What is the biggest challenge facing Los Angeles?

MARCIA WASSERMAN

President

Comprehensive Management Solutions Inc.

As someone who commutes from the San Fernando Valley into Los Angeles, much of my time is spent driving in heavy traffic or trying to find alternative routes to avoid traffic. Los Angeles lacks a viable public transportation system to meet the needs and working hours of business professionals.

MELISSA KEKLAK

Founder-Publicist

MMKpr

I think L.A.’s biggest challenge is crime. In recent past, the city has been deemed the gang and murder capital of the United States. While the rates have gone down in mild percentages, crime still seems to be a big problem that is brought to our attention daily in the news.

ROBERTO HEGELER

Chief Executive

Maground U.S.

While perhaps not the biggest challenge, the most mind-boggling to me is the feeling that most people see cars as the only way to get from point A to point B, even for short distances. Out of all the cities I have lived in, I’ve never felt so ignored or unsafe as when I ride a bike or walk as I do in Los Angeles.

KATSUJI TANABE

Chef

Mexikosher

I must admit that the difficulty that the city presents to small-business owners is oftentimes overwhelming. Not only are most small businesses unable to cope financially with the multiple city inspectors that arrive, there is very little assistance from any city department to answer questions or guide owners, forcing most to hire expeditors simply to deal with city regulators.

TALIA HANCOCK

Founder

Talia Hancock

I feel that L.A.’s lack of public transportation is holding the city back in terms of social development. A subway system would allow more efficient transportation into areas, like downtown, which is slated to be the next “hot neighborhood.”