BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

Chloe Shipp, LPM

Progressive Urban Management Associates

Vice President

Suzanne Holley

DTLA Alliance

2nd Vice President

John Caner

Downtown Berkeley Association

Secretary

Andrew Thomas, LPM

Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.

Treasurer

Andrew Robinson

The East Cut

Immediate Past President

Austin Metoyer

Downtown Long Beach Alliance

Membership Chair

Kathy Hemmenway

Walnut Creek Downtown

Marketing Chair

Mackenzie Carter, LPM

The Hollywood Partnership

Legislative Chair

Jameson Parker

Midtown Association Sacramento

AT-LARGE DIRECTORS

Chip

Block by Block

Elliott Balch

Downtown Fresno Partnership

Perty Grissett

StreetPlus

Savlan Hauser

Jack London District Oakland

Rena Masten Leddy, LPM

Urban Place Consulting Group

Christian Martin

Ocean Avenue Association

Eleni Polakoff

Venice Beach BID

Anthony Rodriguez

LA Fashion District

Marisa Rodriguez

Union Square Alliance

Brian Wallace

Pasadena Village Association

IN THE NEWS

501 Broadway project tops out as the city’s downtown drive for density continues

Santa Monica Daily Press

Construction has reached its highest point at 501 Broadway, where developer Tishman Speyer is building an eight-story, mixed-use complex that is set to deliver nearly 90 new apartments and more retail to Downtown Santa Monica.

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Columbia's Downtown District proposes new safety barriers for events. How they work

Columbia Daily Tribune

The Downtown Community Improvement District aims to improve downtown event safety. To do this, it is considering some new safety bollards for deployment at events.

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Assemblymember Diane Papan Legislation to Unlock California’s Next Generation of Geothermal Energy Approved by the State Assembly

Sierra Sun Times

Legislation to accelerate California’s clean energy transition authored by Assemblymember Diane Papan has been approved by the California State Assembly. The bill, Assembly Bill 527, will remove bureaucratic roadblocks for exploratory geothermal energy projects that meet strict environmental standards.

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Innovative parks aren’t just bold urban design—they lower the temperature in cities

Fast Company Premium

Parks like the High Line have a dramatic effect on the temperature of the city around them.

READ MORE

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Letter from President of the Board, Chloe Shipp

As practitioners and place managers, we understand that downtowns are the civic commons of our communities— places where public discourse happens and where people gather to make their voices heard. As we’ve seen time and again, downtowns are often the stage for democracy in action.

We recognize the vital role urban place management organizations play—not only in upholding the right to free expression, but also in ensuring these gatherings remain safe, respectful and inclusive. You help restore shared spaces with care, often in the quiet hours after the crowd has dispersed. In these moments, your work is essential—balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders with empathy, preparedness and an unwavering commitment to community.

For those downtowns currently in the national spotlight—we see you, and we stand with you. These moments can be both inspiring and challenging. Please know you are not alone. CDA is here to offer support, guidance and solidarity as you navigate the complexities of public safety, free speech and community stewardship.

Downtowns are everyone’s neighborhood. They are where stories begin, ideas take root and communities come together. Thank you for the passion, resilience and leadership you bring to this work. Together, we will continue shaping downtowns that thrive, are inclusive and ready to meet the moment—not just today, but for generations to come.



Sincerely,

Chloe Shipp, LPM

CDA President

Vice President & West Coast Lead (P.U.M.A.)

Government Affairs Report by Jason Bryant

State Budget: Initial Version Passed, Major Decisions Delayed

Last week, the State Legislature approved a $325 billion budget plan following several weeks of committee hearings and debate over Governor Newsom’s May Revision. Rather than making deep cuts, lawmakers relied heavily on borrowing, fund shifts and payment deferrals to preserve funding for key areas such as higher education, immigrant health care, public transit and other social programs.

However, several critical issues remain unresolved—most notably, homelessness funding. Negotiations between the Governor and legislative leaders are underway ahead of the June 27 deadline for the Governor to sign or veto the budget. Given ongoing uncertainty at the federal level—particularly regarding potential funding reductions—it is likely that a special budget session will be needed later this year to address shortfalls and finalize priorities.

CDA Legislative Priorities Advance

May marked a key legislative deadline—when all bills must pass out of their house of origin—and we’re pleased to report that nearly all CDA-supported bills have successfully advanced and are now being considered by policy committees in the opposite house.

CDA remains actively engaged with bill authors, sponsors and legislative staff to ensure these proposals continue to move forward. Below are several CDA priority bills making progress:

• AB 342 (Haney) – Extended Alcohol Service Hours: Beginning January 1, 2026, this bill would allow alcohol sales until 4:00 a.m. on select days, provided establishments obtain an extended service license. Implementation is contingent upon local governments adopting ordinances that designate eligible zones and assess community impacts.

• AB 507 (Haney) – Adaptive Reuse Streamlining: This measure streamlines the approval process for converting existing buildings—particularly older or historic structures—into housing. Qualifying projects must meet affordability requirements, including set-asides for lower-income households, and would be permitted in all zones under specified criteria.

• AB 592 (Gabriel) – Outdoor Dining Permanency: AB 592 eliminates the current sunset on COVID-era outdoor dining flexibility and makes it permanent. It also allows restaurants with open kitchens to operate spaces that include open windows, folding doors or non-fixed storefronts during business hours, enhancing customer experience and operational flexibility.

• AB 609 (Wicks) – CEQA Reform for Housing: This bill creates a CEQA exemption for housing projects that comply with local zoning laws and are located in environmentally sustainable areas. It would significantly reduce legal risk and uncertainty for infill housing projects—an important step toward accelerating housing production in urban areas.

CDA will continue monitoring developments and advocating for policies that support vibrant, resilient and economically strong downtowns across California. Please reach out if you have questions or would like to engage further on specific bills.