The Economic and Workforce Development Department’s (EWDD) goal is to steer economic development in a manner that yields thriving businesses, and creates job training and career opportunities for the City of Los Angeles. EWDD works every day to deliver a strong and committed workforce, maintain sustainable neighborhoods, and profitable communities throughout Los Angeles. EWDD works every day to deliver a strong and committed workforce, sustainable neighborhoods, and profitable communities throughout Los Angeles.History
In 2013, the Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and the City Council launched the Economic & Workforce Development Department as a modern, more efficient way for people to do business in Los Angeles and create more economically sustainable neighborhoods.
Prior to July 2013, EWDD’s workforce and business functions were part of the city’s Community Development Department. EWDD also assumed control of some public properties that were previously under the control of the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency.
Prior to July 2013, EWDD’s workforce and business functions were part of the city’s Community Development Department. EWDD also assumed control of some public properties that were previously under the control of the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency.
Key Functions
EWDD provides a broad range of programs that offer assistance in business support, employment and youth development. All programs are designed to grow and improve Los Angeles’ economy while building a well-trained and job-ready workforce. During times of City emergencies, EWDD has provided economic relief programs.
During the COVID-19 pandemic recovery efforts, EWDD administered the distribution of $100M in COVID-19 related financial economic relief programs, including the City of LA’s Small Business Emergency Grant Program, the LA Regional COVID-19 Fund, and the LA COVID-19 Child Care Provider Grant Program.
During the COVID-19 pandemic recovery efforts, EWDD administered the distribution of $100M in COVID-19 related financial economic relief programs, including the City of LA’s Small Business Emergency Grant Program, the LA Regional COVID-19 Fund, and the LA COVID-19 Child Care Provider Grant Program.
- BusinessSource Centers
The City’s 10 BusinessSource Centers provide free services such as access to capital, business plan development, tax incentives and credits, business courses and training, employee hiring and workforce development to business owners or startups. - WorkSource Centers
The City’s 14 WorkSource Centers offer a wide range of free employment related assistance to job seekers and employers such as literacy skills, training, referrals, job listings and placement with an emphasis on high growth industries to build and support a qualified workforce in Los Angeles. Job Portals, smaller versions of the WorkSource Centers, are located in select city libraries and other locations. - YouthSource Centers
The City’s 14 YouthSource Centers youth development centers offer free educational and career readiness services for disconnected youth ages 14 to 24 who are neither in school nor working. - Hire LA’s Youth, Summer Youth Employment Program
The Hire LA’s Youth program provides six weeks of subsidized summer work for Los Angeles youth between the ages of 14 and 24. The program partners with non-profits and local businesses providing real world job experiences and opportunities for career, college, and financial literacy training. There is specific program information for both interested businesses and young Angelenos.
Facts & Figures
Annual Budget
- EWDD Operational Budget 2024-2025: $25,718,072
- 2024-2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Allocation: $15,563,128
- 2024-2025 Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA) Total Allocation: $48,249,206
Number of Employees
- 138 authorized positions (2024-25)
Department Overview
EWDD and WDB Offices
444 South Flower Street, 14th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071
213-744-7300 | 711 for Telecommunication Relay Services (TRS)
213-744-7300 | 711 for Telecommunication Relay Services (TRS)
EWDD Executive Staff
Fred Jackson
Acting General Manager
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 213-744-9723
Gerardo Ruvalcaba
Assistant General Manager Workforce Development
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 213-744-7233
Dr. Fernando Campos
Assistant General Manager Finance, Administrative Services, and Information Technology
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 213-744-7300
EWDD Communications
Media Relations
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Acting General Manager
Gerardo Ruvalcaba
Assistant General Manager Workforce Development
Dr. Fernando Campos
Assistant General Manager Finance, Administrative Services, and Information Technology
EWDD Communications
Media Relations
The City of Los Angeles WDB is composed of volunteers that include representatives from education, labor, state and local governments, private businesses and employers. In partnership with the Mayor and City Council, the WDB provides vision, policy, strategy, coordination, direction and oversight for the City’s workforce development activities. The Los Angeles Workforce Delivery System partners with various organizations, including community-based non-profits, labor organizations, the LA Unified School District, the LA Community College District, and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.
Hannah Lee
WDB Executive Director
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 213-744-7164
Hannah Lee
WDB Executive Director
The City of Los Angeles Small Business Commission (LASBC) is an advisory group that serves as a liaison between the City and the small business community. In addition, it serves as a public forum dedicated to issues affecting entrepreneurs and small business owners. The Commission aims to help small businesses in Los Angeles achieve greater prosperity, create more jobs, and positively impact the local economy.
Service Divisions
EDD offers over $600 million in direct and indirect financing and technical assistance programs that promote business growth and job creation in economically depressed areas of the City. An array of economic development and assistance measures have been developed specifically for the City's business community. Targeted business services are carried out with the Mayor's Office of Economic Development and L.A.'s Business Team (the Mayor's special division in charge of business growth and retention in the City).
The Workforce Development Division, working in cooperation with the Workforce Development Board, oversees all employment services offered through WorkSource and YouthSource Centers. WorkSource Centers offer comprehensive services for adults and employers. These programs are free, but some job seekers programs may require pre-qualification based on income.
The young adult programs work to promote youth achievement by engaging families and community partners in creating opportunities for teenagers and young adults to reach their education, employment, and personal development goals. A partnership with over 30 local community-based organizations provides a dedicated focus on vocational, educational, and career-developing youth support systems. These services are committed to developing the talents, capacities and successful future of the community's young people.