A Time for Renewal
The COVID-19 pandemic shook the foundation of cities across America. Businesses closed their doors. Streets once full of life and energy became quiet. Many downtowns, including my own city of Anaheim, faced uncertainty like never before. But through all the challenges, I saw something else: opportunity.
I believe deeply in the power of local leadership to bring people together, to rebuild, and to chart a new course forward. Revitalizing our downtowns isn’t just about buildings and business—it’s about restoring the heart of a community. And it starts with listening to the people who call our cities home.
Understanding What We Lost—and What We Can Reimagine
Downtowns are more than commercial hubs; they’re symbols of identity. They’re where families gather for festivals, where small businesses take root, where history and culture live side by side. When the pandemic hit, we didn’t just lose economic activity—we lost connection.
But we also gained insight. We learned how much we value walkable spaces, open-air markets, and local restaurants. We saw the importance of digital access and outdoor amenities. The key to a comeback is not just rebuilding what was there, but reimagining what’s possible.
Public-Private Partnerships: The Secret to Real Progress
One of the most effective ways to bring downtowns back to life is through public-private partnerships. In Anaheim, we’ve seen firsthand how collaboration between city leadership and private businesses can create real impact.
We worked closely with local developers, business owners, and nonprofit organizations to create mixed-use projects that combine housing, retail, and public spaces. These developments generate jobs, attract investment, and bring people back downtown—not just to work, but to live, shop, and enjoy.
When government leads with vision and partners with the private sector, we get results that benefit everyone.
Supporting Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs
No downtown is complete without its local businesses—the coffee shops, boutiques, barbershops, and restaurants that give the area character and charm. After the pandemic, many of these small businesses were on the brink.
As mayor, I focused on streamlining city services to support them. That meant simplifying permitting processes, offering rent relief programs, and providing access to grants and low-interest loans. It also meant listening to business owners about what they needed to survive and thrive.
We also encouraged pop-up markets, food truck gatherings, and cultural events that gave entrepreneurs a platform and drew crowds to downtown streets. These simple but effective ideas created momentum—and reminded people why downtown matters.
Investing in Infrastructure and Clean, Safe Spaces
A vibrant downtown must feel safe, clean, and easy to access. We prioritized street lighting, sidewalk repair, beautification projects, and increased police presence—not just for enforcement, but for building relationships in the community.
We expanded bike lanes, improved public transportation, and invested in broadband so that businesses and residents could connect with the modern economy. Infrastructure isn’t just about roads and wires—it’s about dignity. People want to feel proud of where they live and work.
Community Events Bring People Back
After a year or more of isolation, people were hungry for connection. We made it a priority to bring back family-friendly events—outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and cultural festivals that celebrated Anaheim’s rich diversity.
These events did more than entertain—they revived local pride. They also gave our small businesses new opportunities to engage customers. When people return to downtown for a positive experience, they’re more likely to keep coming back.
Listening to Residents and Adapting to New Needs
Good leadership isn’t about pushing your own ideas—it’s about listening and adapting. During the recovery process, we held community forums, sent out surveys, and visited neighborhoods to hear directly from residents.
Some told us they wanted more green spaces. Others asked for better lighting or access to parking. Some wanted more affordable housing near downtown so they could live closer to work. We took these ideas seriously and made changes based on what we heard.
Leadership means being responsive—and being willing to change course when the community speaks.
Looking Ahead: Resilience, Innovation, and Heart
Revitalizing a downtown doesn’t happen overnight. It takes persistence, partnerships, and vision. It also takes heart.
I came to this country as an immigrant, worked hard, and eventually had the privilege to serve as mayor of a great American city. That journey taught me that success comes from determination, collaboration, and never forgetting the people you serve.
Our cities—especially our downtowns—deserve that same spirit. They deserve leaders who see beyond the crisis, who believe in the comeback, and who work every day to make it real.
By putting people first, embracing innovation, and building strong partnerships, we can bring our downtowns back stronger than ever. The best days for our cities are not behind us—they’re ahead. And I’m proud to have played a part in leading that charge.