Growing our economy

Mayor Villaraigosa has always fought hard for the middle class. As Mayor he has helped keep LA a good place to live by supporting the middle class working hard to grow our economy, developing sustainable communities, and leveraging new and emerging technologies to create more and higher-paying jobs. Coupled with his commitment to ensuring safe and affordable housing for all Angelenos, Villaraigosa has ensured LA's place at the center of the 21st century global economy. For example:

• Villaraigosa’s economic plan has drastically grown the employment base, placing one hundred thousand Los Angeles residents in good-paying jobs and quadrupling the number of summer youth jobs.
• Tapped to be a member of President Obama’s economic transition team, Villaraigosa used his position to advocate for greater assistance for distressed homeowners and call for greater federal investment in Southern California. Going forward, he will continue to push California's congressional delegation and the Obama administration to protect Los Angeles' stake in the economic recovery.
• In November 2008, Mayor Villaraigosa introduced "Solar LA," not only allowing LA to reduce its carbon footprint but also creating up to 400 jobs for every 10 megawatts of energy produced, jumpstarting LA's green economy and leading the way for cities across the globe seeking sustainable economic development.