We need to simplify the process for starting and sustaining businesses in Los Angeles. For years, the City has posed unnecessary obstacles to business development. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles we can create an efficient system that supports aspiring business owners. Streamlining, Permitting and departmental approvals should be streamlined into a centralized hub. Businesses should not have to navigate complex systems or hire lobbyists to interact with City departments.
We can create pipelines to the middle class by promoting collaboration between the City of Los Angeles, public entities like LAUSD and LACCD, and private employers such as our studios. Apprenticeship programs in partnership with labor organizations can cultivate a new generation of workers, paving the way for meaningful middle-class careers.
Los Angeles is one of America's most expensive cities. The high cost of living here demands that we address wage levels. With the average home price at a million dollars and individual incomes averaging around $42,000 to $62,000 for families, we need to attract businesses that offer skilled jobs and higher wages. We can collaborate with employers to ensure that Angelenos earn a living wage. While $15 was a starting point, factors like inflation and the pandemic have made it insufficient. We must make it possible for Angelenos not only to survive but to thrive in L.A.