DTLA Struggles to Spark Global Vibrancy, Survey Finds
Gensler’s 2026 City Pulse survey ranks Downtown Los Angeles near the bottom for vibrancy, with about 65% of residents calling DTLA vibrant—20th-worst globally and 11th-worst in the U.S. The report links the decline to post-pandemic office departures, high vacancies (roughly 40% of Financial District office space empty; 30% retail vacant), and safety concerns that deter lingering crowds. Officials say revitalizing vibrancy hinges on bringing workers back, filling ground-floor spaces, and improving streetscape perception of safety and activity.