Supporting Older Angelenos: City of Los Angeles Unveils AdvantAGE LA Plan to Employ, Retain and Advance Older Workers

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Supporting Older Angelenos: City of Los Angeles Unveils AdvantAGE LA Plan to Employ, Retain and Advance Older Workers

LOS ANGELES - The City of Los Angeles Workforce Development Board in partnership with the Economic and Workforce Development Department unveiled the launch of the AdvantAGE LA Report, a pioneering plan dedicated to the employment, retention and advancement of older workers. As the first city in the nation to develop such a comprehensive strategy, Los Angeles is setting a powerful example of how cities can support their aging workforce, strengthen the local economy, and cultivate a highly skilled labor pool.

"This report proactively develops a plan that serves our older workers while also identifying the policies we need to implement to continue leading the way," said Mayor Karen Bass. "We must do all we can to support older adults and provide opportunities to thrive."

The AdvantAGE LA Plan comes at a crucial time as Los Angeles experiences a significant demographic shift. With nearly 1 million adults aged 55 and over, making up 25% of the city's population and 20% of its workforce, this initiative is not just timely but imperative. According to the Pew Research Center, older adults are the fastest-growing segment of the labor force nationwide, underscoring the urgency of such forward-thinking policies.

In partnership with AARP, the City of Los Angeles is set to launch the transformative Age-Inclusive 101 training program with employers citywide, reinforcing its commitment to fostering inclusive work environments. Both the City and County are dedicated to advancing AARP's Employer Pledge Program, which not only bridges the gap between companies and experienced workers but also empowers older professionals to secure meaningful and fulfilling careers.

Nancy McPherson, AARP California State Director, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, "By 2030, workers 50-plus will make up over 36% of the workforce-and that's good news for employers who understand the value experienced workers bring to the table. Older workers are a critical component of a high-performing workforce. AARP believes that people 50-plus and workers of all ages should have a level playing field in their ability to compete for and obtain jobs. The multigenerational workforce is here to stay. It's time to start leveraging it."

Anticipating this demographic shift, the City and County of Los Angeles, in collaboration with other cities, the private sector, and AARP California, launched the Purposeful Aging Los Angeles (PALA) initiative in 2016. PALA aims to enhance the region's age-friendliness and prepare for an aging population, focusing on strategies across eight domains of livability, including Civic Participation and Employment. The AdvantAGE LA report aligns with PALA's priorities, specifically addressing the employment needs of individuals aged 55 and over.

Despite their immense contributions, older workers often face ageism and systemic barriers that hinder their career progression and full participation in the workforce. More than half of workers over 50 have experienced involuntary job separation, and those who find new employment often earn significantly less than in previous roles. As employers grapple with labor shortages, tapping into the talent pool of older workers becomes not just an option, but a necessity.

AdvantAGE LA underscores the economic, social, and business imperatives of empowering older workers. It highlights the need for collaboration, sustainability, and accountability, focusing on dismantling stereotypes and celebrating the unique contributions of older workers. Key components of the plan include:

• A demographic analysis of older workers in Los Angeles

• Identification of the needs and challenges faced by older workers

• An economic rationale for an older worker strategy

• Best practices and model programs for employing, retaining, and advancing older workers

• Evaluation of the City of LA's current workforce programs serving older workers

• Labor market analysis and employment opportunities for older workers

• Five time-specific goals to increase successful outcomes for older workers, promote age-inclusive workplaces, ensure culturally competent services, and offer in-demand training and career advancement opportunities.

AdvantAGE LA serves as a vital tool for policymakers, employers, community organizations, and older workers, providing a comprehensive understanding of the issues and potential solutions to enhance the workforce landscape. This report is a call to action, urging collaboration and implementation to create a more inclusive and equitable workforce. By embracing this imperative, the City can unlock the full potential of its aging population, driving innovation, productivity, and prosperity for generations to come.

Patricia Pérez, Workforce Development Board member and Chair of the AdvantAGE LA taskforce, affirmed,"This initiative is about meeting employer needs and assisting older workers, but it's also about valuing the experience and skills that older workers bring to the table and directly confronting ageism. We are committed to making Los Angeles a leader in age-inclusive employment practices."

In the coming months, the City will launch numerous partnerships to address the needs of older workers, improve workforce services, and ensure Los Angeles leads by example as an age-inclusive employer.

Access the AdvantAGE LA Report here.

Join us in celebrating this groundbreaking initiative and working together to create a brighter future for all workers in Los Angeles.

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