City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department

 

City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

 

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and Jobs Plan


Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and Jobs Plan

Northeast view of Downtown Los Angeles taken from University Park with the San Gabriel Mountains in the background

The City of Los Angeles Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and Jobs Plan is a citywide strategic framework that examines current economic conditions and identifies priorities to support economic resilience, job creation, and business growth over the next five years.

The CEDS and Jobs Plan are being updated together to ensure alignment between long-term economic development priorities and near-term workforce and business needs. The process is grounded in data analysis and shaped through input from stakeholders and the public.

Who is leading this effort?


The City of Los Angeles Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and Jobs Plan are led by the Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD), in coordination with City leadership and regional partners. The City is supported in this effort by a consultant team including Beacon Economics, the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), and Parity Solutions.

About the CEDS



  • Frequently Asked Questions

    • What is a CEDS?
      A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a federally recognized planning process that helps regions understand economic conditions, identify challenges and opportunities, and establish shared priorities for economic development.

      For the City of Los Angeles, the CEDS includes:
      • An overview of demographic, economic, and industry conditions
      • A SWOT analysis identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT)
      • A set of strategic priorities and recommended actions
      • A framework for tracking progress over time
    • What is the Jobs Plan?
      The Jobs and Business Advancement in Los Angeles Action Plan (Jobs Plan) focuses on job creation, business support, and workforce development. Updating the Jobs Plan alongside the CEDS ensures consistency between economic development priorities and strategies aimed at supporting workers and employers.
    • Who is leading this effort?
      The process is led by the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD), with support from a CEDS Strategy Committee and engagement with stakeholders and the public.
    • Who can participate?
      Participation opportunities are provided through scheduled public meetings, workshops, and public comment periods. In addition, a CEDS Strategy Committee composed of appointed representatives provides structured guidance throughout the process.
    • How can I share input?
      You can share input by attending public meetings, submitting written comments during public comment periods, and responding to input requests posted on this website.
    • How will public input be used?
      Input will be documented and summarized and will inform the SWOT analysis, priorities, and recommended actions. Public comments received during the draft review period will be tracked and a summary will be posted after the comment period closes.
    • How does this relate to other City plans?
      The process is designed to align with existing plans and reports, including prior City CEDS and Jobs Plan documents and other relevant City and regional strategies.
    • What happens after the CEDS and Jobs Plan are finalized?
      The final documents will serve as reference tools to help inform coordination and implementation across City departments and partners. Following completion, the CEDS and Jobs Plan will proceed through the City’s review and adoption process. Once adopted, the final documents will serve as reference tools to help inform coordination and implementation across City departments and partners. This website will host the adopted documents and related supporting materials.
    • Who do I contact with questions?
      Contact information to be determined.
  • Process & Timeline

    The Los Angeles CEDS and Jobs Plan is being developed through a phased process that combines technical analysis with stakeholder and public engagement.

    Phase 1: Economic Conditions Data Gathering and Situational Assessment
    September 2025 - April 2026


    Phase 2: SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) assessment and Outreach
    March 2026 – October 2026


    Phase 3: Strategic Direction Action Plan Development
    September 2026 – June 2027


    Phase 4: Draft Plan and Public Review
    June 2027


    Phase 5: Final Plan and Adoption
    to be announced
  • Meetings and Materials

    For each meeting or workshop, materials may include:

    • A brief summary of key discussion themes
    • Presentation materials
    • Identified next steps


    Meeting Summaries and Materials
    to be added

  • Reports

    The Critical Industry Trends Report fulfills the Critical Industry Trends research task required under the City of Los Angeles Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and Jobs Plan. It examines legacy, emerging, restructuring, and declining industry sectors in the City of Los Angeles, using data on employment, concentration, wage, and post-pandemic trends.

    Critical Industry Trends Report
    LA County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) and Beacon Economics


  • Draft Plan Review and Comment

    The Draft City of Los Angeles Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and Jobs Plan will be available for public review during the open comment period.

    Public Comment Period
    to be announced

    How to Submit Comments
    to be announced

  • Final Plans and Documents

    Final and approved materials, including:
    • Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
    • Jobs Plan
    • Appendices and supporting documentation

    Additional documents to be added as they become available.
  • Get Involved

    Public and stakeholder participation is an important part of the City of Los Angeles CEDS and Jobs Plan process. Opportunities to participate are provided through scheduled public meetings, workshops, and designated public comment periods.

    Participation opportunities are designed to gather input on economic conditions, challenges, and priorities and to inform the development of the SWOT analysis, strategic priorities, and recommended actions.

    Ways to participate include:
    • Attending public meetings and workshops
    • Submitting written input during public comment periods
    Some elements of the process, such as the CEDS Strategy Committee, involve appointed or invited representatives to ensure balanced and effective guidance. The Strategy Committee includes representatives from City leadership and key agencies, county and regional partners, business and industry, academic and research institutions, community and nonprofit organizations, labor and workforce representatives, philanthropy and impact investment, and at-large members.


    Upcoming Events

    Public Meeting Dates:

    • Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
      Mid-Valley Regional Branch Library
      16244 Nordhoff Street, North Hills, CA 91343

    • Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
      City Council District 11 Westchester Field Office
      7166 West Manchester Avenue, Westchester, 90045


    Public Input Survey
    At certain stages of the process, the City may use public input surveys to gather feedback on key economic issues and priorities. Surveys will be posted on this website when they are open, along with information on the survey period and how responses will be used.

    [public survey link tba]


    Accessibility and Language Access
    The City of Los Angeles is committed to providing meaningful access to participation opportunities. Information about language interpretation, accessibility accommodations, and how to submit requests will be posted for each public meeting or survey.