We caught up with Executive Director of the Historic Core Bid of Downtown Los Angeles – Blair Besten. If you’re lucky you might catch her too. She’s regularly spotted advocating for change while pushing a baby stroller around the Historic Core in DTLA. Did I mention her little boy might be the smartest toddler in the known universe? It’s seriously kinda scary.
Blair has achieved several strides of tireless successes for our DTLA community – our hats off to her! Whatever her secret sauce, we’re sure it’s a little more complicated than even that.
Blair Besten & the DTLA Safety Team
How long have you lived in Downtown Los Angeles?
Lived here since before my son was born. Worked here for over 16 years — specifically in the Historic Core and Skid Row since 2003.
What are your thoughts on how quickly DTLA is changing, and is it really for the better?
In some ways yes, in some ways no. We are finally getting the density and night activation worthy of the 2nd largest city in the Nation–but we are seeing homelessness increase and an increase in crime and the mentally ill. If this serves as an awareness that leads to resolution, then “it gets worse before it gets better” hopefully applies here.
Do you agree, that as a community, we need to acknowledge that the homeless and transient population appears to be growing at a reckless pace?
Yes. And we also need to acknowledge that the old policy of containment in Downtown LA (out of sight out of mind) is a national disaster. Fair Share should be implemented and services and housing should be offered countywide. It will improve conditions for the community and also improve the chances that someone suffering from addiction and mental illness will be better served, and removed from the centralized narcotics/non profit industrial complex.
More reported violent acts are pushing into the Historic Core daily. Do you think locals will continue to endure the practical realities that Skid Row isn’t going anywhere?
I don’t think we should endure anything. I think we should cooperate with each other as agents for change. The only way anyone on the streets of Downtown has real hope, is if the community at large gets involved in the solutions. It’s more than volunteering to serve on Thanksgiving. It’s about advocating for changes that will better serve a very vulnerable and neglected community. It’s about banging the drum. Until we do that, violence and crime will grow, and homelessness will continue to increase.
Do you own or rent?
At present I am a renter. I have been a both a homeowner and a landlord in the past.
Mural on the SB Tower in the Historic Core DTLA
What are your favorite local spots for dining and relaxing?
Thankfully, the choices are growing. I tend to favor my district and the great bars and restaurants there. Bar Amá is great for Tex Mex. Cole’s makes a great old fashioned. 464 has great burgers and booths that are great for containing toddlers. Being able to walk to and from dinner is super sexy. And getting to know the owners and staff is part of the beautiful community feel. But there are some exciting places in the Arts District, as well and occasionally I venture over there.
What was your first job and how long did you keep it?
I worked for an attorney with a scary temper. He never took it out on me, but as a witness it had a profound effect. But the pay at the time was fantastic. And I learned so much about office culture and law practice. It was meticulous work and he expected perfection. It made me pay attention to detail. Occasionally, he would have me babysit for his son. He’d pay $20 per hour and back then that was an insane amount of money. I worked at his firm for two summers and never called in sick. It definitely started me off at 15 with a wicked sharp sense of professionalism. I’m truly grateful for the experience.
From left to right Councilmember Jose Huizar, Brian Lee, and Blair Besten
How and why did you transition your career into the Historic Core Bid of Downtown Los Angeles?
Long story short I was in the right place at the right time. And I had tremendous relationships in the area — I’m not sure they knew what I was capable of, but I had construction, development, management, and community service experience. I also had a working knowledge of acquisitions, escrow, affordable and market rate housing. And I had relationships with folks at the City. Looking back, I was the only one for the job at the time. It was a perfect fit.
When did you discover your passion for the DTLA community?
It was almost instantaneous. I’m a sucker for a challenge. And I wanted to live in NYC but couldn’t afford it out of college. When I saw the Historic Core — the architecture blew me away. I never knew I cared so much about buildings and history until I came here. And got to know the people who had been here for a long time, and the new people focused and excited with the growth of Downtown. I fit right in. And we got to work at a tremendous time. I count myself very, very lucky.
Tell us about the process of launching Historic Core Bid of Downtown Los Angeles.
Well, I can’t speak to the launching of the HCBID per se because I was not here. It’s been established since 1998. Property owners decide to tax themselves additional dollars to cover services that the city doesn’t provide to the level of their satisfaction. This gap must be common, because BIDs are worldwide. It’s public funds because the owners vote and are invoiced on their county property tax bill. Thankfully, we do much more than anyone could do with just $1.7 million. I cannot imagine what the same level of services would cost through a government agency.
Blair Besten dedicated to a safer and cleaner DTLA
What’s the mission behind Historic Core Bid of Downtown Los Angeles – in your own words?
The mission is to facilitate a cleaner, safer, and more positively activated community for those who live, work, and visit.
If we had the chance to peek at your schedule, what would an average day look like?
Oh there is no average day — and that’s why I love it. It’s completely self-wound. I can tell you that I have meetings mapped out but get stopped along the way. I walk everywhere. It’s how I stay on top of things.
How do you see Historic Core Bid of Downtown Los Angeles evolving?
I hope that we will continue to grow with our district, and continue to both listen to the needs of the community and facilitate the community to give back to itself.
What has been the most valuable thing you’ve learned about business since launching Historic Core Bid of Downtown Los Angeles?
Wow. Everything. When you are in charge you get both the credit and the blame. I’ve learned that when I don’t write things down, it can get lost. I have a lot of notebooks laying around.
Historic Core of Downtown Los Angeles – District Boundaries
How have you overcome obstacles and stayed driven?
Take each day. Focus on the prize. Stay in touch with compassion. At the end of the day, when love drives you, you can’t go wrong. I love what I do. I love the community. And I love the opportunity to in some way make a difference.
Many people struggle to turn their passions into careers. What advice would you give them.
Listen to yourself. If you aren’t giving it 110% are you sure it’s what you want to be doing? We can have 5 careers in us in a lifetime. So just because you went to law school (or didn’t) or studied theater in college (or didn’t) doesn’t mean you cannot pursue something new. And when you are excited but have that deep gut-wrenching fear in your belly, push on. You are probably on the right track and the growth you will feel will be the best high you have ever had.
Blair Besten
Historic Core Business Improvement District
209-211 W 5th St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
If you’re interested in buying or selling a residential condo or loft in Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) I’m a local Realtor, and it would be my privilege to have a chat.
Realtor Downtown Los Angeles
I’m a local real estate agent with The Shelhamer Real Estate Group, and It would be my pleasure to help you find the perfect property to call home in Downtown Los Angeles, or if you’re thinking about selling a house, condo, or multi-family building in, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Glassell Park, Mount Washington, or Downtown Los Angeles, it would be a privilege to help you get top dollar for the sale of your property.
Let’s chat sometime. 310-913-9477 or contact me
