Pray for Los Angeles

“Pray for Los Angeles” is not just a phrase — it is a heartfelt call that resonates with the essence of unity, resilience, and hope, much like “Pray for New York City” In the sprawling cityscape of Los Angeles, amidst the waves of the Pacific Ocean and the skies of hope, a community thrives, bound together by faith and the shared dream of prosperity (Ecclesiastes 4:12). The constant hustle and bustle, the glitz of Hollywood, and the intermingling cultures are sustained by a spirit of collective strength.

The Bible, a bulwark of hope and faith, underscores the power of prayer. James 5:16 underscores the power of earnest prayer, a comforting assurance that our voices echo in heaven, pleading for divine mercy. In Los Angeles, a city of dreams and challenges, pursuing peace, wisdom, and divine guidance is a common endeavor. Philippians 4:6 encourages us to cast our fears before God and plead for a peace that is beyond earthly understanding.

Embarking on a prayer journey for Los Angeles is a testimony of shared faith. As custodians of this city’s grace and potential, united in prayer, we embrace the comforting assurance of the divine presence (Matthew 18:20).

Join us on this spiritual quest. We aspire to a Los Angeles that flourishes not only in material prosperity, but also in spiritual wealth and blessing. Every prayer, and every act of faith is a step on the way to a city that reflects divine grace and glory. Amen.

Quick Brief 

Population: 4,057,841 GDP: USD 1.0 trillion Unemployment Rate: 9.6% Persons without Health Insurance, under age 65: 14.5%

GDP: Los Angeles, an economic powerhouse, significantly contributes to the nation’s economic landscape. With an estimated GDP of around $1.0 trillion in 2023, the city’s economy is fueled by various sectors, including entertainment, technology, manufacturing, and international trade. Los Angeles port is a critical gateway for U.S.-Asia trade, while Hollywood remains the bedrock of the global entertainment industry.

Budget: For Fiscal Year 2024, the budget allocated for Los Angeles stands at $35 billion, aimed at enhancing essential services, bolstering public safety, and addressing the housing crisis that plagues the city.

Employment: Diverse employment opportunities abound in Los Angeles, with leading sectors being entertainment, tech, health care, and education. Notable employers include the University of California, Los Angeles, Walt Disney Co., and Kaiser Permanente.

The economic vitality of Los Angeles is a testament to its diverse industries, significant employers, and its global stature as a hub for creativity, innovation, and commerce.

Economic Landscape

COVID-19 recovery efforts, inflation, and monetary policies shape the economic landscape of Los Angeles in 2023:

1. Post-Pandemic Economic Revitalization: The Los Angeles economy is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, opening new revitalization avenues.
2. High inflation, controlled through national monetary policies, has caused uncertainties. Sharp Federal Reserve rate hikes in 2022 raised concerns about a potential recession impacting businesses, jobs, and incomes.
3. Real Estate and Office Vacancy: Real estate varies across submarkets: Downtown East Los Angeles saw a 46.3% office vacancy rate in Q2 2023, while areas like the Mid-Counties and San Gabriel Valley fared better with around 7.9% vacancy.

• The median sold price of single-family homes in August 2023 was $882,020, a slight increase from previous periods.

4. Budget and Expenditure: A $3.4 billion supplemental budget plan was approved, augmenting the initial $43.3 billion budget for 2023-24.
5. Small Business and Industry Transition: Small businesses, recovering from pandemic disruptions are vulnerable to inflation and potential recession. The need for a diversified, resilient economy to support them is recognized.
6. Infrastructure and Collaboration: A collaborative approach, similar to the Bay Area, was suggested for infrastructure projects to achieve better outcomes.
7. Key Economic Sectors: Economic discussions highlighted the transition of key industries, small business resiliency, and commercial real estate as significant focus areas in Los Angeles’ economic landscape.

These elements depict Los Angeles’ multifaceted economic terrain as it adapts to post-pandemic challenges and opportunities.

Population and Demographics

The population and demographics of Los Angeles in 2023 are diverse and multifaceted, reflecting the city’s rich cultural tapestry. Here is an overview:

Population

• The population of Los Angeles is estimated at 3,769,485 in 2023, marking a 1.04% decrease from the previous year. Additionally, the metropolitan area has a population of 12,534,000 in 2023, a slight increase of 0.37% from 2022.
• The population has been on a decline with a rate of -1.04% annually since the last census 2020, which recorded a population of 3,889,834​.
• On the other hand, Los Angeles County is estimated to have a population of 10,072,629 in 2023, growing at a rate of 0.19% in the past year from the last census data​.

Age Demographics

• The median age in Los Angeles is 37.1, slightly less than the median age of 38.5 in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA Metro Area and comparable to the median age of 37.9 in California. The population is distributed across various age ranges, with the largest age group being individuals aged 30-39 at 17%, those aged 20-29 at 16%, and 40-49 at 13%.

