It took two years, but a JEDI zone economic incentive district recently won approval from the Los Angeles City Council for a commercial stretch of Pacific Avenue in San Pedro.
The Jobs and Economic Development Incentive Zone will provide economic development incentives to support and expand local businesses, stimulate job growth and attract new industries to the area, said District 15 Councilmember Tim McOsker.
“Pacific Avenue is home to many great businesses and also so much unrealized potential,” said McOsker, who sponsored the motion and has long been a supporter of the JEDI Zones. “Pacific Avenue was once a thriving hub of small businesses, where people could shop and dine, but it has faced hard times. By establishing this area as a JEDI Zone, I’m looking forward to working with the Economic and Workforce Development Department and the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce to revitalize this corridor and invest directly in our local business community.”
The zone, which received City Council approval last week, will run along Pacific Avenue from First to 14th streets, bordering the port town’s historic downtown area.
Council District 15 is now the only on with three JEDI Zones: Pacific Avenue in San Pedro, Wilmington Avenue in Watts and Avalon Boulevard in Wilmington.
The Economic and Workforce Development Department conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the proposed Pacific Avenue Corridor JEDI Zone to assess economic conditions and recommend business incentives that will support local development, according to information provided by McOsker’s council office.
Currently, 171 businesses operate within the newly designated JEDI Zone, spanning industries such as retail, automotive services, restaurants and personal care services.
Elise Swanson, president and CEO of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, called it a “true game changer for downtown San Pedro.”
The zone designation, she said in a written statement, “brings investment and powerful tools to uplift this historic commercial corridor, attracting residents and visitors to Pacific Avenue for shopping and dining.”
All three of San Pedro’s neighborhood councils supported the effort, the chamber said.
The zone, which provides assistance to business owners to improve the district and kick-start the economy, will remain in effect for an initial period of five years, but could potentially be extended another five years. The EWDD oversees implementation and coordinates services to maximize economic opportunities for local businesses.
Under the zone designation, Pacific Avenue businesses will have access to resources and support through the Business Source Center to help local businesses.