Strategic Plan for Economic DevelopmentLos Angeles County Economic Development CorporationLAECD_eadf1d90-4efd-11e4-b4f2-b630027e93ecThe Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), a private, non-profit public benefit organization with more than 200 members representing leading private sector employers in the County, two dozen academic institutions, more than 20 cities from across L.A. County, six regional economic development corporations, the County CEO and appointed representatives of all five County Supervisors, identified, assembled and mobilized a diverse group of public, private, business, education, labor, environmental and other community-based participants to shape, build support around and help implement the first-ever comprehensive, consensus strategic plan for economic development in L.A. County. Los Angeles County Gloria Molina Supervisor, First DistrictMark Ridley-ThomasSupervisor, Second DistrictZev YaroslavskySupervisor, Third DistrictDon KnabeSupervisor, Fourth DistrictMichael D. AntonovichSupervisor, Fifth DistrictMorgan Family FoundationWith generous support from the Morgan Family Foundation, this strategic planning effort differs markedly from other outwardly similar plans in the high level of stakeholder involvement at each step of the process. The animating idea has been to develop consensus around a common vision that serves the community's long-term m interests and encourages broad community participation, engagement and ownership to help guarantee the plan's success.Entertainment IndustryL.A. County is most famously known for its entertainment industry. Billions of people around the world enjoy the films, television shows, music and new media created here. Entertainment, in turn, is a major draw for one of the area’s primary imports–tourists. Each year, millions of people flock to the County to visit famed studios, enjoy the attractions, relax on one of the region’s popular warm water beaches and browse the chic shops along Rodeo Drive and other famous streets in the region.TouristsExport-Oriented IndustriesBut there is more to the County than its sunny skies and movie stars. Los Angeles County is also the creative capital of the world and home to 15 dynamic export-oriented industry clusters, ranging from fashion and automotive design to materials and machinery to technology, health services and biomedical. With 120 institutions of higher learning and an abundance of well-educated workers, it should come as no surprise that technology-based businesses are big here, as are engineering, financial, and professional services. The County’s major research universities (Caltech, UCLA and USC) have also spawned great growth in the life sciences, engineering and digital technology.Fashion DesignersAutomotive DesignersInstitutions of Higher LearningCaltechUCLAUSCGreen IndustriesHome to the nation's largest port complex, municipally-owned power utility,and many leading export-oriented industries transitioning to environmental sustainability, L.A. County has also been a leader in advancing environmental innovation, in applying new clean technologies and products to "green" its more established industries such as manufacturing and international trade, and in the creation of green jobs, especially in the areas of renewable energy generation, energy efficiency and green transportation.Port of Los AngelesAs the nation’s #1 gateway to the global economy, via the Ports of Los Angelesand Long Beach and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), one of the world's busiest origin and destination airports, international trade is the force behind much of the region's vitality. The continuous stream of goods flowing into and out of the region's ports sustains other key segments including warehousing and logistics, materials and machinery, and business and financial services.Port of Long BeachLos Angeles International AirportEnvironmental InnovatorsL.A. County has also been a leader in advancing environmental innovation. As the foremost market for alternative fuel vehicles, energy efficiency and clean air initiatives, L.A. County offers abundant opportunities for green growth. In fact, California invested over $3.3 billion in clean technologies in 2008 and ranks first in the nation in new energy patents.Consular CorpsWith a larger consular corp than any American city outside Washington, D.C. and more than 220 languages and cultures represented across the County, Los Angeles is increasingly being recognized as the Capital of the Pacific Rim. The County’s cultural and economic diversity, educational opportunities, extensive infrastructure and thriving industry clusters have created unparalleled opportunities for all its residents and helped to establish L.A. County's growth and economic success. Pacific Rim_c8b3d254-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecTo shape, build support around and help implement the first-ever comprehensive, consensus strategic plan for economic development in L.A. County. _c8b3d6dc-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecWorkforcePREPARE AN EDUCATED WORKFORCE_c8b3d830-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecILos Angeles County is home to numerous highly-educated workers, and businesses in the area benefi t from an industrious, talented and diverse workforce. To stay competitive in the global economy, Los Angeles County will need to maintain and expand its educated workforce and entrepreneurial