City Council approves negotiation step for Los Angeles Convention Center modernization; key amendments pass

The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday voted to advance negotiations on a phased modernization and expansion of the Los Angeles Convention Center, approving several amendments designed to reduce city risk and require more detailed cost and revenue work before a final project agreement is presented to the council.

The council authorized staff to continue negotiating a finalized project agreement and to seek a firm fixed price from the developer APCLA, while approving an amended set of conditions that require value engineering, revenue enhancements and stronger protections for the city’s general fund. Council members approved three amending motions (13A, 13C and 13E) and adopted the economic development committee report as amended. One amendment (13B) failed and another (13D) was withdrawn.

Why it matters: The modernization aims to expand continuous exhibition space and modernize facilities to attract the largest national and international conventions. Proponents say the project will create construction and permanent jobs and generate new revenue for city services; opponents warned of large long-term debt service and potential impacts…