Alysia Bell, President and CEO of UNITE-LA, joins The Bloc Power Hour with Sarah Harris for a timely and critical conversation at the intersection of workforce development, economic mobility, and federal policy.

As Los Angeles navigates increasing immigration enforcement, this episode unpacks how these policies are not just political—they are deeply economic decisions with real, local consequences. From restaurants and grocery stores to logistics, construction, hospitality, and childcare, workforce participation is being disrupted in real time—impacting supply chains, business continuity, and regional stability.

Drawing from on-the-ground insights and recent business data, Alysia Bell shares how fear-driven workforce withdrawal is creating ripple effects across industries. Small businesses are facing reduced foot traffic, labor shortages, and declining revenue—highlighting how workforce instability directly weakens economic infrastructure.

The conversation also explores the role of organizations like UNITE-LA in bridging education, workforce readiness, and economic systems. With a focus on equitable economic mobility, Bell outlines how long-term solutions must go beyond job placement and instead build sustainable systems that support participation—from childcare and transportation to policy reform.

Framed through an economic lens rather than a partisan one, this discussion challenges business leaders and policymakers to recognize that a stable workforce is essential to a competitive economy—especially as Los Angeles prepares for major global events and future growth.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why immigration policy is being framed as an economic issue, not a political one
• How workforce instability is impacting small businesses and supply chains
• The connection between workforce participation and economic competitiveness
• Real-world impacts on industries like food service, logistics, and childcare
• The role of UNITE-LA in advancing equitable economic mobility
• What business leaders can do to engage in workforce policy conversations

If you value conversations that move insight into impact, support the work of the Black Business Association at bbala.org.

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