Catalyst Phase Research Report

Catalyst Phase Research Report

The California Jobs First (CJF) Catalyst Phase Research Report, prepared by Beacon Economics, provides a comprehensive assessment of Los Angeles County’s economic conditions, workforce dynamics, and priority industries as the region transitions from planning to long-term implementation. The report highlights both the scale of LA County’s economy and the persistent inequities shaping access to opportunity across subregions and populations.

Key findings and data points include:

• Median household income ranges from about $65,000 in the South East and South West SPAs to nearly $134,000 in the West SPA, underscoring uneven economic opportunity .
• Health Care and Social Services is the county’s largest employment sector, supporting 900,000+ jobs and continuing to grow even as overall employment has slowed .
• Housing affordability remains a major constraint: the countywide median home price exceeded $1.13 million, and only 13% of residents can afford a median-priced home .
• Demand for artificial intelligence skills is rising rapidly, concentrated in professional services, information, manufacturing, and management occupations, signaling both opportunity and workforce transition needs .
• Grassroots surveys (≈2,700 respondents) show widespread concern about job security, cost of living, and access to education, training, and affordable housing .

Overall, the report reinforces the need for coordinated investment in career pathways, small business ecosystems, and priority sectors—including clean energy, health care, construction, bioscience, and logistics—to ensure the transition to a carbon-neutral economy delivers equitable, high-quality jobs across Los Angeles County .

For any questions regarding the research report, contact arman.koohian@laedc.org.