LAEDC Releases the 2026 Economic Forecast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2026

LAEDC Unveils 2026 Annual Economic Forecast at “From Disruption to Direction” Convening

Glendale, CA — The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) convened hundreds of cross-sector leaders today at Glendale Community College for the release of its 2026 Annual Economic Forecast, marking more than 20 years of delivering trusted economic insights to the region.

Held under the theme From Disruption to Direction, the event examined how Los Angeles County navigated a year marked by environmental disasters, global trade volatility, immigration enforcement shifts, and supply chain disruption — and why the regional economy continued to grow despite these pressures.

Produced by LAEDC’s Institute for Applied Economics, the 2026 Annual Economic Forecast provides comprehensive projections on employment, wages, regional GDP, housing, industry performance, and international trade.

As noted in the report’s foreword:

“The year 2025 tested Los Angeles County in ways few could have anticipated… What is perhaps most remarkable is that, through all of this, the Los Angeles County economy continued to grow — a testament to both the scale and diversity of the regional economy and the resilience of its residents, workers, and business owners.”

Economic Outlook Highlights

Key findings from the 2026 Forecast include:

• Continued, though moderated, employment growth across key industry clusters
• Ongoing housing affordability challenges impacting workforce mobility
• Strength in trade and logistics despite global headwinds
• Strategic opportunities for investment in workforce development and industry innovation

LAEDC economists emphasized that while growth remains steady, intentional policy and cross-sector coordination will be critical to ensure long-term resilience and inclusive prosperity.

Breakout Sessions: Sector Deep Dives

Following the main presentation, attendees participated in breakout sessions designed to explore the implications of the forecast across major sectors and policy areas.

Sessions included:

• Workforce & Talent Pipeline — Addressing labor market shifts, AI-enabled careers, and employer-driven training strategies.
• Industry Clusters & Innovation — Examining advanced manufacturing, entertainment, trade, and emerging sectors shaping the region’s competitive advantage.
• Housing & Affordability — Discussing supply constraints, regulatory impacts, and pathways to stabilize workforce housing.
• Global Trade & Investment — Analyzing international trade flows, tariff impacts, and foreign direct investment trends.

Each session provided actionable insights and practical considerations for business leaders, public officials, and economic development partners.

National Perspective: Fireside Chat

A featured highlight of the program was a high-level fireside conversation with:

• Isabel Guzman, former Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration
• Julie Chavez Rodriguez, former Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Senior Advisor to President Biden
• Moderated by Stephen Cheung, President & CEO of LAEDC & WTCLA

The discussion explored federal economic policy, small business resiliency, intergovernmental coordination, and the role of regional leadership in navigating national disruption.

Speakers emphasized the importance of aligning federal, state, and local strategies to ensure communities can convert uncertainty into opportunity.

A Legacy of Insight

For more than two decades, LAEDC’s Annual Economic Forecast has served as a foundational planning tool for decision-makers across Southern California.

“This report is not just about numbers,” said Stephen Cheung. “It is about direction — how we respond to disruption, how we strengthen resilience, and how we ensure Los Angeles remains competitive, innovative, and opportunity-rich.”