On May 29, the Center for Innovation at Berth 58 – home of AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles had an open house of 200 that included local officials, port representatives, union leaders, educators, and the general public.
The Center for Innovation is part of AltaSea’s $35 million transformation of three 100+ year-old historic warehouses at the Port of Los Angeles into modern spaces for cutting-edge research, education, workforce development, and innovation around ocean-based solutions to climate change.
Speakers included LA Mayor Karen Bass, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán, Councilmember Tim McOsker, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles Gene Seroka, Harbor Commission Board President Lucille Roybal-Allard, and Harbor Commissioner Vice President Diane Middleton.
“AltaSea is the latest example of Los Angeles expanding the horizon of innovation, growth, and sustainability. This center will serve as a hub to protect our ocean, drive economic expansion, and help our climate all at the same time – a momentous investment in the blue economy unlike anywhere else in the country,” said Mayor Bass.
Additionally, May 29th was proclaimed “AltaSea Blue Economy Day” in the City of Los Angeles through a resolution introduced by LA City Councilmember Tim McOsker.
The event signified a giant leap forward in AltaSea’s history and commitment to sustainable practices and innovative solutions for ocean health. The Center for Innovation will foster collaboration between researchers and businesses, drive economic growth through job creation, spearhead advancements in marine science and technology, and most importantly, inspire the next generation to seek careers in the Blue Economy.