California Construction News staff writer
Los Angeles has surpassed a major milestone in its green economic transformation, reaching its 2019 goal of creating 100,000 green jobs a full year ahead of schedule. The achievement is part of Mayor Karen Bass’ broader sustainability agenda, aimed at building a more resilient and sustainable city while stimulating economic growth.
The city’s green workforce expansion has been driven by strategic investments in renewable energy, electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, water conservation, and sustainable construction. These initiatives are creating opportunities for contractors and workers across various sectors, as demand grows for green construction practices and specialized infrastructure projects.
One of the key drivers of this transformation is Los Angeles’ leadership in electric vehicle infrastructure. Over the past two years, nearly 16,000 EV chargers have been installed—an increase of 77% since Bass took office. With more than $15 million in federal grants allocated to expanding the city’s EV charging network, this growth has helped L.A. surpass its 2025 infrastructure targets. Significant installations, including curbside Level 2 chargers and large-scale DC fast charging hubs, are expected to continue, providing new opportunities for the construction industry.
“We’re laying the foundation for a cleaner, greener future,” Bass said. “Our work has led to record increases in EV infrastructure and renewable energy capacity, all while supporting thousands of jobs in sectors that will define the economy for years to come.”
Los Angeles is also making strides in clean energy. The Eland Solar & Storage Center, a large-scale solar and battery storage project, began operations in November, supplying clean energy to over 250,000 homes. This marks a major step toward the city’s goal of 100% clean energy by 2035. For construction professionals, the Eland project represents a prime example of the need for expertise in renewable energy infrastructure, particularly in solar and energy storage technologies.
In addition, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) secured $8 million in federal funding to enhance zero-emission hydroelectric infrastructure, which will further strengthen the city’s energy grid and create more opportunities for skilled workers in electrical infrastructure.
Water infrastructure is also undergoing significant upgrades. The Donald C. Tillman Groundwater Replenishment Project, a $60 million initiative to create a sustainable water supply for more than 250,000 residents, will help meet the city’s growing water needs while addressing climate change impacts. This project, along with others focused on water recycling and conservation, is expected to generate new demand for contractors with expertise in sustainable water management and construction.
As part of its green job efforts, the city has also invested in environmental remediation, including cleaning up brownfield sites to make way for new housing and public spaces. These projects not only revitalize neighborhoods but also support sustainable urban development.
The city’s South LA All In Initiative, which focuses on training residents for clean energy jobs, is creating pathways for workers to gain skills in areas like EV maintenance, lead abatement, and welding. As these sectors continue to grow, construction companies will benefit from an expanding pool of qualified workers ready to support the city’s green infrastructure projects.
Los Angeles has also secured significant federal funding to modernize its transportation and port infrastructure. The Port of Los Angeles received an unprecedented $412 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support the transition to zero-emission trucks and electric storage systems. This investment aligns with the city’s Clean Air Action Plan, which aims to achieve zero-emission port operations by 2035. Construction companies are poised to play a key role in these efforts, which will involve developing and deploying advanced electric and hydrogen technologies in the region’s ports.
With these efforts, Los Angeles is establishing itself as a leader in sustainability and climate resilience. Bass’ initiatives are creating thousands of jobs, with the potential for continued growth in sectors such as renewable energy, clean transportation, and sustainable construction. These projects signal a future where the construction industry will be essential to building a low-carbon, climate-resilient city.
Looking ahead, Los Angeles is preparing for even greater challenges, particularly with the 2028 Olympic Games on the horizon. These games will showcase the city’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure, green building practices, and clean energy, presenting a pivotal moment for the construction sector to innovate and lead in the green economy.
As the city moves toward its sustainability goals, the construction industry is well-positioned to benefit from the ongoing demand for green jobs and infrastructure, making it a critical player in Los Angeles’ transition to a sustainable future.