Racial and Ethnic Composition (as of 2020)

• Hispanic or Latino: 46.9%
• White (alone, not Hispanic or Latino): 28.9%
• Asian (alone): 11.7%
• Black or African American (alone): 8.3%
• Two or more races: 3.3%
• Other (alone): 0.7%
• Native American (alone): 0.2%
• Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (alone): 0.1%​[Source]​.

Nativity and Foreign-born Population

• Approximately 59.4% of Los Angeles’ residents were born in the United States, and 39.7% of the population were foreign-born. Among the foreign-born population, the majority (64.5%) originated from Latin America, followed by Asia (26.3%), Europe (6.5%), Africa (1.5%), Northern America (0.9%), and Oceania (0.3%).

Language Diversity

• In 2021, 56.8% of people aged 5 years and over spoke a language other than English, with Spanish being the most common language spoken (36%), followed by Asian and Pacific Islander languages (7.9%), other Indo-European languages (7.4%), and other languages (1.4%).

These demographic and population statistics present a snapshot of the diverse and dynamic population residing in Los Angeles, which continues to evolve.

Age Distribution

The age distribution in Los Angeles is relatively varied, with a median age of 37.1. The largest age group is individuals aged 30-39 at 17%, followed by those aged 20-29 at 16%, and 40-49 at 13%. Other age groups include 10-19 at 11%, 50-59 at 12%, 60-69 at 10%, 70-79 at 6%, and 80 and over at 4%.

Biggest Challenges

Los Angeles faces a myriad of challenges in 2023, reflecting its complex socio-economic and environmental fabric. The following points encapsulate the main hurdles:

1. Economic Challenges:
   1. Post-Pandemic Recovery: The city is grappling with economic revitalization following the COVID-19 pandemic which has impacted various sectors.
   2. Inflation and Monetary Policies: High inflation and aggressive monetary policies to control it have generated uncertainties, with concerns about potential overcorrection leading to a recession, which could in turn result in business closures, job losses, and a decline in household income and tax revenue.
2. Housing and Real Estate:
   1. Affordability and Homelessness: The high cost of living and housing affordability are significant issues. This has also contributed to a homelessness crisis, which remains a persistent challenge.
   2. Office Vacancy Rates: Different areas within Los Angeles are experiencing varying office vacancy rates, reflecting disparities across submarkets.
3. Environmental Challenges:
   1. Climate Change Impacts: Climate change manifests through various environmental issues including water pollution and the management of single-use plastics. Efforts are underway to address these issues, albeit slow progress​[Source]​.
4. Social and Civil Challenges:
   1. Civil Discourse: There’s a noted need for enhanced civil discourse at a local level to address societal challenges and foster a community of collaboration.
5. Support for Small Businesses:
   1. Economic Environment for Small Businesses: The environment for small businesses is challenging due to various factors ranging from city policies to community support.
6. Infrastructure:
   1. Infrastructure Development: Enhanced infrastructure and collaboration on infrastructure projects are essential for the city’s growth and effectively addressing its challenges​.
7. Statewide Challenges:
   1. Budgetary Constraints: At the state level, tough budget decisions are imminent due to a projected deficit, impacting social safety net programs and public pension plans.
   2. Industry Reckoning: The state is also seeing an industry reckoning, particularly with the oil industry, and the implementation of new laws affecting various sectors like the fast food industry.
   3. Mental Health Initiatives: Initiatives like the CARE Court aimed at addressing mental health issues are being launched, with their effectiveness yet to be fully realized​.

These challenges are intertwined, and their resolution requires a holistic, multi-faceted approach involving various local and state stakeholders.

Leadership in Los Angeles

Karen Bass (Mayor)

Karen Bass assumed the role of Mayor of Los Angeles in 2022. Her position is paramount in navigating the city through various local challenges and opportunities. The mayor’s office is a focal point of political leadership in Los Angeles, overseeing municipal services, economic development, and other crucial areas of local governance.

Los Angeles City Council Members

The city council is a significant component of Los Angeles’ political architecture, with fifteen members representing different districts. Notable members include:

• Paul Krekorian: Serving since 2010, representing District 2.
• Heather Hutt: Elected in 2022, representing District 10.
• Traci Park: Elected in 2022, representing District 11.
• John Lee: An Independent member representing District 12 since 2019.

U.S. House of Representatives Members

Various Congress members represent Los Angeles across different districts at the federal level. Prominent members include:

• Adam Schiff: A long-serving member since 2001, representing District 28.
• Maxine Waters: Serving since 1991, representing District 43.

