Throughout the mid-to-late 20th century, West Adams, like many communities of color in Los Angeles, experienced cycles of disinvestment, redlining, and economic neglect. In the 1940s and 1950s, as racially restrictive covenants were lifted, Black families moved into the area, making it a hub of Black culture and success. However, by the 1960s and 1970s, policies such as redlining and urban renewal projects, including freeway construction (such as the 10 Freeway cutting through the heart of the neighborhood), disrupted the community, displacing residents and shuttering businesses.

Image Courtesy of the West Adams Heritage Association

Construction of the Santa Monica Freeway divided neighborhoods and displaced residents. Here, work continues on the freeway southwest of Downtown L.A. Courtesy of the Los Angeles Examiner Collection, USC Libraries.

The 1992 Los Angeles Uprising further impacted the neighborhood, leading to widespread property damage and a loss of commercial investment. Over time, the decline of manufacturing jobs, lack of city reinvestment, and discriminatory lending practices left many local businesses struggling or forced to close, creating an economic downturn that persisted for years. Despite these obstacles, the spirit of West Adams never wavered. Community members and business owners continued to advocate for reinvestment, equitable development, and a future that honored the neighborhood’s rich history while ensuring growth for the generations to come.

One of the efforts resulted in the West Adams Business Improvement District (WABID). The BID was established in 2021 as a tool to reclaim and revitalize a small though vital commercial section of the West Adams neighborhood. By investing in cleanliness, safety, beautification, and business support, the BID works to foster an environment where local businesses can thrive, jobs can be created, and the community can flourish. We recognize that economic revitalization is not just about infrastructure—it’s about uplifting the people who make West Adams what it is.

The BID is rooted in the belief that honoring the past means building a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future. By supporting local businesses, attracting responsible investment, and ensuring that West Adams remains a hub of culture, innovation, and opportunity, we aim to carry forward the legacy of those who came before us.

As we move forward, we invite you—business owners, residents, and visitors—to be part of this journey. Together, through the WABID, we can continue to celebrate and strengthen this historic district for generations to come.