Gateway's Laurie Hughes Announces Her Retirement

Press release from Gateway L.A.:

Dec. 14, 2021

Gateway L.A. PBID Executive Director Laurie Hughes has announced that she will retired from her position, effective January 31, 2022, after more than 20 years of leading the area’s premier business improvement district at the front door of Los Angeles International Airport.

“I am proud of all that we have accomplished during my tenure, and I look forward to watching Gateway continue to grow and flourish as Los Angeles hosts the Super Bowl, the Olympics and more,” Hughes said. “I want to thank all of Gateway’s members for coming together to make some significant and meaningful improvements in the area that benefit not only local tenants and customers but the millions of visitors from across the globe that Los Angeles sees each year.”

Driven by the mission to change the perception of the Century Boulevard Corridor from an industrial and unsafe neighborhood to an attractive, safe and vibrant community welcoming travelers to Los Angeles, Hughes implemented the many programs funded by the member businesses of Gateway Los Angeles, including the Ambassador Program, which patrols the BID area on bike and on foot, serving as the eyes and ears of the community. Ambassadors also provide security, help visitors with wayfinding and serve as a liaison between members and law enforcement. She also spearheaded the implementation of Gateway’s Clean Streets initiative, which removes trash and cleans up graffiti; tree trimming throughout the area and numerous sidewalk repairs – all of which have contributed to the beautification and safety of the Gateway area.

Hughes was also the driving force behind the decade-long Ocean Express shuttle service, which took visitors from the Century Corridor to the local beach community and Manhattan Village shopping center. Under her leadership, the BID has been renewed three times, expanded its footprint to include the area between 96th and 98th Streets, and its annual budget has grown from just $175,000 to more than $1,000,000.

Charles Bassett of L&R Group of Companies and president of Gateway LA said Hughes was a leader among BIDs throughout Los Angeles.

“Laurie chaired the LA BID Consortium, which represents all 38 business districts in the city, and we were blessed to have someone with her experience and expertise at Gateway,” he said. “She made an indelible mark on the Century Corridor, and she will certainly be missed. Her legacy lies in the many, many improvements she oversaw throughout the airport area, and this area will have her fingerprints on it for many years to come.”

Bassett said the BID has already begun a search to fill the executive director position.

This press release was produced by Gateway L.A. The views expressed here are the author's own.