Powering the DTLA Comeback
At BISNOW’s 2026 Downtown Los Angeles CRE Summit, the DTLA Alliance’s Executive Vice-President Nick Griffin moderated “Powering the DTLA Comeback,” a timely conversation with leaders from LA City Planning, DLANC, Metro, and AEG/L.A. LIVE on the partnerships, investments, and policy solutions shaping Downtown’s next chapter.
From new approaches to office-to-residential conversion, to L.A. LIVE’s renewed focus on hospitality & local programming, and Metro’s growing role in connecting people to Downtown experiences, the panel underscored what makes DTLA uniquely positioned for what’s next: density, transit, culture, infrastructure, and a community of partners committed to making the district more vibrant, welcoming, and economically viable.
Jens Midthun, President of the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council (DLANC), spoke about the growing role of DTLA’s residential community in shaping its future. That impact is certain to expand significantly, with more than 30,000 residential units in the development pipeline.
To help move those projects forward, Jane Choi, Principal City Planner and Division Manager at LA City Planning, discussed streamlined approval processes and recent policy updates. She pointed to the new DTLA2040 Community Plan, which opened more than 60% of Downtown to by-right residential development, and the updated adaptive reuse ordinance expanding the pool of buildings eligible for conversion.
Andrew Simon, General Manager of AEG’s L.A. LIVE complex, noted Downtown’s increasing role as a major events hub, now home to the Grammys, Emmys, and starting in 2029, the Oscars. He also emphasized that beyond large-scale events, consistent programming that activates the LA Live campus on days when Crypto.com Arena is dark is just as important.
Lilly O’Brien, Deputy Executive Officer at LA Metro, outlined major system investments aimed at improving access and experience across the region. A key milestone is the D Line extension to Westwood, which will directly connect Downtown and Century City. Metro is also continuing efforts to improve safety and the overall rider experience throughout the system, including a focus on station activations.
To learn about even more ways that DTLA is preparing for its future, check out our article on BISNOW’s website, “Momentum, Alignment And Action: How DTLA Is Rising Once Again”