Stephen Cheung, President and CEO of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), joins The Bloc Power Hour with Sarah Harris to discuss the insights behind the organization’s highly anticipated 2026 Economic Forecast.

As one of the most comprehensive economic outlooks for the region, the forecast provides a critical look at the trends shaping Los Angeles’ economic future. From housing affordability and workforce dynamics to global competitiveness and industry growth, Cheung shares how these factors influence the region’s ability to attract investment, support innovation, and sustain long-term prosperity.

Drawing from LAEDC’s data-driven analysis, the conversation explores how economic indicators translate into real-world impact for businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities across Los Angeles County. Cheung also highlights the importance of strategic planning and collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure the region remains competitive in an increasingly complex global economy.

For business leaders and policymakers alike, understanding these economic signals is key to navigating uncertainty and positioning Los Angeles for growth in the years ahead.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Key insights from the LAEDC 2026 Economic Forecast
• The biggest opportunities and challenges facing the Los Angeles economy
• How housing affordability impacts workforce and regional growth
• What global competitiveness means for Los Angeles businesses
• Why economic forecasting is critical for strategic planning and policy decisions

If you value conversations that move insight into impact, support the work of the Black Business Association at bbala.org.

Follow the show:
@blocpowerhour
@blackbusinessassociation
@sarahharrisceo_