California State Senators and Assembly Members

These officials represent Los Angeles at the state level, contributing to state governance and legislation. Noteworthy members include:

• Robert Hertzberg: State Senator elected in 2014, representing District 18.
• Maria Elena Durazo: State Senator elected in 2018, representing District 24.
• Luz Rivas: Assembly Member elected in 2018, representing District 39.
• James Ramos: Assembly Member elected in 2018, representing District 40.

Los Angeles County Officials

At the county level, various officials play pivotal roles in local governance:

• George Gascón (District Attorney): Elected in 2020, his office is crucial for county law enforcement and judicial processes.
• Robert Luna (Sheriff): Elected in 2022, he oversees the county’s law enforcement departments.
• Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors: This board is key in local governance with members like Hilda Solis (District 1) and Holly Mitchell (District 2) representing different regions within the county.

These leaders, through their respective offices, significantly influence the political, social, and economic narratives in Los Angeles, thereby playing crucial roles in shaping the city’s future.

Healthcare

The healthcare sector in Los Angeles displays growth, particularly in the medical office sector, despite economic hurdles. The rent for medical office buildings rose by 1.7% in the first half of 2022, with Los Angeles experiencing a strong rent growth of 3.2% up to Q2 2022. The vacancy rate decreased to eight percent, and 7.5 million square feet of new construction projects began in September 2022. This positive outlook for 2023 is due to increased occupancy and low vacancy rates, leading to a forecasted rise in rental rates. In Q1 2022, the average rent for medical office space was $22.61 per square foot, with Los Angeles topping at $35.13 per square foot. The demand for such spaces is expected to rise owing to an aging population and a preference for community-based outpatient care over hospital-based treatment.

On the flip side, a strike by over 75,000 Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers in October 2023 highlighted possible dissatisfaction and systemic issues within the healthcare employment sector.

Regarding health insurance, L.A. Care Health Plan provides insurance to low-income individuals in Los Angeles County, including Medi-Cal coverage. However, in March 2022, L.A. Care was fined $55 million for various violations by California health departments, indicating regulatory challenges in the health insurance sector.

Lastly, a boost in healthcare funding is expected with California’s health care budget for FY 2023-24 set at $156 billion, aiming to provide access to affordable, quality healthcare, which will likely benefit Los Angeles’ healthcare scene.

Safety and Security

Los Angeles faces varied safety issues, with a grading of ‘C’ based on violent and property crime rates. The city has higher rates of assault and murder compared to the national average. A notable issue is retail theft, which saw a major incident in August 2023 with $300,000 worth of merchandise stolen from a Nordstrom store, prompting the formation of an Organized Retail Theft task force. Shoplifting reports increased by 36% in August 2023 compared to the same month in the previous year. Additionally, stolen vehicles and burglaries remain a concern. However, there’s a reduction in homicides, gun crimes, and identity theft as of late 2023. Efforts like task forces and increased law enforcement focus on specific crimes have been implemented to tackle these issues.

Prayer Points for New York City

1. Unity and Resilience: Pray for a spirit of unity and resilience among the residents of Los Angeles, that they may support one another in times of need (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
2. Peace and Wisdom: Pray for peace and wisdom to prevail in the city, allowing for harmonious co-existence and informed decision-making (Philippians 4:6).
3. Divine Guidance: Ask for divine guidance for the leaders and citizens, aiding in the pursuit of justice and prosperity (Matthew 18:20).
4. Economic Prosperity: Pray for the economic prosperity of Los Angeles, that the employment rate may improve and businesses thrive (Proverbs 10:22).
5. Safe Communities: Pray for safety and a reduction in crime, that the streets of Los Angeles may be safe for all (Psalm 91:11).
6. Healthcare Accessibility: Pray for improved healthcare accessibility and quality, catering to the needs of all residents (3 John 1:2).
7. Housing Affordability: Pray for solutions to the housing crisis, enabling affordable housing for all (Proverbs 24:3-4).
8. Educational Opportunities: Pray for diverse educational opportunities, fostering growth and innovation (Proverbs 1:5).
9. Civic Responsibility: Pray for a sense of civic responsibility among residents, promoting active participation in community welfare (Galatians 6:10).
10. Environmental Stewardship: Pray for effective environmental stewardship, ensuring a sustainable and healthy environment (Genesis 2:15).

Conclusion

The heartfelt call to “Pray for Los Angeles” transcends religious fervor and embodies a collective yearning for a city with socioeconomic and environmental hurdles to overcome. This spiritual quest, rooted in shared faith and civic responsibility, underscores the power of collective prayer to foster unity, resilience, and a better future for Los Angeles. With similar hopeful sentiments as “Pray for New York City,” it calls on everyone who values the ethos of community and the indomitable spirit of a city ever dynamic in its promises and challenges. We envision a Los Angeles that thrives in harmony, prosperity and divine grace with each prayer. Amen.