East Los Angeles, as an unincorporated community, has little influence over planning and economic development, public services, and public dollars. We have a population of 119,000 residents and no local representation. Our neighboring cities have less population, yet they benefit from a local government. 

Alhambra: 80,259		     Montebello: 60,569	      Cudahy: 21,969
Monterey Park: 58,554	     Commerce: 11,828	      Maywood: 24,122

Becoming a special district or our own municipality can provide community control over these and other vital issues facing East Los Angeles, including enhancing the ability to attract and retain local businesses and strengthen our voice in County decision-making. Throughout the decades, several of East Los Angeles' surrounding communities have incorporated and in doing so, have taken several tax-generating areas with them, perpetuating the notion that East Los Angeles does not have a strong tax-base. 

We want transparency and accountability as to how our tax dollars are spent and how we can be more involved and engaged in infrastructure projects, economic development, small businesses improvement, workforce development and overall, the improvement of county services. 

I am asking the Legislature to allow East Los Angeles residents to have a voice in local government with this study.  

For these reasons, I write in SUPPORT AB 2986!