LOS ANGELES, January 14, 2021—BRIDGE Housing has released the “Jordan Downs 2021 Impact Report,” a new paper that highlights community impacts and progress to date of a large-scale neighborhood revitalization initiative in Los Angeles.
In 2012, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles selected Jordan Downs Community Partners, with BRIDGE Housing and The Michaels Organization as joint master developers, to redevelop 700 units of public housing into a larger mixed-income community. This initiative aims to address long deteriorating public housing and to support a place-based transformation where all residents have access to health, well-being and economic advancement.
Using data from an initial resident needs assessment and subsequent cross-sectional resident surveys, this report highlights progress to date towards two key goals:
- Create a vibrant, competitive and resilient workforce for the 21st century economy
- New affordable, high-quality housing paired with supportive services
Among the report’s findings: In the first phase of construction, the initiative spurred the creation of 109 jobs–framers, landscapers, drywallers, electricians and plumbers who helped build 115 new affordable apartments at Cedar Grove at Jordan Downs. Through partnerships and outreach, 70% of the new employees were local hires, far exceeding the federal Section 3 program goal of 30%. And these jobs paid an average of $29.07 per hour, nearly twice the $15 minimum wage in Los Angeles.
“The collaboration has established proof-of-concept by greatly exceeding local hire targets. Not only has this improved opportunities for residents to participate in the development of future phases, it has enabled residents to become employed at other large construction projects in concurrent developments throughout the city and county,” said Damon Harris, Vice President of Community Development for BRIDGE.
To download a free copy of the “Jordan Downs 2021 Impact Report,” visit www.bridgehousing.com/publications.
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