LOS ANGELES (November 2, 2022) – Today, Downtown Works (DTWX) released its first report showcasing how the City of Los Angeles local government (City) can leverage public-private partnerships (P3s) to deliver a world class public realm in Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA). A major livability issue, Los Angeles is ranked 71 out of 100 cities when it comes to park access, investment, acreage, amenities and equity.1 The report finds that the City is missing significant opportunities to create signature urban parks and open spaces in its city center. It offers ideas for how the City can collaborate with the private sector and communities to improve DTLA’s public realm.
The report is informed by a case study analysis of 10 successful urban parks across the nation such as Chicago’s Millennium Park, Cincinnati’s Fountain Square and New York’s The High Line. Read the report with lessons learned for DTLA here and ten national case studies here.
“Everyone, from families with children to older adults to tourists and workers, needs space to gather, to get fresh air, exercise, play and relax,” said Jessica Lall, Downtown Works Board Chair and CEO of Central City Association. “It’s exciting to think about the beautiful, world-class parks and open spaces that Angelenos could enjoy if we had stronger partnerships across the public and private sectors.”
L.A.’s lack of public open space is clear in rapidly growing DTLA where an LA County assessment found a high to very high need for parks across its neighborhoods.2 The need for parks will only increase in the future as the number of its housing units has more than quadrupled since 1999 and the current population of approximately 80,000 is projected to reach 250,000 by 2040. Many DTLA park projects including the redesign of Pershing Square and First and Broadway Park have stalled as they lack critical resources, both financial and human. Political term limits also can interfere with project timelines.
To implement and effectively coordinate P3s in DTLA, the report considers the potential roles of private and philanthropic funding and community partners. It also explores the usefulness of a downtown-focused development corporation and coordinating with DTLA’s unique cultural organizations, businesses and stakeholders. The DTLA 2040 Community Plan’s proposed community benefits system could also help create more parks and open spaces with new private development.
“Los Angeles has ambitious plans for parks that make communities more equitable and livable. Unfortunately, our government departments face many challenges like rising costs and competing priorities that can delay project deliveries. Working more collaboratively with our private and non-profit sector partners would go a long way in delivering the parks that Angelenos in Downtown and elsewhere deserve,” said Michael Shull, former General Manager of L.A. City Department of Recreation and Parks.