Throughout Los Angeles, specialized industry groups effectively represent the legislative interests of small blocks of business. However, it is rare that diverse businesses come together to advocate for the issues that impact the common business climate and economic health of Los Angeles. Creating a cohesive and proactive voice that achieves real results for all businesses is a key component of LABC’s mission.

LABC members select issues that are the most relevant and timely to business when setting event and policy agendas. Our close contact with political representatives enables us to propose and initiate legislation, and our events and programs enable the public and our members to personally interact with business, government and non-profit leaders.

Within each category, the LABC arranges an action program of information, discussion and advocacy that focuses on specific membership objectives. Through formal and informal meetings and educational programs, the LABC determines ways to address these issues in a proactive and professional manner and leverages the LABC's close contact with political representatives to propose, advocate for and initiate legislation on a targeted agenda.

WORKFORCE HOUSING
The LABC has a long history of advocating for smart growth policies and practices that decrease the negative environmental and economic impacts of urban sprawl. These include an increased housing supply, development of new workforce housing units, and mixed-use development.

The Workforce Housing Scorecard for Los Angeles. Scorecard research will provide and utilize original data to chronicle in a concise and compelling manner the critical link between economic competitiveness and an adequate housing supply and outline for stakeholders the steps needed to move our region in the right direction.

Ten of the largest employers in Los Angeles County have already joined the Scorecard’s Steering Committee to articulate their mounting concerns about a changing workforce and poor housing availability in Los Angeles County, and are active supporters of the Scorecard campaign. Our major sponsor is Washington Mutual. Sponsors and steering committee members include the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, Psomas, Fannie Mae, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA, LAUSD, Vons, and American Value Partners.

The Scorecard was inspired by and modeled after one recently published by the Orange County Business Council which drew local and national attention for its highlighting of Orange County’s diminishing housing stock.  Scorecard findings continue to be a driving force in the reshaping of housing policies throughout the County.

In an Op-Ed by Mary Leslie in the Los Angeles Business Journal, the LABC made the following recommendations (read the entire article). The LABC called on the City to: