The Affinity Report Series: It Starts With Audacity

A reflection on the freedom to contribute and the responsibility to build together.

Strong economies are built by recognizing assets, connecting them with purpose, and creating the conditions where opportunity can grow.

That belief guided LAEDC’s 2026 Affinity Report Series.

Built on the premise that a stronger economy begins by recognizing the full breadth of the people, institutions, industries, and communities already shaping it, the series was created to elevate those stories, document those contributions, and help Los Angeles County see itself more completely.

Economic data tells us what is happening.

People tell us why.

Behind every statistic are entrepreneurs creating opportunity, educators preparing the next generation, healthcare leaders advancing innovation, artists strengthening the creative economy, civic leaders shaping policy, and community organizations building trust. Together, they represent the leadership, relationships, innovation, and capacity that drive Los Angeles County forward every day.

Across every report, one truth remained constant: the strengths shaping Los Angeles County’s economy already exist. Our responsibility is to recognize them, connect them with purpose, and create the conditions where they generate even greater opportunity, shared prosperity, and long-term regional competitiveness.

Each report explored that philosophy through a different lens.

The Women’s Economic Report demonstrates that leadership expands opportunity by investing in people and creating pathways for future generations.

The Latino Economic Report reinforces that entrepreneurship, ownership, and economic mobility remain powerful drivers of regional prosperity.

The Black Los Angeles County Economic Report begins with abundance, recognizing that lasting growth is built by investing in the assets, institutions, and leadership already present.

The AANHPI Economic Report illustrates how innovation, global connectivity, and cross-sector collaboration strengthen Los Angeles County’s competitive advantage.

The LGBTQ+ Economic Report reminds us that places of belonging become places of power, where people are empowered to contribute fully to the economic and civic life of our region.

Partner perspectives became an intentional part of every report because economic development is strengthened when the people shaping the economy help shape the conversation around it. Using LAEDC’s platform to elevate business leaders, educators, healthcare providers, artists, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and community organizations was intentional. Making the invisible visible is not simply storytelling—it is economic development.

Together, the Affinity Report Series affirms a simple truth: economic development is strongest when every community’s strengths are recognized, made visible, and connected with purpose.

This work reflects LAEDC’s mission to drive inclusive economic growth through data-driven initiatives and strategic relationships and advances our vision of a Coalition of One – Economy for All.

These reports are not an endpoint. They establish a foundation for how LAEDC will continue leading.

A foundation that recognizes assets before deficits.

That brings together business, government, education, healthcare, philanthropy, and community around a shared regional agenda.

That uses data to inform action and relationships to accelerate impact.

That makes the invisible visible and ensures the people shaping our economy help shape the conversation around it.

This is LAEDC.

One grounded in partnership.

Driven by data.

Strengthened by diverse perspectives.

Confident enough to challenge old assumptions.

Audacious enough to rebuild the forum so all voices belong.

Because the strongest economies are not built by a single institution.

They are built when a region recognizes its strengths, connects them with purpose, and has the audacity to build what comes next.