DEO works to unlock LA County’s economic potential and build thriving, inclusive local communities.

Whether you’re looking to start a new career or grow a small business, we got you covered! The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is LA County’s central economic and workforce development hub helping residents connect to new career pathways, start and certify a business, and access life-changing opportunities.

We’re working to advance equity and inclusive, sustainable growth through all DEO programs and services by targeting economic benefits to the most vulnerable and marginalized communities, small businesses and residents in LA County.

Team DEO can help you:

Start or Grow a Career

Stop by your local AJCC to access free job training and career counseling, paid work experiences, layoff aversion, high-road training partnerships, qualifed talent, and more!

Build & Grow a Business

Access free 1-on-1 individualized counseling tailored to help you kick start, launch, & certify your small business, including workshops, referrals for legal assistance, grant opportunities & more!

Access Pandemic Relief

Connect to more than $156 million in American Rescue Plan Act programs designed to help build an equitable economic recovery from the COVID19 pandemic.

Build Back Better.

DEO is committed to helping communities & businesses build back better by deploying more than $156 million in economic and workforce development programing through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Small Business corner

Supporting Sidewalk Vendors

With support from local and regional partners, we’re here to help sidewalk vendors start up and thrive in our growing open-air economy, while also ensuring safe and healthy communities through compliant sidewalk vending operations.

Shop Local LA County

Neighbors, family members, and friends are the faces behind our most cherished small businesses! To share the love back, Team DEO kick started Shop Local LA County to support mom & pop stores and strengthen the bonds that connect our communities.

Mentor. Train. Hire. Elevate!

Businesses in LA County can boost their workforce and create new career pathways for youth through Youth @ Work Elevate!
100% of the internship will be covered for up to 400 hours. Partner with Team DEO and get matched with a highly-motivated youth intern!

DEO Newsroom

Inaugural Annual Report – DEO’s First Year

Read through our inaugural annual report detailing the historical formation of a department dedicated to creating equitable economic opportunities for all residents of LA County. The creation of DEO represents the first time LA County centralized economic and workforce development functions in one agency.

Revitalizing Parking Lot 45

LA County is seeking proposers for the development of Los Angeles County Parking Lot 45 – New High Village Development Project, a planned mixed-use development project in Chinatown that will transform the Lot 45 parking lot into 100% affordable housing for low-income households as well as a cultural and creative hub for the local community, commercial or economic opportunity spaces, as well as green space, and adequate parking.


Modernizing LA County’s Public Workforce System

The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is excited to announce the release of the Los Angeles County America’s Job Centers of California (AJCC) Modernization Request for Proposals (AJCC Modernization RFP).  This RFP seeks non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, public agencies, social enterprises, public or private higher education institutions and/or similar organizations to administer services as an AJCC through the implementation of key modernization strategies and north star principles.


LA County General Hospital & West Campus: Centennial Development Project

DEO will engage a vendor to reimagine the historical LA County General Hospital & West Campus and transform the 25 acres of land into a place of recovery, growth, and healing. This vendor will submit a proposal for the design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of a multi-purpose development site to support the local community and our most vulnerable populations with affordable housing and holistic services – a concept inspired by Supervisor Hilda L. Solis’ “Healthy Village” vision at General Hospital.