The partnership will promote cultural tourism and transit.
By Cynthia Gibson
Metro has partnered with Leimert Park Village, Inc. to implement a comprehensive three-part plan aimed at increasing transit ridership and fostering cultural tourism. As part of Metro’s economic development program to prevent displacement and promote commercial stabilization, Leimert Park Village, Inc. was awarded a Visionary Seed Fund Grant.
“Leimert Park is a hub of cultural identity, with businesses specializing in ethnic arts, crafts, and foods,” said Michelle Banks-Ordone, Senior Director of Transit-Oriented Communities. “By capitalizing on these cultural assets, we can draw people into the community—not only to learn more about it but also to support the local economy by spending their dollars here.”
The economic development program—spearheaded by Leimert Park Village, Inc. board member Sherri Franklin—encompasses a culturally centered economic tourism plan, a micro-entrepreneur pop-up kiosk on the Leimert Park K Line station platform, and research on the intersection of economic tourism, entrepreneurship, and transit ridership.
“This is a multi-pronged approach to increase transit ridership for both visitors and residents while strengthening the local economy through cultural tourism,” Franklin said. “I’m thrilled to have several community thought leaders on board to implement various aspects of this initiative.”
Members of the Leimert Park Tourism and Economic Development Team:
- Sherri Franklin, Team leader , Founder and CEO of Urban Design Center and Leimert Park Village, Inc. Board member
- Jason Lewis, Founder and Publisher of Los Angeles Standard
- Cynthia Gibson, Public Relations Consultant, CKG Communications
- Kaya Dantzler, Social Impact Strategist
- Kisha Waters, Marketing and Research Consultant
- Misty Wilks, Legal Consultant
- Ben Caldwell, Owner of Kaos Network
- Tony Jolly, Owner of Ora Café
- Kimberly Brown, Marketing Strategist
- Garland Fuller, Talent/career strategist and leadership business partner
- James Burks, Leimert Park Village, Inc. Board member
- Clint Rosemond, Leimert Park Village, Inc. Board member
- Johnny Raines, Leimert Park Village, Inc. Board member
- Mark Brogden, Owner of N2U Creative Marketing Group and Head of Marketing for the Pan African Film & Arts Festival
Key Components of the Program Include:
- Public communications to keep the community informed on program progress
- Development of a cultural economic tourism strategic plan
- Operations and management plan for the Metro micro-entrepreneurship kiosk
- Design and manufacture of K Line station platform kiosks
- Creation of a Leimert Park Visitor’s Guide
- Baseline report detailing business development and merchant operations
- Report highlighting Leimert Park Village’s signature events
- Marketing and branding strategies to promote signature events to Metro riders
- Co-branding and co-marketing strategies for events
- Engagement with the entertainment industry, universities, and faith-based institutions
- Building relationships with external cultural tourism entities and African diaspora nations
- Developing and distributing surveys for community feedback
- Establishment of platform kiosks featuring coffee, digital information, and food
- Social media and marketing campaigns
- A branded marketing campaign launching during Juneteenth celebrations
Confirmed events and activities: Mark Brogden will bring the Pan African Film & Arts Festival’s art show to Leimert Park Village, with dates to be announced.
The Leimert Park Village Pilot Micro-Entrepreneur Kiosk Program is scheduled to launch on the Leimert Park K Line platform during the Juneteenth Arts and Cultural Renaissance. The celebration will kick off on June 19 and culminate on June 29 with the Festival of the Ancestors and the Art Walk. Additional details will be released as they are confirmed.
As the program evolves, Metro Transit-Oriented Communities Manager, Tess Paige, emphasized the importance of preserving the unique essence of Leimert Park Village.
“There’s a certain pulse when you arrive at Leimert Park—you hear the drummers, visit the shops, and maybe stop for ice cream,” Paige said. “In a city where so much feels transient, Leimert Park has a homey, familiar feel where everyone is friendly. It’s crucial to maintain that core energy and neighborhood spirit.”
At the conclusion of the Visionary Seed Fund pilot program, the Leimert Park Village tourism and economic development team will provide Metro with a comprehensive study and report. This report will serve as a template for future legacy programming, helping to guide similar legacy initiatives in other communities. For more information about Leimert Village Inc., visit www.leimertparkvillage.org
