# Los Angeles Expands Contracts for Local Businesses

The City of Los Angeles, under Mayor Karen Bass's leadership, has secured over **$45 million** in contracts for local and small businesses through the ProcureLA program since October 2024. This initiative, managed by the Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE), aims to break down barriers and provide targeted support to local entrepreneurs, particularly Latino-owned businesses, positioning them to compete for billions in contracts tied to major upcoming global events including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The city also plans a **$2.6 billion** expansion and modernization of the Los Angeles Convention Center, further increasing contracting opportunities for local firms.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should recognize the growing emphasis on supplier diversity and local business inclusion in Los Angeles, especially ahead of high-profile international events.
- Local and small businesses, including Latino-owned enterprises, are being actively connected to major contracting opportunities, signaling increased competition and partnership potential.
- Agencies and contractors involved in upcoming infrastructure and event-related projects should consider engagement strategies that incorporate diverse local suppliers to align with city priorities.
- Businesses can leverage ProcureLA resources and upcoming summits to enhance their competitiveness and access to multi-billion-dollar contracts in the region.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Professional Services, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Contracting Vehicles, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** May 14, 2026

### Government Entities
- City of Los Angeles
- Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)
- Port of Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP)

### Vendors
- Cuernavaca Grill (small business)
- Nappily Naturals & Apothecary (small business)
- Wicked Bionic (small business, woman-owned)
- Hollywood Handy Construction (small business, commercial construction)
- Meruelo Enterprises (Latino-owned enterprise)

### Key Quotes
> As our city prepares for some of the world's biggest events, we must ensure that LA’s small businesses are the first to benefit from these opportunities.
> — Karen Bass, Mayor

> Surpassing $45 million in contracts is a powerful milestone, but what matters most is the impact in our communities.
> — Kerry Doi, Founder, President & CEO of PACE

> We are committed to ensuring Latino-owned businesses compete for and secure major contracts tied to these transformative events.
> — Darrell Sauceda, Chairman of the Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce

### Sources
- [Mayor Bass Secures More Than $45 Million in Contracts for LA’s Local and Small Businesses | Mayor Karen Bass](https://mayor.lacity.gov/news/mayor-bass-secures-more-45-million-contracts-las-local-and-small-businesses) - LA
- [Mayor Bass Hosts Latino Business Procurement Summit Connecting Entrepreneurs to Major Contracting Opportunities | Mayor Karen Bass](https://mayor.lacity.gov/news/mayor-bass-hosts-latino-business-procurement-summit-connecting-entrepreneurs-major-contracting) - LA