class. Higher education provided by Caltech, UCLA and USC, numerous California State University campuses, private universities and colleges, and community colleges is superb, but there is still substantial room for improvement in K-12 education where student performance and dropout rates are both major areas of concern. The Educated Workforce component aims to improve educational outcomes, align education and training programs with business needs, and ensure that all potential workers are prepared to participate in the dynamic L.A. County economy. Education OutcomesEnsure successful education outcomes at every level, i.e., all students should, at a minimum, achieve grade-level proficiency and graduate._c8b3d92a-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecI.1Students in Los Angeles CountySchool ImprovementMake schools better by tracking, assessing and reporting student performance outcomes; increasing the number of charter schools and small schools / learning communities in schools; increasing the use of technology at all levels; increasing arts, language, STEM education and preparation for employment opportunities in key industries; improving teacher quality and accountability through enhanced training, recruitment and incentives; implementing multiple pathway approaches which prepare students from diverse backgrounds for college, careers and entrepreneurship; and creating and strengthening linkages among K-12 schools, community colleges and universities._c8b3da24-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecI.1.aConnections & PartnershipsConnect schools and communities by linking local community organizations, non-profits, businesses and corporate leaders with schools through formal partnerships, and implementing family education programs and after-school programs._c8b3db0a-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecI.1.bWorkersEnsure that businesses have enough workers with the right skill sets to meet their needs._c8b3dc04-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecI.2Businesses in Los Angeles CountyWorkers in Los Angeles CountyResearch & ImprovementConduct and publish research on workforce shortages, skill gaps and required proficiencies; and evaluate existing education, training and placement programs for continuous improvement._c8b3dd1c-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecI.2.aWorkforce IntermediariesFund workforce intermediaries to bring together stakeholders in targeted industry sectors to address existing and projected future workforce gaps by facilitating more opportunities for public-private collaboration between individual businesses, community colleges and universities, and promoting industry-driven curricula and technical education based on employer-recognized certification. _c8b3de3e-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecI.2.bWorkforce IntermediariesWorkforce TrainingIntegrate workforce training activities and higher education (from entry to college/university-based to enhanced professional education) to create seamless career pathways leading to high-value jobs in target industries (e.g., aerospace engineers)._c8b3df24-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecI.2.cSector-Based ProgramsExpand customized, sector-based programs to train larger numbers of people and market them better to job seekers._c8b3e014-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecI.2.dSkilled Workers & ManagersRetain and attract highly-skilled workers and develop the next generation of managerial talent._c8b3e118-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecI.2.ePublic ServicesCo-locate public services such as WorkSource/OneSource centers on college campuses._c8b3e212-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecI.2.fColleges in Los Angeles CountyWorker PreparationPrepare job seekers and incumbent workers to enter sectors with high-value jobs -- as measured by wages, benefits and additional income attracted into the County – and built-in career ladders._c8b3e302-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecI.3Job Seekers in Los Angeles CountyWorkers in Los Angeles CountyHigh School DropoutsCreate programs that expand the workforce by reconnecting high school dropouts to educational and training opportunities._c8b3e410-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecI.3.aHigh School Dropouts in Los Angeles CountyWorkforce SkillsDevelop, expand and upgrade the skills of the existing workforce._c8b3e762-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecI.3.bWorkers in Los Angeles CountyCareer AwarenessBegin career awareness programs in middle school._c8b3e8b6-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecI.3.cMiddle School Students in Los Angeles CountyOffer student internships, job shadowing, apprenticeships, concurrent enrollment programs, soft skills training, improved career counseling, youth employment and more parent education on careers to provide students with career awareness and work experience.Business EnvironmentCREATE A BUSINESS-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT_c8b3e9b0-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIIBusinesses in Los Angeles CountyLos Angeles County is a great place to do business, but so are many other locations. In today's globally competitive economy where businesses have flexibility in their location decisions, Los Angeles must be as welcoming as possible to businesses of all