April 28, 2025
Contact:
Angela Herrera Perez, Senior Public Information Specialist press@opportunity.lacounty.gov
LA County DEO Reaffirms Commitment to Support System-Impacted Individuals During Second Chance Month
Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers now in effect —DEO leads education and outreach and offers dedicated hiring and training services to promote equitable and fair hiring
Los Angeles, CA — In recognition of Second Chance Month, the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is reinforcing its commitment to supporting system-impacted job seekers and the employers who hire them. With the County’s Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (FCO) now officially in effect, DEO, in partnership with Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), Task Force, and the County’s America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs), has expanded its long-standing Fair Chance Hiring Campaign through a robust new round of outreach, education, and hiring and training support across the region. DEO and its County partners at the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA), Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD), and Department of Human Resources (DHR) are also committed to working collaboratively to implement the FCO, promote equitable hiring practices, and support individuals with criminal histories in accessing employment opportunities, including within LA County government.
Championed by Supervisors Holly J. Mitchell and Hilda L. Solis, the Fair Chance Ordinance builds on the California’s Fair Chance Act by strengthening protections in unincorporated areas of the County. The ordinance aims to prevent discrimination in the hiring process for individuals with criminal convictions. With nearly one in three Americans having a criminal record, and more than 60,000 Californians returning home from incarceration each year, the ordinance represents a critical step toward removing systemic employment barriers, reducing stigma, and creating real pathways to economic mobility.
“Everyone deserves the chance to rebuild, to be seen for who they are — not just for the challenges they have faced. This Second Chance Month, I am proud that we are doubling down on our commitment to Fair Chance hiring, which starts with our own County workforce. When we invest in second chances, we are investing in new possibilities for families, safer communities, and a future where everyone has a real shot at success,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.
“For far too long, system-impacted individuals have faced deeply entrenched barriers to opportunity, even after serving their time,” said Hilda L. Solis, Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and Supervisor for the First District. “With the Fair Chance Ordinance now in effect, we are turning the page toward a more just and inclusive economy—one that recognizes the potential in every individual and refuses to let a past conviction define a person’s future. I’m proud of the work being done to ensure that every resident, regardless of their history, has a fair chance to thrive.”
Since January 2025, DEO has hosted both virtual and in-person employer information sessions. Outreach teams have connected with more than 1,600 employers, which has led to the education of over 1,200 employers on the FCO. Further technical assistance has been provided to over 100 businesses on how to be a Fair Chance hiring employer and stay compliant with new laws. To ensure system-impacted individuals understand their rights under the FCO and available hiring and training resources, DEO has also hosted Know Your Rights sessions, reentry-focused events in collaboration with community-based organizations, and in-prison trainings. Through these efforts, DEO has connected with over 600 system-impacted individuals and supported 46 job placements for those on parole or probation to date.
“The Fair Chance Hiring Campaign and Fair Chance for Employers Ordinance reflects our commitment to building an inclusive regional economy,” said Director Kelly LoBianco of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity. “We are breaking down barriers to employment for system impacted individuals and creating pathways for stability, dignity, and long-term economic opportunity for workers, families, and businesses alike.”
“We are thrilled to support employers across Los Angeles County with the tools and knowledge to embrace Fair Chance hiring,” said Dr. Geneveive Rimer, Senior Director of the Center for Employment Opportunities. “These talented employees bring immense value to the workforce, and by tapping into this skilled talent pool, businesses can boost their bottom line while driving positive change across Los Angeles. It is a win-win for everyone.”
“Second Chance Month reminds us that redemption and opportunity go hand-in-hand and everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, no matter their past. The Fair Chance Ordinance is more than policy, it’s a commitment to dignity and equity,” said JCOD Director Judge Songhai Armstead (Ret.) “By removing unnecessary barriers to employment, we open the door for justice-impacted individuals to contribute fully to their communities and build brighter futures. We are deeply grateful to our County partners and community-based organizations who continue to champion equitable hiring practices across Los Angeles County. This is what safe communities look like.”
“The County of Los Angeles believes in the power of second chances. Fair Chance hiring isn’t just a policy for us; it is a belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive and demonstrate their worth. We’ve seen firsthand how individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences bring unique perspectives, creativity, and innovation that not only benefit our organization, but also the communities we are privileged to serve. Employment with the County also serves as a source of pride and accomplishment for these new hires and the families who depend on them. It is nothing short of inspiring. As we partner with other County departments to shape and implement the human resources framework that welcomes these talented individuals, we are building a workplace that celebrates resilience and determination. In doing so, we’re not just building a stronger workforce. We’re building stronger families and communities”, said Lisa Garrett, Los Angeles County Director of Personnel.
“The Fair Chance for Employers Ordinance reflects the belief that a person’s future and opportunities should not be limited by their past,” said DCBA Director Rafael Carbajal. “DCBA’s Office of Labor Equity is proud to lead enforcement efforts that uphold this principle and will discourage employers from discriminating against those seeking a second chance to contribute meaningfully to our workforce and economy.”
To learn more about the Fair Chance Hiring Campaign and the new FCO, access resources, or sign up for an upcoming employer or jobseeker focused information session, individuals can visit DEO at opportunity.lacounty.gov/fairchance/. Employers are encouraged to attend upcoming information sessions, request technical assistance, or access a suite of digital educational tools—including downloadable one-pagers, comprehensive training toolkits, and interactive learning materials. System-impacted job seekers are invited to attend upcoming Know Your Rights sessions or connect with their local AJCC for additional employment support and more. Upcoming events highlighted on DEO’s Fair Chance website include:
- Virtual Employer Information Session – May 28, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Virtual Know Your Rights Session – May 28, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- In-person Employer Networking Event – June 11, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at USC, in partnership with formerly incarcerated student group, the Unchained Scholars.
For questions about compliance or to report potential FCO violations, individuals can contact the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs’ Office of Labor Equity by visiting: https://dcba.lacounty.gov/fairchance/ or engaging directly at 800-593-8222 or email fairchance@dcba.lacounty.gov.
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About DEO: The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity, launched in July 2022, helps job seekers, entrepreneurs, small businesses, major industries, and communities access life changing opportunities, and is also home to the Office of Small Business, LA County’s one-stop shop dedicated to prospective entrepreneurs and small business owners. Stay connected with DEO! Follow @EconOppLA on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, subscribe to our newsletter, or visit opportunity.lacounty.gov to learn about DEO services.