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Concerns About Homelessness, Infrastructure On The Rise; General Business Outlook Wanes
06/24/2019
By Los Angeles County Business Federation, Homelessness is the fastest rising concern for business owners.In the list of top concerns, homelessness saw the biggest jump from last year’s poll, reaching the #3 spot this year after peaking at #9 in 2018. It was cited by 24% of respondents as one reason why businesses and jobs are moving out of Los Angeles and California. Only 10% of respondents countywide are satisfied in the way local government is reducing the number of homelessness. When asked about their satisfaction with their local government’s performance on a number of issues, business owners were most disappointed with housing affordability and homelessness. 90% of business owners said they were dissatisfied with their local government’s performance on reducing homelessness, while 94% cited housing affordability as the area were local government is performing the worst.
Pathways out of poverty identified as technical training and child care.
Roads and Freeways in dire need of repair in order for business to grow.
Business Optimism lowest in four years.
Threat of split roll causes nearly half of business owners to consider leaving CA 80% of respondents blame high taxes and fees for businesses leaving in California already, far beyond the 59% who cited the state’s rapidly changing regulatory environment. Traffic congestion/transportation and housing costs are cited as the 3rd and 4th reasons that businesses leave the state, respectively. “The recent failure of Measure EE in Los Angeles proves that voters are starting to feel the same frustration that business owners have” said Tracy Hernandez, BizFed’s Founding CEO. “When our elected officials are not good stewards of public resources, it seems the first thing they do is turn to property owners to raise funds. But increasing taxes on homeowners only makes housing more expensive and less attainable. Raising taxes for business means they can’t invest that money in their workforce, and it increases costs for customers. “ “California is an important marketplace but it’s not like businesses don’t have other options,” points out BizFed Board Chair Steve Bullock. “We’ve seen many major employers move to Texas, Florida, Virginia – the taxes are lower not just for their businesses, but for their employees. Their employees find that housing is more attainable, and traffic is less soul crushing in places that have growing economies and well performing schools.”
Most and Least Business Friendly Cities for 2019 Click here to view supporting poll data. or view it on our website. #### About Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed)
With more than 180 business organizations representing 400,000 employers with 3.5 million employees throughout L.A. County, BizFed is a massive, diverse grassroots alliance that advocates for policies and projects that strengthen the regional economy. Leveraging power in numbers, BizFed explores all sides of critical issues and takes action to make a difference for business growth, job creation, and economic vitality in Southern California. Back To News |
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