sizes. All firms, and particularly smaller ones with fewer resources, need to be able to focus their energies on serving their customers rather than interacting with government. Being business-friendly means: state, county and city governments are customer-driven in their interactions with businesses; government processes are rational, predictable, understandable and timely; and public and private economic development agencies help businesses thrive and create good quality jobs.JobsEstablish and promote a business-friendly environment to create and retain good quality jobs._c8b3ea96-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecII.1EducationEducate local and statewide stakeholders on the value of private sector businesses as generators of jobs, tax revenue and regional prosperity, and encourage government officials to evaluate the economic impact of regulations and policies that affect overall competitiveness and to play a more active role in courting private sector employers._c8b3eca8-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecII.1.aEconomic Development ElementsCreate a sample template and encourage cities to include an economic development element in their general plans; then, encourage L.A. County and our 88 cities to update their economic development elements regularly._c8b3ee06-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecII.1.bCities in Los Angeles CountyBusiness-Facing ActivitiesFacilitate private sector job creation by helping the state of California, L.A. County, and our 88 cities develop for their business-facing activities more efficient processes, more affordable pricing and a stronger customer service ethic._c8b3ef00-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecII.1.cState of CaliforniaCities in Los Angeles CountyLand DevelopmentAdopt clear, reasonable and predictable processes for the development of land to facilitate job creation and implement policies, plans and procedures to streamline review and approval processes._c8b3f022-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecII.1.dJob BaseRetain and expand the existing job base while pro-actively attracting new businesses, industries, jobs and investment._c8b3f130-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecII.2Value Proposition & BrandDevelop and promote a compelling, consistent value proposition and brand for L.A. County, incorporating existing and aspirational strengths (e.g., size, diversity, creativity, climate, culture and commitment to green)._c8b3f248-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecII.2.aBusiness Retention & ExpansionIncrease proactive outreach to help retain and expand businesses of all sizes, with emphasis on those that are at risk of closing, leaving or being wooed away._c8b3f482-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecII.2.bTax IncentivesAlign local and statewide tax incentive policies with local and regional economic development priorities._c8b3f586-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecII.2.cValue Propositions & StrategiesDevelop sector-specific value propositions and strategies to attract firms including incentives for businesses seeking to capitalize on opportunities created by the greening of the local, state and world economies._c8b3f69e-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecII.2.dOpportunitiesCreate employment and business opportunities for local firms by supporting the development of international trade, tourism, and by promoting Los Angeles County as a destination for foreign direct investment._c8b3f7b6-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecII.2.eOutreach & MarketingEnsure access to capital by expanding outreach and marketing efforts to capital sources and attracting capital investors and lenders for all stages of development; exploring creative new sources of capital such as the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program; and creating and augmenting channels/networks to connect capital to entrepreneurs, with emphasis on small, minority or women-owned businesses._c8b3f8ba-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecII.2.fCommercializationLeverage the County's research and development facilities for the commercialization of research, technology and similar opportunities._c8b3fa4a-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecII.3ResearchAggressively seek more research funding and activity for L.A. County-based institutions._c8b3fd4c-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecII.3.aInfrastructure & NetworksCreate a more supportive infrastructure and stronger networks to facilitate the commercialization of local research and provide needed services to entrepreneurs (venture capital, research parks, entrepreneurial management teams and mentors, etc.), focusing in particular on industries where L.A. County holds a competitive advantage (e.g., port tech, digital media, entertainment technology, etc.)