Strategy in Action

The Cultural Eco-District was established in 2013 in response to increased development pressures stemming from the development of new office buildings and redevelopment projects in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. This development poses major threats to the quality of life for residents, viability of local small businesses, and the cultural character of this 130-year- old neighborhood. As a result, the Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) and the Little Tokyo Community Council held a three-day charette with over 200 residents to envision the future of Little Tokyo, which created the Sustainable Little Tokyo (SLT) vision and plan to ensure the neighborhood’s economic, environmental and cultural livelihood. An updated version of SLT in 2017 includes the following priorities for supporting small businesses, which are central to Little Tokyo’s identity: Provide rent support and mitigation for small businesses; create funds and resources to support renovations and improvements to existing businesses; and establish community land trusts for temporary leases for commercial space.