A Time for Truth
January 14, 2014
by Gary Toebben
Last week, after nine months of work, the LA 2020 Commission released its first report. Outlining the critical issues facing Los Angeles, the report is long on facts and short on rhetoric. I encourage everyone to read “A Time For Truth.”
One of the challenges identified by the 13-member commission is shown in the graph below which can be found on page six of the report.
As stated in the report, “Los Angeles is the only one of the seven largest cities (in the US) where the number of jobs has actually declined since 1990. L.A. County ranks last in California in creating jobs.” With this trend, is it any wonder that we have a high unemployment rate, or a high poverty rate or that public services are being cut?
The overall lesson I took away from the report is that the City of L.A. is an incredibly underutilized asset. In poker language, we have been handed a royal flush, but are not going “all in.”
L.A. is blessed with unbelievable weather and natural scenery. We have the largest international airport on the west coast and the largest port complex in the nation. We have some of the finest universities in the world, and a population that is full of talented, energetic and creative entrepreneurs. We have a brand that was sculpted in Hollywood and attracts more than 40 million visitors each year.
As the report says on page 19, “Los Angeles has all the ingredients to succeed. Success defined as healthy and sustainable neighborhoods, economic opportunity and good paying jobs and public trust in City Hall restored. Success that benefits all, not just a few.”
The report also acknowledges that these challenges are not new. “The same spirit of candor reflected in this report will also recognize that most of the issues raised in this report are not new. One only has to read the report of the Los Angeles 2000 Commission presented to Mayor Bradley in 1988. It is time for truth. Time to face up to the challenges we face as a community.”
The LA 2020 Commission will now prepare a second report with recommendations to address our shortcomings and opportunities. The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce will present its recommendations to the Commission and would be happy to have your input.
As Councilmember Felipe Fuentes said during his comments on this report, “let’s swing for the fences.” This is a window of opportunity for all of us who care about the City of Angeles and its future.
And that's The Business Perspective
Comments
Mao's efforts were misdirected, and top down. My parents enjoyed the American Dream, and started their business unhindered.
LA may be a busy port, with full containers coming, and empty ones going. The solution must include producing and exporting products to fill those empty containers.
LA must focus on creating an environment where a small business owner can succeed. Today I learned about www.districtwest.com, which helps promote locally made goods. You have Hollywood you can enlist on selling LA Made, including movies.
There must be a full on effort to SELL Los Angeles, worldwide. Jobs will most certainly follow.
Leave a Comment
Comments submitted are subject to review by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce prior to posting. The Chamber reserves the right to monitor and withhold comments that include personal, offensive, potentially libelous or copyright protected language, materials or links. Only comments relevant to the topic will be posted. Comments posted must have a valid email address. View our full terms & conditions.