Los Angeles City Council has unanimously confirmed, Domenika Lynch will be the new General Manager of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, the spot that marks the origin of Los Angeles. With her appointment a significant milestone is marked as Lynch will become the first Latina to lead El Pueblo.
El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument is the birthplace of Los Angeles and a living museum of its history. Here, you can explore the city’s original commercial and social center at The Plaza, a site that today hosts many festivals and celebrations.
The Olvera Street Mexican marketplace was created in 1930 to honor the city’s heritage and is now a vibrant destination. You can also visit the Avila Adobe, the oldest surviving residence in Los Angeles, which was built in 1818 and even served as a temporary U.S. Navy headquarters during the Mexican-American War.
The monument also features the Pico House, Los Angeles’s first three-story luxury hotel, which was constructed in 1870 by Pio Pico, the last Mexican governor of Alta California. The city’s oldest fire station, the Old Plaza Firehouse, was built in 1884 and now operates as a museum showcasing vintage firefighting equipment. For a spiritual connection to the city’s past, you can visit the historic Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, which remains an active parish. Lastly, the Sepulveda House, an 1887 Victorian-style home, symbolizes the city’s architectural and social transition from its Mexican roots to a multicultural blend.
The revelation falls in line with Mayor Bass commitment to reenergize El Pueblo and prepare the site to welcome the world as Los Angeles hosts several major events including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“El Pueblo is not only the birthplace of Los Angeles but a cultural anchor with restaurants and small businesses right in the heart of downtown Los Angeles,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “Especially during this challenging time for immigrant communities, El Pueblo needs a leader who can marshal the resources needed to both preserve its history and also activate the living, working business hub and event space. I feel confident that Ms. Lynch will help bring back those who may not have visited for a while, as well as attract new visitors to El Pueblo as a lively gathering place filled with both rich history and vibrant cultural offerings and events, especially as we prepare to welcome the world in 2026 and 2028.”
In recent years, El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument has faced significant challenges, including a decline in tourism and foot traffic, which could present major tasks for its new General Manager, Domenika Lynch. News reports and city documents indicate that the site, particularly Olvera Street, has struggled to recover from the pandemic, leading to economic hardship for many merchants, with some businesses closing early and stalls remaining vacant. There have also been long-standing concerns about gentrification surrounding the downtown area.
Mayor Karen Bass and others have publicly acknowledged these issues, underscoring the need for a leader who can “reenergize” the space while honoring its history and cultural integrity. Lynch’s extensive background in community building and strategic planning is seen as a key asset to address these problems, and with her appointment, there may be light at the end of the tunnel if and when revitalization efforts gain momentum.
Ms. Lynch brings more than two decades of experience in community building, fundraising and implementing strategic visions that steward resources toward communities most in need. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program, where she convenes cross-sector leaders to advance economic mobility and systems change for a more prosperous America.
Previously, she served as President and CEO of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, a national nonprofit dedicated to developing the next generation of Latino leaders, and as Executive Director of the University of Southern California’s Latino Alumni Association. A USC alumna herself, Ms. Lynch began her career at Univision, writing in both Spanish and English about college access, financial aid, and scholarships — a commitment to community well-being that continues to guide her work today. Her professional background also extends into the corporate sector, with a leadership position at Bank of America and as a member of the Bank of America National Community Advisory Council.
“I’m deeply honored by Mayor Bass’ trust and grateful for the opportunity to serve the City of Los Angeles,” said Domenika Lynch, El Pueblo General Manager Appointee. “I look forward to carrying forward her vision to reenergize El Pueblo and to working in close partnership with the City Council, merchants, local leaders, and the broader community. Together, we will reaffirm this historic space as a vibrant destination that reflects the soul, diversity, and promise of Los Angeles. I’m committed to mobilizing the resources, partnerships, and collective energy needed to help it thrive.”
Leaders across Los Angeles weighed in to voice their support for Mayor Bass’ selection:
“El Pueblo is a testament to the strength and spirit of immigrant communities who built Los Angeles. Now, more than ever, it needs bold, visionary leadership that will honor its legacy and reenergize it as a place where merchants, artists, and families thrive,” said Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, Chair of the Arts, Parks, Libraries and Community Enrichment Committee. “Domenika Lynch brings the experience and community-rooted leadership needed to meet this moment and move us forward.”
“With a wealth of experience and an unwavering dedication to excellence, Domenika steps into this role as the perfect leader at the perfect moment,” said George L. Pla, Founder & CEO, Cordoba Corporation. “I take great pride in witnessing her selection by Mayor Bass, an insightful leader who recognizes both the pressing needs of today and the boundless possibilities of tomorrow.”
“Domenika Lynch has the special skill of being able to disaggregate the elements of a problem and then address them systematically and effectively,” said Henry Cisneros, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; former Mayor of San Antonio. “She is one of the best leaders I have ever encountered in terms of connecting all the dots related to a situation and then forging a solution that is comprehensive, durable, and fair to all. She has the gift of a sixth sense that enables her to see the shape of a solution and then to work toward it until all the stakeholders are on board. I commend Mayor Bass for appointing a leader of Domenika’s caliber and with a deep commitment to inclusive civic progress. El Pueblo will thrive under her leadership.”
“I wholeheartedly welcome and support the appointment of the new General Manager of El Pueblo de Los Angeles,” said Liliana Perez, President, El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument Commission. “This phenomenal choice brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our historic district, poised to amplify its impact and relevance. With a proven track record of navigating complex situations and devising practical solutions, she is well-equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities facing El Pueblo.”
Ms. Lynch will begin as General Manager of El Pueblo on October 20, 2025 following the dedicated service from interim General Manager Edgar Garcia.
The appointment of Domenika Lynch as the first Latina General Manager is a historic and inspiring moment for El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. DT Weekly extends its warmest congratulations to Ms. Lynch on this well-deserved appointment and looks forward to seeing her vision for El Pueblo come to life.