._c8b3fe6e-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecII.3.bQuality of LifeENHANCE OUR QUALITY OF LIFE_c8b3ff72-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIIIQuality of life is important to everyone. We all want safe neighborhoods, improved mobility, plentiful and affordable housing, clean air and water, and healthy, vibrant communities. A high quality of life also includes promoting social equity to ensure all residents in Los Angeles County have an opportunity to live a healthy life as full participants in the larger community. From an economic development standpoint, quality of life is critical to a healthy and productive workforce. Moreover, many businesses and workers have options about where to locate, and a healthy environment and high quality of life can help attract and retain them. CommunitiesMake our communities more desirable places to live._c8b400b2-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIII.1Communities in Los Angeles CountyPublic SafetyEnsure public safety by supporting programs that reduce crime (such as Business Watch, Neighborhood Watch, volunteer patrols, anti-gang programs and rapid response to "broken window" problems)._c8b40350-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIII.1.aMobility & TrafficImprove mobility and reduce traffic congestion and its environmental impacts by employing technology and traffic management strategies to reduce demand and optimize system efficiency; making transit easier and more desirable to use; improving walkability and bicycling; encouraging transit-oriented development and densification where appropriate; offering incentives for carpooling and transit; and improving the jobs/housing balance. _c8b404fe-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIII.1.bHousingRemove obstacles and create incentives to encourage the construction of a large quantity and wide range of housing of all types (i.e., condos, apartments, townhouses, single-family homes, etc.), with a particular emphasis on adding affordable and workforce housing units._c8b4062a-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIII.1.cHealthy LivingPromote healthy living by building more parks and expanding recreational activities, and encouraging healthy living through active lifestyles, wellness programs and locally-sourced nutritious food supplies (e.g., community gardens and farmers markets)._c8b40756-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIII.1.dCultural & Artistic AmenitiesEncourage and expand cultural and artistic amenities that celebrate our diversity and attract local and global patrons._c8b40882-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIII.1.eCommunitiesCreate healthy, vibrant and strong communities by balancing land use, transportation, economic development, housing and environmental improvement objectives._c8b409b8-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIII.1.fLow-Income CommunitiesUse all available resources (i.e., Hope VI funding, etc.) and adopt new approaches to revitalize low-income communities._c8b40ac6-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIII.2Low-Income Communities in Los Angeles CountyCommunity ParticipationIncrease community participation in the planning and jobs creation process._c8b40cec-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIII.2.aSmart GrowthUse smart growth principles to economically integrate communities, maximize the creation of new affordable and workforce housing units, and create more open space for residents._c8b40eae-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIII.2.bLand UseIMPLEMENT SMART LAND USE_c8b40fd0-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIVLos Angeles County must preserve an adequate supply of jobs-creating land so that current residents and their children will have a place to work and earn a decent living. The population density in the County is among the highest in the nation, placing a premium on the efficient use of the limited supply of land, particularly in urban areas. Smart land use provides adequate space for both employment uses and housing through strategies such as by-right development, infill development, redevelopment, and reuse of obsolete industrial land.Jobs-Creating LandMaintain an adequate supply of jobs-creating land._c8b410fc-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIV.1Land DatabaseCreate and maintain a database of County-wide, jobs-creating land to facilitate the retention and expansion of local companies as well as the attraction of new companies to the County._c8b4125a-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIV.1.aLand PreservationImplement an employment land preservation policy that restricts rezoning of industrially-zoned land to other uses without formal consideration and recognition of: the need for adequate buffering between industrial land and incompatible uses; how and where that industrial land will be replaced elsewhere in the County; whether the proposed change-of-use development will increase land values of surrounding industrial land and/or encroach on nearby viable industries; and whether the new use will produce more high-value jobs than alternative industrial uses._c8b41390-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIV.1.bPublic Real EstateMake better use of the public sector's real estate portfolio to facilitate jobs-producing projects._c8b414c6-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIV.1.cEmployment LandReserve employment land (existing and vacant) for research and development uses, especially land located near research institutions and universities, using strategies such as creating community land trusts, land banking, and/ or through the creation of business, industrial, manufacturing or research and development zones. _c8b416e2-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIV.1.dLand Development & RehabilitationDevelop and rehabilitate land to meet strategic economic development