Los Angeles County leaders advanced a proposal to steer county purchasing toward local manufacturers while investigating wage theft in industries that employ many immigrant workers. The plan could impact jobs, wages, and economic stability across Latino communities.
A proposal advancing through Los Angeles County government could help immigrant workers maintain living wages amid growing anti immigrant sentiment across the country.
On Tuesday, May 5, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors advanced a “Made in Los Angeles County” pilot program designed to create a master list of preferred companies that manufacture goods locally.
A separate motion would investigate wage theft and sub minimum wages in industries where immigrant workers are commonly employed, including garment factories, car washes, construction sites, and other labor intensive sectors.
“Los Angeles County will hold bad actors accountable and reward businesses and workers right here at home,” said Supervisor Holly Mitchell. “One involves how we enforce the laws against predatory employers. The other involves using the county’s purchasing power to reward employers doing the right thing for their workers.”
The county could direct part of its estimated $6 billion to $8 billion procurement budget toward vetted local companies that provide uniforms, garments, supplies, and services for county departments, including the Department of Health Services.
The initiative would eventually create and promote a “locally owned” label for products manufactured in Los Angeles County as part of the “Shop Local LA County” campaign. Officials are still determining whether the label will officially read “Made in Los Angeles County.” A report outlining the details is expected within four months.
Under the proposal, county departments purchasing goods from outside Los Angeles County, including from other states or overseas, would shift procurement toward qualified local manufacturers. The motions introduced by Supervisors Holly Mitchell and Hilda Solis passed with support from Supervisor Janice Hahn in 3 to 0 votes. Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Kathryn Barger were absent.
Hahn said the initiative builds on the long standing popularity of the “Made in America” movement.
“It makes sense that we push to have things made in Los Angeles County get a preference,” Hahn said.
She noted that businesses in her district that could benefit include manufacturers, logistics and supply chain firms, automotive parts suppliers, meat processing plants, and apparel makers.
“Los Angeles County already prioritizes small businesses,” Hahn said. “This gives us a whole new category, namely Los Angeles County. Both are important.”
John Bwarie, executive director of the Made in LA Coalition, said the pilot program would strengthen support for small manufacturers producing everything from furnishings to fragrances and home care products.
During public comment, workers described experiences with wage theft and exploitation. Some said they regularly worked 12 to 15 hour shifts without receiving full pay or overtime compensation.
One advocate described a complaint involving a construction site security guard who reportedly worked nearly 18 hours without full pay. After raising concerns, the worker was allegedly threatened with being reported to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“Workers today are facing immigration raids, plus the rising costs from tariffs. It’s an economy that leaves them behind,” Mitchell said. “Here at LA County we can do everything we can to ensure every worker is paid what they are owed.”
Juan Carlos Gonzalez, who has worked in the local garment industry for 26 years, said he has endured long shifts without receiving full wages.
“We have suffered a lot of wage theft,” Gonzalez said. “You can listen to my story, but living it is different. I represent thousands of garment workers in Los Angeles.”
The Board of Supervisors has directed county staff to return with a detailed report within four months outlining how the “Made in Los Angeles County” program would operate, including eligibility standards, procurement guidelines, and branding for locally manufactured products.
If approved, county departments would begin identifying opportunities to shift purchasing from out of county and overseas suppliers to qualified Los Angeles County manufacturers.
