The city of Los Angeles doesn’t have a singular identity — our vast metropolis is stitched together by highways and boulevards that connect over 100 unique neighborhoods. In the middle of this vast decentralization, we find Downtown Los Angeles: an almost 6-square-mile hub for transit, cultural landmarks, government offices, sports and entertainment venues, arts and culture institutions, world-renowned restaurants, and more.

Downtown’s economic and residential significance in the city is clear: it generates nearly 32% of key sources of annual unrestricted revenue, and accounts for nearly 30% of all new multifamily units built in the city since 2004.

And yet, we are utterly failing Downtown. Because this neighborhood contributes so significantly to our city’s revenue and new housing, we’re shortchanging all Angelenos.

Los Angeles faces multiple crises: January’s wildfires, a sluggish economy, a billion-dollar budget deficit, and uncertainty around national tariff policies. But Downtown’s neglect predates this moment. The so-called graffiti towers, which have stood in this state for years, offer a visual representation of that.

The Central City Association (CCA), representing over 300 members, is committed to reversing this decline but cannot do so alone. We need decision-makers to prioritize a revitalized city center. Though no single fix, three areas of focus would help spur Downtown’s turnaround: employee return, increased public safety, and targeted tourism investments.

Downtown Los Angeles is losing its status as the city’s central business district. Remote work and closed offices have reduced weekday daytime foot traffic, shuttering the small businesses that relied on that patronage. The public sector plays a significant role. Before the pandemic, 48,000 municipal employees clustered around Downtown’s Civic Center—no more with elusive and inconsistent in-office work policies. This year, Governor Newsom established a four-day in-person work mandate for state employees. It’s time for the city and county of Los Angeles to match that commitment.

Public safety concerns compound the challenge of foot traffic. News headlines regularly highlight vandalism and violence, including street takeovers, horrific murders, and a lack of basic security on transit systems. Just last week, a disturbing incident struck close to home for many: an employee from the beloved DTLA institution Bottega Louie was seriously injured in a brutal machete attack while walking home from a shift. These incidents further diminish Downtown’s appeal, enabling more such incidents. LAPD Central Division, which covers much of Downtown, had approximately 400 officers before the pandemic, and those numbers have now been halved. We must see a return of critically needed public safety resources.

Tourism is the lifeblood of the Los Angeles economy, and with the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics approaching, Downtown should be a vibrant gateway to showcase L.A. globally. One promising investment is the proposed expansion of the Los Angeles Convention Center, which is currently smaller than those in Fresno or Reno. A modernized facility creates thousands of new jobs – both during construction and permanent from convention business – boosts hotel revenue, sustains businesses across the region, and breathes new life into Downtown as we prepare for international events.

What we see now is a vicious cycle: without a thriving business environment, jobs vanish; without jobs, communities falter; without new housing, rents soar; and when safety is neglected, we lose the freedom to enjoy our city’s core and the benefits it provides our far-reaching metropolis.

Downtown is a canary in a coal mine gasping for air. If our leaders don’t act, we’re not just losing a neighborhood. We’re losing the heart of Los Angeles itself.

Nella McOsker is president and CEO of Central City Association, which represents the interests of over 300 businesses, trade associations, and nonprofits from a broad range of industries.