Posted on 04/11/2025
Dear Neighbors,
The Los Angeles City Council advanced the $2.2 billion expansion and modernization of the Convention Center on April 9, paving the way for a more prosperous local economy, with more jobs, increased revenue, and a revitalized Downtown Los Angeles.
This is a project that I have been working on for my entire time on the Council, over a decade in the making. The plan adds 190,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit hall space, more than 55,000 square feet of new meeting rooms, and over 95,000 square feet of multi-purpose space. It’s expected to generate nearly 9,000 construction jobs, 2,200 permanent jobs, and $543 million in new general fund revenue over the next 30 years.
I understand the concerns about cost—especially during a time of fiscal uncertainty—but standing still is not a strategy. Time and time again, we’ve heard that this isn’t just an infrastructure project; it’s a budget solution.
The right decisions don’t always come at the perfect time. Sometimes, they come in moments of challenge, when they’re needed most. We’ve done the work. Years of studies, and careful planning. We cannot allow fear to be our compass.
This is a world-class city. And world-class cities don’t shrink in tough times—they rise. We’ve always risen. With construction potentially starting as early as September, we’re looking at new jobs, lasting growth, and a Los Angeles ready to lead on the global stage.
The future is most certainly bright—and it starts now.
In Solidarity,
