DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Each year the World Leadership Forum hosts an event appropriately called the World Leadership Awards. This year Councilman Tom LaBonge thought it might be a good idea to submit an LA entry highlighting Downtown.

The World Leadership Forum Ltd. of London, England, conducts an annual worldwide competition to identify exceptional leadership in cities, and to use such leadership as an example and inspiration to others facing similar issues. There are various categories in which entries may be submitted for judging including, but not limited to: Architecture and Civil Engineering; Culture and the Arts; Housing; Economy and/or Employment; Environment; Law and Order; Urban Renewal; and Transport.

The suggested topic for the City's 2006 entry is the development of the Convention Center Headquarters Hotel, L.A. Live, and their positive impact on the economy and employment in downtown and in the greater Los Angeles region.

The Council passed the motion (though the entry deadline was July 31st and approval didn't come until 8/4, so that may have been a formality) and the City's submission is ostensibly off to London to get judged.