Council advances Los Angeles Convention Center expansion after broad union and business support, public raises safety and conflict concerns

The council advanced agenda item 1 to modernize and expand the Los Angeles Convention Center after an extended public-comment period in which labor unions, business groups and downtown stakeholders endorsed the project and some residents raised safety and conflict-of-interest concerns.

Supporters framed the expansion as a jobs and economic-development opportunity. A public commenter said the project “va a crear muchos trabajos” and urged the council to back the proposal. Carlos Sicker Shiprigen, speaking in support of local small businesses, said the expansion would bring visitors and spending that benefit downtown merchants. Susan Hop, identified as “presidente encargada de DTLA Alliance,” said the downtown district needs long-term investment and noted recent protests and activity that have affected local residents and businesses.

The nut graf: Speakers from unions including a representative for Local 36 and IBW Local Eleven told the council the expansion would create union construction jobs and…