CD1 Open For Business
CD1 Open for Business is an action plan, not just an overview. It will make District 1 the easiest place in Los Angeles to run, grow, and launch a small business, with clear support that moves faster and actually solves problems. It will serve every kind of District 1 local entrepreneur: legacy storefronts, existing neighborhood businesses, new openings, solo operators, and the new wave of digital and work-from-home businesses.
When small businesses thrive, residents benefit too through more local jobs, more services close to home, and safer, cleaner commercial corridors that feel active again.
So, what is CD1 Open For Business?
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What it is
A clear front door to City Hall for small businesses in District 1. You will have one place to start, a real response, and a team that helps you navigate the steps and keep things moving.The problem we are fixing
Too many owners lose time and money to confusion, delays, and getting bounced around. When the process is unclear, small businesses pay the price.Why it matters
When City Hall becomes predictable and responsive, entrepreneurs can focus on customers, hiring, and growth.What you will see
A simple intake process with tracked follow-up
Help with permits, licensing, inspections, zoning, and fees
Corridor walks to spot issues early and solve them faster
Escalation when something stalls
What this unlocks
Less waiting, less guessing, and a district where people feel confident investing in their business and their neighborhood. -
What it is
Hands-on support to help businesses attract customers and modernize operations, whether you run a storefront or a business from home. This includes practical clinics plus a resource library in multiple languages.The problem we are fixing
Many businesses are great at what they do, but the marketplace changed. Visibility is now survival, and too many owners are forced to guess their way through digital.Why it matters
When local businesses level up digitally, they get more customers, stronger revenue, and more stability for workers and families.What you will see
Clinics that produce real outcomes, not just advice
Clear tracks for storefront businesses and solo or digital operators
Multi-language guides and templates that remove barriers
What this unlocks
A modern small business community that can compete, grow, and keep up with how people actually shop and discover businesses today. -
What it is
A shop-local rewards program that makes it easy and exciting for residents to support District 1 businesses, increasing foot traffic and local revenue.The problem we are fixing
Small businesses are competing against chains, online shopping, and rising costs. Even when residents want to shop local, there is no system that makes it consistent.Why it matters
More local spending keeps storefronts open, supports jobs, and brings energy back to our corridors.What you will see
A simple pilot that is easy to understand and use
Clear and fair eligibility rules for businesses
Transparent design that prevents favoritism and abuse
What this unlocks
More vibrant corridors and a stronger neighborhood economy where residents feel proud to keep their dollars local.
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What it is
Support for long-standing neighborhood businesses to modernize, stay competitive, and remain community anchors, while honoring the identity they provide to District 1.The problem we are fixing
Legacy businesses often get celebrated after they close instead of supported while they are still fighting to survive rising costs and changing habits.Why it matters
When legacy businesses stay strong, neighborhoods keep their character, families keep their jobs, and residents keep the places they love.What you will see
Modernization help for digital presence and operations
Storefront improvements tied to safety and visibility
A fair process for nominations and support
What this unlocks
A district that holds onto what makes it special while giving long-standing businesses the tools to thrive in the modern economy. -
What it is
A program to activate vacant storefronts with temporary, lower-barrier opportunities for entrepreneurs to test ideas and build real demand.The problem we are fixing
Empty storefronts drain energy from corridors and make streets feel less safe. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs often cannot risk a long lease without proving demand.Why it matters
Pop-ups bring life back fast, create reasons to visit, and can turn vacancy into permanent business success.What you will see
Partnerships with willing property owners
Simple short-term opportunities that are realistic to launch
Corridor activations that support surrounding businesses
A pathway from pop-up to permanent tenancy
What this unlocks
More activity, more discovery, and streets that feel alive again, with new local businesses getting a real shot. -
What it is
A focused effort to make commercial corridors cleaner, safer, and more active through lighting, rapid reporting, coordinated cleanups, and walking officer visibility where appropriate.The problem we are fixing
Too many people avoid certain corridors because they feel unsafe or neglected. Businesses lose foot traffic, workers feel exposed, and families stop spending time locally.Why it matters
Cleaner, safer corridors increase foot traffic, strengthen local commerce, and improve daily quality of life.What you will see
Faster follow-up on corridor issues
Better coordination on cleaning and maintenance
Lighting and visibility improvements where needed
Walking officer visibility (Foot Beat) where appropriate
What this unlocks
Corridors where families feel comfortable, workers feel supported, and businesses can count on consistent customer traffic again.
Why This Works
CD1 Open for Business is built on proven, measurable economic levers. This is why the plan is more than good intentions.
1) Shopping local multiplies dollars in the neighborhood
Multiple studies have found that locally owned businesses recirculate far more of every dollar back into the local economy than big chains. One widely cited analysis found that $100 spent at local independent businesses generated about $45 in local spending, compared with about $14 when spent at a big-box chain. That is a major difference in how much money stays closer to home.
2) Local restaurants have an even bigger impact
Research summarized in the same body of work has found that eating at a local restaurant produces more than twice the local economic impact of dining at a chain. When you support a local spot, you are supporting local jobs, local vendors, and local reinvestment.
3) Convenience programs can create real, repeat behavior
Buy-local campaigns work best when they are easy and habitual. “Local multiplier” education and incentive models commonly report that dollars spent locally can recirculate 2 to 4 times more than dollars spent at non-local companies, because more of the spending flows through local payroll, local suppliers, and local ownership.
4) Safer, cleaner corridors are economic development
Studies reviewing Business Improvement District-style “clean and safe” investments consistently find reductions in crime and disorder. In Los Angeles research on Business Improvement Districts, implementation has been associated with measurable reductions including around 12% fewer robberies and around 8% less violent crime in studied areas. When corridors feel safer and cleaner, foot traffic follows.
5) Remove friction, then add momentum
Strong local economies are not built on slogans. They are built on execution. This plan removes the friction that slows small businesses down, like confusing processes, delays, and lack of follow-through. Then it adds momentum through modernization, corridor activation, local spending incentives, and cleaner, safer commercial areas. That combination is what turns “shop local” into real growth you can see on the street.