Developing a Strategic Framework for Destination Crenshaw
Destination Crenshaw
Working with Destination Crenshaw, HR&A developed a comprehensive strategic plan that establishes a roadmap for building a global cultural destination celebrating Black Los Angeles while countering displacement pressures. The resulting framework provides clear strategies, initiatives, timelines, and metrics to guide inclusive economic development while preserving the community’s rich history and culture.
Crenshaw, a historic cultural center of Black Los Angeles, faces challenges from gentrification and development pressures that threaten to displace longtime residents and businesses while eroding the neighborhood’s cultural identity. The construction of the Metro K Line, which began in 2014, presented both a challenge and an opportunity — potentially accelerating displacement while also creating a catalyst for community-centered investment. Destination Crenshaw emerged as a response to these dynamics, seeking to transform the Crenshaw corridor into a destination that celebrates Black art, culture, and enterprise while ensuring that existing community members benefit from new investment. The organization needed a structured approach to advance its multifaceted mission of cultural preservation, economic development, and community stabilization.
Our strategic planning process began with a comprehensive assessment of Destination Crenshaw’s existing initiatives and organizational structure. Through extensive stakeholder engagement including interviews, listening sessions, and workshops with staff, board members, partners, and community representatives, we gathered diverse perspectives on priorities and needs. Our research documented local displacement pressures and identified opportunities for intervention. This engagement informed facilitated workshops that refined the organization’s mission, vision, and core programmatic pillars. The resulting strategic plan provides a detailed roadmap organizing initiatives across multiple timeframes with clear success metrics. By aligning cultural celebration with concrete anti-displacement strategies and economic development initiatives, the plan positions Destination Crenshaw to effectively advocate for and implement equitable development in the corridor, ensuring that the community’s cultural legacy endures while creating new opportunities for residents and businesses to thrive.