objectives._c8b418fe-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIV.2PlansUpdate general, community and specific plans to enable by-right development and rectify weaknesses in the existing zoning classifications and remedy the reactive, case-by-case, spot zoning approach focused on individual parcels._c8b41afc-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIV.2.aCommercial & Industrial ActivitiesDevelop, adopt and implement an incentive program to retain commercial and industrial activities and revitalize obsolete industrial land._c8b41c5a-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIV.2.bPublic/Private CollaborationCreate and promote public/private collaboration programs to facilitate infill development and redevelopment of brownfield sites, underutilized industrial and commercial properties and functionally obsolete buildings._c8b41da4-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIV.2.cFinancing & IncentivesCollaborate on securing state and federal grants, other public financing vehicles, and tax incentive programs such as the establishment, renewal, implementation, management and/or expansion of Enterprise Zones, Recycling Market Development Zones, Business Improvement Zones, Redevelopment Agencies, as well as other innovative programs that facilitate community development and rehabilitation. _c8b41ee4-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIV.2.dCEQAReform the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to eliminate abusive uses of the statute for non-environmental purposes, such as an existing business seeking to block competitors. _c8b4206a-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecIV.2.eInfrastructureBUILD 21ST CENTURY INFRASTRUCTURE_c8b423c6-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecVInfrastructure DevelopmentFix the broken infrastructure development process._c8b42650-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecV.1Local & Regional InterestsRestore the balance between local and regional interests in considering approval of infrastructure projects._c8b427fe-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecV.1.aBest PracticesPromote enabling legislation allowing for best practices (e.g., design/build, public-private partnerships, and performance contracting) to expedite infrastructure development._c8b429e8-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecV.1.bCritical InfrastructureBuild and maintain critical infrastructure for L.A. County_c8b42b32-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecV.2PortsExpedite green growth at the Ports of L.A. and Long Beach by speeding implementation of the Clean Air Action Plan, developing and deploying locally-sourced and driven green technology solutions, and adding infrastructure to shift container traffic from road to rail or other cleaner modes._c8b42ca4-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecV.2.aPorts of Los AngelesPort of Long BeachLAXModernize Los Angeles International Airport by improving domestic and international terminals, airfi eld safety and effi ciency, passenger experience and accessibility into and out of LAX, while also encouraging the further development and improvement of other airports throughout Southern California._c8b42df8-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecV.2.bSouthern CaliforniaLos Angeles International AirportEnergyEnsure a reliable supply of clean and affordable energy by encouraging green energy production from public and private sources, building necessary transmission lines to access clean energy, improving network efficiency and reducing demand (e.g., through energy efficiency programs)._c8b42f42-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecV.2.cWaterEnsure a reliable supply of clean and affordable water by implementing strategies such as urban water conservation, local stormwater capture, water recycling, and groundwater storage while also pursuing an environmentally-sound solution for the Sacramento Delta that protects Southern California water supplies._c8b431cc-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecV.2.dTransportationCreate a world-class ground transportation network by expanding and improving the quality and user appeal of mass transit and alternative modes (such as bike paths/lanes and community/company buses), improving highway and road capacity, and investing in goods movement infrastructure (such as truck lanes, near-dock intermodal rail yards, and grade-separated rail corridors)._c8b4332a-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecV.2.eWaste-Handling & RecyclingImprove waste-handling capabilities by expanding recycling efforts, finding environmentally-friendly means of disposal for non-recyclables, and upgrading the region's sewage treatment system, while reducing the waste stream to landfills by encouraging the use of locally-manufactured products that are recyclable, have long life cycles and use less packaging._c8b4347e-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecV.2.fCommunications NetworksSupport public and private efforts to continuously improve wired and wireless communications networks in the County to match or exceed the highest global standards for speed and reliability._c8b43654-4ea0-11e4-85cb-c815027e93ecV.2.g2010-01-012014-12-312014-10-07http://lacountystrategicplan.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/LACountyStrategicPlanforED.pdfOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net