Statement of Qualifications

The LAEDC created a specialized unit to provide outside economic consulting services in October 1998. Prior to this date, the consulting staff had been part of the economic research unit of the LAEDC.

The economic and public policy consulting unit of the LAEDC operates out of one location, the company's offices in the downtown district of the City of Los Angeles. The LAEDC is a section 501(c)(3) private, non-profit corporation, founded in 1981 and has a staff of 35 at the headquarters location, plus seven Regional Managers located in various sub-regions of Los Angeles County. The economic consulting unit has a staff of nine: comprising the Executive Director, a Chief Financial Officer, a Managing Director - Consulting Services, four economists, a Director of Policy Consulting, and support staff.

The LAEDC Board of Directors determined at an early date that economic information and analysis was critical to accomplishing its economic development mission. The LAEDC operates a comprehensive economic research function, with numerous publications on the economy and industries of the Southern California area. Its semi-annual Forecast of local, state, national, and international economies is widely used by business, government, and community organizations in their planning and budgeting. In addition, LAEDC publishes annual updates on industries important to Los Angeles County.

The consulting team has expertise and experience in a wide range of economic analysis, plus the director of policy consulting. The Chief Economist and senior economist both have spent major portions of their careers in the banking industry. In addition, the Chief Economist has expertise in rail transportation, and the senior economist spent considerable time working in durable goods manufacturing. The director of policy consulting specializes in trade and transportation issues and economic impact analysis.