Los Angeles Jobs First Collaborative Releases Regional Report Part 2

Los Angeles Jobs First Collaborative Releases Regional Report Part 2 to Guide Catalyst and Implementation Phases for Funding Community Projects through the California Jobs First Program

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** 

Los Angeles, CA – October 4, 2024 – The Los Angeles Jobs First Collaborative is proud to announce the submission of Regional Report Part 2 to the state interagency team on September 30th, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to address the challenges facing Los Angeles County’s economy. This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the economic landscape in LA County, capturing intricate community experiences and the diverse challenges residents face.

Economically, Los Angeles County stands as a powerhouse, with a GDP that would rank it among the world’s largest economies if it were a country. Despite this, the county faces substantial income inequality and high living costs, which often disproportionately impact minority communities. The Regional Report Part 2 sheds light on these issues and highlights what is needed to ensure stability and success for all residents, including insights into housing, childcare, job quality, and emerging industries.

The report’s findings are informed by data from 12 Affinity Hubs, 90 Subregional Tables, 8 Table Partner Leads and contributions from a broad range of local experts, covering sectors such as construction, transportation, clean energy, bioscience, healthcare, and more. These findings will guide the upcoming Catalyst and Implementation Phases, during which the California Jobs First Program will fund targeted projects in the region that address the challenges and opportunities outlined in the report.

“Our Regional Report Part 2 is a roadmap for building a more resilient and inclusive economy in Los Angeles County. This work is not just about identifying problems but also creating real, actionable solutions that will drive equitable growth in our community,” said Stephen Cheung, CEO of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC). “We are excited to transition into the Catalyst and Implementation phases, where we will be funding projects that reflect the real needs of our residents based on the data and lived experiences we gathered.”

The report also highlights the work of the Los Angeles Jobs First Collaborative, which was initially formed as the High Road Transitional Collaborative (HRTC) under the California Jobs First Program (formerly the Community Economic Resilience Fund, CERF). Through the segmentation of LA County into nine Service Planning Areas (SPAs), the Collaborative has been able to address geographic, socio-economic, and racial issues particular to the LA region that may have been previously overlooked.

The next steps in this initiative will involve funding projects that aim to support underrepresented communities, advance workforce development, and create economic opportunities across the region.

To read the full report and learn more about the upcoming catalyst and implementation phases, click here.

About the Los Angeles Jobs First Collaborative
The Los Angeles Jobs First Collaborative is committed to fostering economic resilience and prosperity across Los Angeles County by supporting projects that address community challenges and uplift residents. Our work is guided by insights from local communities, industry leaders, and strategic partners, ensuring that we build an economy that works for everyone.