Corruption Investigations Sullies L.A.'s Downtown Development Success Story

Bombshell revelations about an FBI investigation into corruption and conspiracy in Los Angeles City Hall made the news recently. At the center of the story is development financing from Chinese companies.

2 minute read

January 16, 2019, 9:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Wilshire Grand

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"The rapid transformation of downtown Los Angeles’ skyline is being fueled in good measure by huge investments from Chinese companies eager to burnish their global brands and capitalize on L.A.’s real estate boom," report Emily Alpert Reyes and David Zahniser. "Now some of those projects have become a focus of federal agents seeking evidence of possible bribery, extortion, money laundering and other crimes as part of a corruption investigation at City Hall."

The details of a federal investigation into corruption connected to foreign investment in downtown development projects were revealed by a search warrant made public late last week.

"Among those named are executives of Chinese firms bankrolling two ambitious downtown projects that would result in three new towers on Figueroa Street. Investigators are also seeking records about L.A. development projects involving other foreign investors, including firms with large-scale hotel and residential projects in downtown," according to Reyes and Zahniser.

On the other side of the equation, "federal investigators are seeking records related not only to [Councilmember Jose] Huizar but also other City Hall officials, including Councilman Curren Price and current or former aides to Huizar, Council President Herb Wesson and Mayor Eric Garcetti.

A follow up article by Reyes and Garcetti digs into the possibility that the investigation will have political consequences for the offices named in the warrant.

For perspective on the ongoing transformation of Downtown Los Angeles, here's a few relevant selections from the Planetizen archives.

Monday, January 14, 2019 in Los Angeles Times

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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