To increase local business participation in city contracting and employment opportunities, the Los Angeles City Council has approved the creation of the Local Business Preference Program.

Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Krekorian, 2nd District, introduced the motion to establish the program, which aims to create more opportunity for Los Angeles County businesses that could be eligible for a contracting preference.

“The Local Business Preference Program is a critical component of the effort I launched six years ago to boost the local economy and highlight the extraordinary businesses that are based in Los Angeles,” Krekorian said. “It encourages local and small business participation in city-funded contract bidding and keeps jobs in Los Angeles. This is more urgent than ever as we grow the economy coming out of the pandemic.”

Overseen by the city’s Bureau of Contract Administration, bid preference programs provide a contracting preference to certified small and local businesses, and other Los Angeles County-based entities that bid on city contracts for goods, equipment and supplies. The Small Local Business, Local Business Preference program, and Transitional Job Opportunities programs have been consolidated into the Local Business Preference Program. Combining the programs creates consistency for businesses that previously had different certification requirements, Krekorian said. The updated program is intended to further encourage businesses to compete for city contracting opportunities.

“In Los Angeles, we are committed to do all that we can to help keep businesses afloat,” said Mike Davis, president pro tempore of the Board of Public Works Commission.

For information, visit bca.lacity.org/certification.