FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2026
Media Contact
Angela Herrera Perez
press@opportunity.lacounty.gov
LA County Launches Small Business Concierge Program to Accelerate Altadena’s Post-Wildfire Commercial Recovery
New Initiative Pairs Altadena Businesses and Property Owners with Dedicated Consultants, Fast-Track Permitting Support, and Targeted Resources to Rebuild Faster and Stronger
Los Angeles, CA — Los Angeles County is launching a dedicated program to help local Altadena businesses and property owners rebuild faster and with hands-on support at every step.
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) today announced the Altadena Commercial Concierge Program supporting a comprehensive and accelerated commercial recovery in the fire zone and following a motion led by Supervisor Kathryn Barger in December 2025. The program is designed to cut through bureaucratic delays, connect Altadena small businesses and commercial property owners with individualized technical assistance and resources, and lay the groundwork for a more resilient local economy.
“Altadena’s small businesses are anchors in this community, employing neighbors and offering commercial corridors that meet local needs,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “This program will help ensure business owners do not have to navigate recovery alone. By putting a dedicated team directly in their corner that will stay with them until their rebuilding journey ends, we are giving Altadena businesses the fighting chance they deserve to recover.”
The program delivers recovery support across three areas: Altadena SmallBiz Permit Express, individualized technical assistance, and business resources and capital available through DEO and economic and community partners as part of a new Altadena Commercial Recovery Partnership.
Through Altadena SmallBiz Permit Express, participating businesses and property owners are paired with a dedicated Concierge Representative who guides them through County permitting from start to finish—coordinating pre-plan submittal meetings with departments including LA County Public Works and Regional Planning, facilitating communication among all parties, and tracking progress to resolve issues before they cause delays. The program targets a 25 percent reduction in permitting approval times across participating departments.
Beyond permitting, each participant is matched with a dedicated Business Consultant for individualize technical assistance, engaging in a comprehensive assessment and developing a customized action plan tailored to that business’s recovery goals. Consultants work one-on-one with owners on an ongoing basis, meeting regularly, delivering targeted resources, and providing the hands-on guidance needed to move from stabilization to long-term growth.
The Altadena Commercial Concierge Program is available on a new Altadena Commercial Recovery webpage that also highlights additional business support programs through DEO and community partners as part of the Altadena Commercial Recovery Partnership. Participants will be able to access specialized training and technical assistance and capital and offers an opportunity for local groups and partners to highlight newly available resources to the community. DEO and the County are committed to clear and accessible information and services that enable accelerated recovery in Altadena.
“The Altadena Commercial Concierge Program brings together expedited permitting, individual technical assistance and planning, and direct connections to County and community resources so impacted businesses and commercial property owners have a clearer, faster path to recovery,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of DEO. “This initiative reflects the County’s commitment to making government work better for our communities by reducing barriers, improving coordination, and helping local businesses rebuild and recover.”
“The Rebuild Authority fully supports this effort, and we’re here to help business owners with permitting every step of the way,” said Mark Pestrella, PE., Director of Public Works.
“The Department of Regional Planning is pleased to participate in the Altadena Commercial Concierge Program in collaboration with the Department of Economic Opportunity, the County Fire Department, and the Department of Public Works. Small businesses in Altadena and surrounding communities were greatly impacted by the Eaton Fire, and bringing those businesses back remains a significant challenge. This program will be facilitated by easy enrollment and will result in an expedited permit process overseen by an assigned case manager. Los Angeles County Planning stands ready to partner in the Commercial Concierge Program to ensure that small businesses in the fire-impacted community of Altadena are fully supported by the County of Los Angeles,” said Dennis Slavin, Chief Deputy Director for Regional Planning.
Businesses and commercial property owners can sign up today. For more information or to apply to the Altadena Commercial Concierge Program, visit: opportunity.lacounty.gov/AltadenaCommercialRecovery.
For more information on LA County recovery efforts, visit: recovery.lacounty.gov.
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About DEO: About DEO: The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has a vision for a more equitable economy with thriving communities, inclusive and sustainable growth, and opportunity and mobility for all. The department, with its America’s Job Centers of California, Office of Small Business, and hundreds of programs and partners, creates quality jobs, helps small businesses and high-road employers start and grow, and builds vibrant communities and spaces. 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.