From Disruption to Direction: LA’s Economy After a Turbulent 2025
LAEDC’s 2026 Economic Forecast, held at Glendale Community College, brought together regional leaders to assess Los Angeles’ economic landscape following a turbulent 2025. Forecast presentations from Shannon Sedgwick (VP of Research and Policy at LAEDC) and Dr. Somjita Mitra (Chief Economist, California Department of Finance) pointed to structural fragilities and the overlapping shocks of major economic disruptions in 2025, while still highlighting the strength of LA’s growing economy. Breakout sessions examined four foundational industries – healthcare, tourism, construction, and manufacturing – each confronting rising costs, workforce constraints, and shifting policy environments. Discussions emphasized the need for modernization, targeted investments, and long-term planning to ensure continued growth. The event concluded with a conversation on the national policy landscape, where former White House leaders underscored how federal shifts will shape local economies and the importance of regional advocacy and adaptability.
Panels & Speakers
Welcome Remarks: Ron Frierson, Yvette Vartanian Davis, Ara Najarian
Economic Forecast:Shannon Sedgwick
Keynote Speaker:Dr. Somjita Mitra
The Healthcare Squeeze:Martha Santana-Chin, George Greene, Dr. Christina Ghaly, Castulo de la Rocha, Sally Malone, Bryan Croft
Holding Ground:Jessica Jones, Joe Ahn, Jeff Wilson, Christian Park
Systems Behind the Stay:Stephanie Wiggins, Ken Billups, Eric Greffier, Oliver Chi, Adam Burke
Building Under Pressure:Jeffrey Jennison, Amy Christopherson Bolten, Dr. Rueben Smith, Steve Dowell, Elmy Bermejo
Policy, Power, and Prosperity:Isabel Guzman, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, Stephen Cheung
Closing Remarks:Stephen Cheung
Across the day’s sessions, several overarching takeaways emerged:
Entering 2026, federal policy turbulence is a dominant external risk factor. Unpredictable federal changes, from tariffs and immigration enforcement to SBA lending restrictions and cuts to research and grants, are creating uncertainty for Los Angeles industries.
Workforce challenges are universal. From hospitals to transit to construction, shortages (particularly mid-career workers) are affecting capacity, productivity, and project timelines.
Housing and cost pressures shape nearly every sector. Cost of living affects worker retention, business expansion decisions, talent pipelines, and the ability of employers to compete.
Small businesses need more structural support. Capital access, procurement opportunities, regulatory navigation, and resilience strategies are essential as small firms underpin job creation and neighborhood vitality.
Mega-events are an inflection point. The World Cup and Olympic and Paralympic Games represent not just event opportunities but long-term potential for mobility reform, workforce innovation, and global narrative-building about LA.
LA’s economic future depends on coordinated regional action. Municipal collaboration, unified advocacy, data-driven decision-making, and a proactive narrative are essential to navigate uncertainty and seize opportunity.
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