The Los Angeles City Budget and Finance Committee held a special meeting on September 9, 2025, focusing on the urgent need for investment in the city’s convention center project. Committee members emphasized the potential economic benefits of the project, including job creation and support for local businesses and restaurants.

During the meeting, a committee member highlighted the long history of inaction surrounding the convention center initiative, noting that previous proposals have been abandoned or stalled since 2010. The member pointed out that earlier estimates for the project had reached as high as $700 million in 2016, yet no progress has been made. The current estimated cost stands at $2.5 billion, and the speaker warned that delaying action would only increase expenses without yielding any benefits.

The discussion underscored the city’s capability to manage its funds effectively to support its workforce and community. The committee members called for decisive action to move forward with the convention center project, stressing that the time for planning is over and immediate steps must be taken to realize the project’s potential.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency for action was clear, with committee members advocating for a renewed commitment to advancing the convention center initiative to benefit the local economy and community.