Part I - DLANC Candidates for South Park Views, Interests

         Nine candidates running for 3 seats for a South Park resident position on the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council (DLANC) were asked to contribute answers to the following questions. Their answers are as submitted – no edits.

         Also, add to your calendar, South Park Neighborhood Association (SPNA) will host a Candidate Meet & Greet on Sunday, April 6 from 2-4 pm at Audiograph on the patio on 12th at Olive. Meet the candidates and enjoy award-winning brews from Audiograph.

(1) What are the top 3 South Park issues that you believe need the most attention from DLANC? List the issues and explain in one sentence.  

Noreen Ahmed

Community - For many reasons, South Park feels disconnected, and it would be beautiful to see stronger collaboration among neighbors who may not know the ways their lives interconnect with the people nearby. I think consistent town halls and events can ramp up engagement. I envision a town hall that uses music and culture to disarm and make it easier for people with various views to find their commonalities.

Enterprise - While one of the things I love about living here are the small business vendors, I’d love for more local businesses to have a chance to thrive in the shuttered store fronts lining the blocks in this neighborhood. Honestly, there is a lot I have to learn to understand what could sustainably bring life to those brick and mortars and how DLANC could advocate for it. More immediately, however, I think creative and fun events can bring in more business.

Consistent Service Provider Outreach - I have been grateful to see bike patrols show up quickly when someone was bleeding profusely, but there is opportunity for greater and more consistent outreach to assist vulnerable populations. The more we can advocate not just for more outreach roles, but also for proper pay, training, and support, the more effective and sustainable those networks will be. As someone in social services, I know a lot still needs to happen to strengthen these types of roles, which in turn, will have an impact in maintaining support for vulnerable people.

Elis Lee

Public Safety & Clean Streets – Addressing crime, sidewalk obstructions, and unhoused encampments to create a safer, cleaner, and more walkable neighborhood by expanding clean-up programs, waste management initiatives, and business improvement district (BID) resources to maintain unobstructed and well-maintained public spaces.

Sustainable Development & Green Space – Advocating for responsible growth that prioritizes public parks, pedestrian-friendly streets, and environmentally sustainable infrastructure by pushing for green rooftop initiatives, urban gardens, and increased tree coverage to improve air quality and provide much-needed shade.

Small Business & Community Engagement – Supporting local businesses and fostering stronger communication between residents, businesses, and DLANC by advocating for streamlined city permitting processes

 Amy Mack

Public Safety: Increased crime, insufficient street lighting and slow emergency response times threaten residents' well-being and must be addressed through proactive community partnerships and city resources.

Affordable Housing & Responsible Development: As new developments rise, we need policies that protect renters, ensure equitable housing opportunities and support small businesses for South Park to remain an inclusive place to live.

Public Space & Infrastructure: More green spaces, clean streets and pedestrian-friendly design are essential for a livable and thriving South Park.

Donald Vincent

The top three South Park issues that need the most attention from DLANC are public safety, retaining local businesses, and preservation of the neighborhood’s character. Our community is diverse and vibrant and to uphold its integrity, attention to these three issues help maintain the quality of life in South Park.

(2) How will you keep in touch with the residents of South Park you represent to learn their interests/needs and to share the work of DLANC? 

Noreen Ahmen 

Along with actively responding to my DLANC email and maybe digging 1-2 social media accounts out of their graves to share about events/major updates, as mentioned, I am a huge proponent of town halls and community events, which I hope to make happen frequently in South Park. If there's enough interest, I can help ensure there's a committee that meets on this side of town.

Elis Lee

How I Will Stay in Touch With South Park Residents:

I will stay engaged through monthly community meetings, direct outreach via email and in-person events, and by working with local news and media agencies to provide consistent updates about neighborhood developments and DLANC initiatives. Los Angeles thrives when its communities are informed and empowered, and South Park deserves a strong, engaged voice in shaping its future. That’s why I am committed to collaborating with local news outlets and writing regular columns that not only keep residents aware of key issues but also inspire action, foster dialogue, and ensure that South Park remains a dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking part of our city.

Amy Mack

I'll make sure South Park updates and DLANC initiatives are included in our monthly newsletter and will host regular meetings where residents can voice their concerns and stay informed.

