Helping Create a More Inclusive Economy
Embracing a broader vision of economic development to drive progress and maintain L.A.’s competitive edge.
In Los Angeles…
L.A.’s thriving economy is one of the strongest in the world
Nearly all companies in L.A. County are small businesses with fewer than 50 employees
More than half of all firms in L.A. County are minority-owned businesses
Los Angeles is a dynamic hub of international trade and innovation, with a booming economy to show for it.
Our city is known as the creative capital of the world, with trailblazing companies and a deep talent pool in entertainment, music, fashion, gaming, advertising and beyond. We also have more people employed in high-tech jobs, including aerospace, than any other metro region in the U.S. L.A. is also the largest major manufacturing center in the U.S., home to the world’s busiest port and airport, a major financial and banking center, and a top global tourist destination.
The LABC has a proven track record of advancing bold economic policy that leads to more jobs, higher incomes, broadly-shared prosperity, and better quality of life for all. We are focused on public policies that cut red tape to more quickly build the housing and modern transportation system that we need to continue attracting top-tier businesses and investment in our city. And we remain committed to promoting programs and policies to support a vibrant, equitable and sustainable economy.
Our Achievements
The City Council Ad Hoc Committee on Job Creation approved LABC’s request to send the “Compete4LA” final report to the Chief Legislative Analyst’s office for study of its findings
January 2019
August 2018
Released “Compete4LA” outlining procurement challenges faced by small businesses
Read the Report
Released “Utility Sector Workforce Development in the Los Angeles Region”
Read the Report
January 2017
June 2015
California minimum wage is increased to $15/hr by 2020 with LABC’s active support
The California Pension Reform Bill is signed into law after years of advocacy by LABC
September 2012
Small Business Spotlight
COMPETE4LA
The LABCi studied the feasibility of implementing a regional clearinghouse to leverage major sporting and entertainment such as the Super Bowl, World Cup, Grammys and College Football Playoffs in Los Angeles to help small businesses connect to public and private procurement opportunities. The concept is based on an innovative system built for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games—a platform that was incredibly successful in helping distribute the positive economic impact of the games to local small and disadvantaged businesses.
The LABCi study is currently undergoing review by the Chief Legislative Analyst’s Office.
Thank you to our supporters and contributors:
UCLA Price Center Board of Advisors, Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, AIA | LA Political Outreach Committee, JPMorgan Chase Foundation and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Office of County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and the LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs .
Compete4la initiative achievements
LABC organizes support for small business initiative from leading community and civic groups
Read the Letter of Support
July 2019
February 2019
Engaged USC to conduct an in-depth sector analysis to identify underserved businesses that stand to benefit most from our small business program
City Council Ad Hoc Committee on Job Creation unanimously approves LABC’s request to study implementing an online procurement platform
February 2019
August 2018
Published our feasibility study on the demand for an online procurement platform in Los Angeles
Read our feasibility study
Conducted over 40 stakeholder meetings with members of the business community to better understand the problem, assess the need, and develop our research questions
December 2017-
August 2018
December 2017
LABC forms partnership with the creators of the small business platform used in the 2012 Olympic Games
News from the labc
LABC Initiative Seeks to Create Economic Opportunity for All
It can be hard to capitalize on a good opportunity, for even the most experienced in the business. Los Angeles has a lot going on—we are an economic hub and a leader in some of the fastest growing industries in the world-- but even with all of this activity, often...
Building to Net-Zero
While California and Los Angeles already have the most progressive environmental goals and targets in the country, the California energy agencies the California Energy Commission (CEC) and Public Utilities Commission (PUC) have articulated goals for the state that new residential construction be zero net energy by 2020, and new commercial construction by 2030.
L.A. Seeks Online Portal for Small Businesses to Compete for Large Contracts
A Los Angeles City Council committee moved forward with a proposal to create a free online database that would link local businesses to major contracts, including ones related to the 2028 Olympics and other major events.
2019 Mayoral Housing Transportation and Jobs Summit
Friday, November 22 | 8:00 am - 2:30 pm | UCLA Luskin Conference Center
Join us for a discussion with three of California's most prominent mayors about the mounting affordable housing and congestion crisis and its effect on businesses and employment in the L.A. region.