Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN / AFP / Getty Images
LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The City Council Wednesday designated Crenshaw Boulevard, from Vernon Avenue to 60th Street, as a Jobs and Economic Development Incentive Zone, in an effort to support small businesses and job creation in the area.
The council voted 10-0 in support of the designation, with council members Kevin de León, Eunisses Hernandez, Imelda Padilla, Curren Price and Monica Rodriguez absent during the vote.
The action will designate the stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard as a so- called JEDI Zone for a period of five years.
The Economic and Workforce Development Department defines JEDI Zones as "areas where local economic incentives will be used to enhance businesses, attract new businesses and industries that will result in increased economic development and growth in the city, particularly in communities that have been historically underinvested."
The council will also authorize the EWDD to implement a Business Incentive Plan, which includes providing permit subsidies of up to $10,000 for up to 30 businesses with a total allocation of up to $300,000.
In addition, about $1.5 million will be appropriated to the Department of Building and Safety and Department of City Planning for permit fee reductions.
Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson, who represents the 8th District, which encompasses the Crenshaw Boulevard JEDI Zone, initiated the action.
The councilman noted Crenshaw Boulevard has numerous small businesses that provide critical goods and service to the community. Significant public investments are also under construction in this area, including Destination Crenshaw and the forthcoming Metro Crenshaw/LAX Line.
"The JEDI Zone program presents an opportunity to leverage these activities to further support small businesses and job creation on Crenshaw Boulevard as well as other communities throughout the council district," his motion reads.
A report from the EWDD states the 8th District is home to a large population of Hispanic or Latino, and Black or African American, residents.
According to the American Community Survey 5-year 2016-2020 economic data, CD8's median household income is $51,701, while the median household income in the city is $65,290. The survey notes that 23.8% of CD 8 residents live below the poverty line.
The EWDD's report emphasizes a need to support local businesses and bolster economic development in the area.
"Implementation of the JEDI Zone program can assist area businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and prevent the permanent closures of small and minority-owned businesses," the report states.