Donald Vincent

I will stay connected with South Park residents through weekly visits to the farmers market and biweekly coffee chats at rotating local coffee shops. Additionally, I am always accessible by email to hear concerns from constituents. I encourage my neighbors to participate in DLANC meetings and share public comments to ensure their voices are heard.

(3) Which DLANC committees are you most interested in serving on (or would you add a new committee you think is needed)? Why – in one sentence per committee - you are interested in this committee. 

Noreen Ahmed

After joining DLANC in January, I am already part of the Urban Issues and Resources Committee, which speaks to my background in homelessness and desire to help leaders with lived experience to engage in local government. 

I am also interested in joining the Budget Committee, which has the most insight on ways to use neighborhood council funds on meaningful local initiatives.

I would like to join the Outreach and Communications Committee since they are best tailored to build community engagement and dialogue between the public and local officials. I think this committee can tap into creating more connection to South Park. As mentioned previously, I am open to advocating for a committee that meets in South Park if there's enough interest.

Elis Lee

Planning & Land Use Committee – To advocate for responsible development that enhances livability, prioritizes green space, and ensures community-driven growth by pushing for sustainable zoning policies, encouraging mixed-use developments with affordable housing, and holding developers accountable for integrating public spaces and environmentally friendly infrastructure.

Livability Committee – To improve walkability, street safety, and cleanliness, making South Park a more enjoyable place to live and work by expanding pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, increasing lighting and public safety measures, supporting street beautification projects, and enhancing waste management and clean-up initiatives.

Foreign & Domestic Affairs Committee – To strengthen South Park’s role as a globally connected hub while ensuring local policies reflect the diverse needs of residents, businesses, and international stakeholders by advocating for inclusive economic development, supporting small businesses and international investments, and fostering cultural and business exchanges that position South Park as a thriving global community.

Amy Mack

Urban Issues & Resources Committee: To push for better infrastructure, improved public safety and expanded resources that directly benefit South Park residents.

Foreign and Domestic Affairs Committee: To make sure international investments and federal policies benefit our community rather than price people out.

Planning & Land Use Committee: To advocate for responsible development that prioritizes community needs and equitable housing policies that balances growth with the needs of residents and local businesses.

Donald Vincent

My primary interest is in the Livability Committee, and I make it a priority to attend meetings or review meeting notes when I’m unable to be there. Since awareness and communication are essential for South Park residents, I also plan to serve on the Outreach and Communication Committee to strengthen community representation, engagement, and transparency. 

1.    What are the qualities that you will bring to the work DLANC does? One sentence explanation for each – no more than 3 qualities. 

Noreen Ahmed

Vision - Through my work and background in public policy, I think a lot about how the neighborhood council system can better bring people together and work in step to influence the greater municipalities that deeply impact our lives.

Joy - We live in a stressful time and while most things government-related invoke gloom, I am in a place in my life where I know how to find the fun and connection in this work while still taking it seriously.

Understanding - I stand firmly on my beliefs, but I also know that these beliefs are splintered if I am not actively listening and learning from those who oppose my views.

Elis Lee

1.    Bridge-Builder – Los Angeles is a city of diverse voices and boundless potential, and I believe in the power of bringing people together—residents, businesses, and city leaders—to find real solutions that strengthen South Park and create a more connected, thriving community for all.

2.    Clear and Effective Communication – Transparency is key to building trust, and I will ensure that South Park remains at the forefront of conversations shaping Downtown LA’s future by keeping the community informed, engaged, and empowered to take action on issues that matter.

3.    Deep Government Experience – With a career spanning municipal to international government, I understand how to navigate policy, push legislation forward, secure project funding, and leverage the budget system to ensure South Park receives the resources it needs to thrive.

Amy Mack

Qualities I Bring:

1.    Effective Communicator & Mediator: I have experience navigating diverse perspectives and facilitating conversations that lead to practical solutions.

2.    Skilled Negotiator: I know how to bring people together, balance differing interests and work towards compromises that benefit all parties involved.

3.    Strong Advocacy Skills: I will leverage my experience in communication and community engagement to ensure South Park's needs are represented and addressed.

Donald Vincent

Qualities that I will bring to my work with DLANC are strong communicating, community support, and advocating for the arts.

By Debra Shrout