A Good First Move Towards More Jobs

by Gary Toebben

A recent study by UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs shows that the City of Los Angeles lost nearly 100,000 jobs between 1990 and 2011. During that period of time, examples of government working closely with business and community leaders to drive successful economic development projects and strategies are too few and far between.

One bright shining example to the contrary is downtown Los Angeles. Those visiting the area even 10 short years ago and returning today would be amazed and impressed at the change. Anchored by Staples Center and L.A. Live, downtown is displaying a renaissance that makes us all proud. It has become a major destination for entertainment, hospitality and start-up technology companies to compliment the finance and professional service firms that have long been major employers downtown.

Bolstered by new construction and an effective adaptive reuse ordinance, downtown has also become a very attractive place to live. With ongoing projects like the Korean Air/Wilshire Grand hotel and office complex, the Broad Museum and new apartments, condominiums and retail, the potential for downtown L.A. as a place to live, work and visit appears limitless.

It took many individuals in the public and private sector to achieve and sustain downtown's resurgence, but essential and persistent leadership came from former Councilmember Jan Perry. Without her tireless determination and unique ability to achieve consensus inside and outside of government, it is unlikely that downtown would have realized such success.

This is why the business community was in complete agreement when Mayor Eric Garcetti chose Jan Perry to serve as his initial general manager for the new Development of Economic and Workforce Department. It is our belief and fervent hope that she will be able to bring the same leadership and passion to creating a city-wide vision for job growth and a new culture for economic development in City Hall. The business community is ready to work with her and Mayor Garcetti to bring about a new economic renaissance for all of Los Angeles.

And that's The Business Perspective.