Mayor Karen Bass today launched the city's first Vacant to Vibrant program in Downtown Los Angeles, an effort to turn empty storefronts into small businesses that drive foot traffic to the area.
The program is one part of what the Mayor's Office describes as a comprehensive, community-led DTLA Revitalization Plan focused on strengthening public safety, creating cleaner and more welcoming streets and parks, activating vacant storefronts, and boosting economic activity.
At the press conference, Charlie Alston, described as a world-renowned artist, signed a lease to open a new art gallery in the Historic Core neighborhood, activating a storefront that had been closed for a decade. The lease was made possible through Broadway Spring Center and the non-profit Art/Space 114's partnership.
"Downtown is just 1% of our city's land, but it's home to more than 90,000 Angelenos and generates 30% of L.A.'s revenue. Revitalization is not optional, it's essential," said Mayor Bass. "Vacant to Vibrant is turning storefronts that have sat empty for years into thriving small businesses that will create jobs, increase foot traffic, and restore Downtown as a vibrant hub for economic, cultural, and civic life in Los Angeles."
Alongside Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, Mayor Bass is investing $500,000 from the Community Development Block Grant to launch the program in Downtown L.A. With leadership from Councilmembers John Lee and Hugo Soto-Martínez, the City Council is helping identify additional funding to take Vacant to Vibrant citywide. Assemblymember Mark González passed two state bills, recently signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, to further encourage businesses and property owners to pursue Vacant to Vibrant programs.
"Downtown has no shortage of creativity or entrepreneurial spirit," said Councilmember Ysabel Jurado. "We need to put our available spaces and resources to work so more small businesses have a chance to open their doors and succeed."
The Central City Association's non-profit, Downtown Works, will administer the program, connecting property owners with qualified small businesses. Interest forms for small businesses and property owners are now live at ccala.org/vacant-to-vibrant.
By covering initial start-up and leasing costs for small business owners, Vacant to Vibrant will activate vacant storefronts, drive new foot traffic in commercial corridors and bring new economic, cultural and civic activity in Downtown. With the program proving successful in other major cities, the launch in the Historic Core is described as a crucial first step to taking the program citywide.