California Community Foundation and the Los Angeles Jobs First Collaborative
HR&A Advisors serves as the Sector Investment Coordinator for the Los Angeles County Jobs First Collaborative, leading program management for the Catalyst Phase of California Jobs First. Working alongside the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation as Regional Convener and the California Community Foundation as Fiscal Agent, we designed and implemented a $9 million predevelopment funding program to advance inclusive, climate-aligned economic growth across priority industries.Â
In this role, HR&A co-developed and administered a competitive regional RFP process, evaluated more than 100 project proposals, and guided the selection of high-impact investments aligned with the Regional Plan. We authored five sector Activation Plans to translate strategy into implementation pathways and organized industry working groups to strengthen ecosystem coordination across aerospace, clean energy, bioscience, healthcare, transportation and logistics, construction, and video production. To ensure equitable access to funding, we built a comprehensive technical assistance program that included office hours, direct advisory support, and a virtual community hub, to strengthen applicant capacity and ensure smaller community-based organizations could compete effectively.
By aligning workforce development, decarbonization, and job quality goals, HR&A is helping LA County move from planning to action. Our program management systems, industry engagement framework, and post-award support structures position the region to compete effectively for Implementation funding and to sustain long-term, inclusive economic growth.
