URGENT UPDATE: The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has just announced an open call for marketing agencies to support a groundbreaking initiative aimed at boosting employee and worker ownership. Applications are due by January 30, 2026, at 12 PM PT, marking a pivotal moment in LA County’s economic strategy.
This initiative comes with a hefty budget of $400,000 to promote shared ownership models, directly targeting businesses and workers across the county. The Employee and Worker Ownership Initiative (EWOI) was introduced by Holly J. Mitchell and Lindsey P. Horvath of the LA County Board of Supervisors in September 2023, aiming to enhance job quality and create wealth-building opportunities, particularly in historically underserved communities.
The DEO is seeking a dynamic partner to lead a comprehensive marketing and outreach campaign. This partner will be responsible for developing effective communication strategies, producing engaging content, and facilitating multilingual outreach to ensure accessibility for diverse audiences. The goal is to foster public understanding of employee ownership, ultimately enhancing economic mobility in the region.
In a statement, a DEO spokesperson emphasized, “We envision an equitable economy that opens doors for opportunity and advancement for everyone.” The selected marketing agency will also engage in grassroots outreach to expand program participation and help transition graduates into employee ownership models.
Eligible agencies must have at least a three-year record of similar campaigns and offer services in both English and Spanish. The RFP process began earlier this month, with a crucial update, including a Q&A Addendum, expected by January 20, 2026. The anticipated contract is set to run from March 2026 to June 2027.
As the DEO continues to work with America’s Job Centers of California and other partners, the focus remains on creating quality jobs and supporting small businesses across LA County. The community is encouraged to stay updated on this initiative by following @EconOppLA on social media or visiting opportunity.lacounty.gov for more information.
This initiative is not just about marketing; it represents a significant shift towards empowering workers and building resilient local economies. With the deadline approaching, agencies are urged to act swiftly to seize this opportunity and contribute to a transformative movement in Los Angeles County.
