Mayor Plans to Continue Strides in Economic Development

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa told members of the business community at the United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley and Region’s honorary luncheon that he will continue pushing business-related reforms for the remainder of his term. At the Mayor’s luncheon Sept. 22, Villaraigosa spoke of the recent steps he and his business team has taken to boost the city’s economic climate. Those included pushing for the expansion of the city’s California Enterprise Zone in and around the San Fernando Valley, passing an ordinance that cuts taxes for local Internet businesses, passing a business tax holiday, and proposing a local preference ordinance, which would give local businesses more leverage in bids for government contracts. The Business Tax Advisory Committee is suggesting even more business tax reforms for the city, Villaraigosa said. “We’ve now put together a group to re-look at what we’ve done already and give us more suggestions on how we can better address our convoluted business tax situation in L.A.,” he said. Another recent stride in economic development, he added, was the expansion of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program to Los Angeles. Hardships included having to make difficult decisions in the down economy, including the decision to reduce the city’s workforce by 400 employees, Villaraigosa said. The city is also in the process, he said, of putting forth several motions to place on the city ballot a restructured pension plan for new police and fire employees, as well as an ordinance that will do the same for city employees. Hundreds of people attended the event, which was held at the Warner Center Marriott hotel in Woodland Hills. Honorary guests included Burbank Mayor Anja Reinke and San Fernando Mayor Mario Hernandez. Several elected officials were also present, including State Controller John Chiang, Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield, Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Greuel, Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich and other state and city officials.