CPF Research Presentation: "Local Economies, Local Power: Business Trends in LA Districts"

As part of the Center for the Political Future's Unruh Institute POSC 395 Policy Research Internship, students work collaboratively with community partners to develop policy solutions to real world challenges facing the Los Angeles community and state. For the Spring 2026 semester, CPF POSC 395 Policy Research Internship students examined how a wide range of industries—from infrastructure and gaming to fashion and food technology—are shaping the city’s evolving business ecosystem and demonstrating how local innovation scales to meet global demand. They produced a Business Impact Report focused on an assigned Los Angeles City Council district. Through data analysis, students assessed industry composition, identified emerging trends, and pinpointed key drivers of economic growth within their district. The project emphasized industries contributing to local job creation and investment, generating evidence-based insights to inform policy discussions with elected officials and community stakeholders. They presented their extensive research and recommendations to our partner, Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. Project: Local Economies, Local Power: Business Trends in LA City Council Districts Partner: Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce USC Students: Ivana Rauda Gaona, Alyssa Kim, Doris Li, Sandy Ochoa, and Julieta Villalpando Learn more about the project: https://dornsife.usc.edu/center-for-p... Learn more about the POSC 395 Policy Research Internship: https://bit.ly/cpfResearch Learn more about the Center: https://dornsife.usc.edu/center-for-p...