As LA:RISE concluded its sixth programmatic year in 2021, partners reflected on what sustained public-private collaboration can achieve in addressing employment barriers.

The same week as the final Academy Meeting on May 5, 2021, we connected with the City of Los Angeles, General Manager, Carolyn Hull, to discuss approaches to supporting people navigating significant employment barriers.

The Economic and Workforce Development Department, City of Los Angeles, advances economic opportunity through workforce development, business support, youth programs, and initiatives designed to strengthen pathways to employment and economic mobility across Los Angeles.

LA:RISE continues to demonstrate what is possible when workforce agencies, government partners, and employment social enterprises work together to expand opportunity.

One reflection shared by Carolyn Hull remains relevant today: “In the City of L.A., societal problems can only be addressed through collaboration.”

Agreed.

Thank you to the dedicated LA:RISE partners whose continued commitment supports communities across Los Angeles. Looking back to 2015, when LA:RISE launched as a City initiative before expanding Countywide in 2018, the work reinforces a continued belief: lasting systems change requires partnership.