permanent police presence and more public safety cameras, along with street and public space maintenance.

A promising comparison is San Francisco’s revitalization. Under Mayor Daniel Lurie, the city boasts improved safety and cleanliness, thanks to targeted initiatives. Lurie led efforts to reduce homelessness and drug issues, with significant results.

San Francisco’s “Vacant to Vibrant” program revitalized abandoned spaces through grants and support, creating buzz to attract shoppers. Los Angeles seeks inspiration from this model as it’s yet to see similar growth in tech and defense industries.

As downtown businesses eagerly anticipate the election, they hope for increased focus and action. Paul Kaufman, reflecting on the situation, questioned, “The question really is, can we climb out of it?”