# Good Jobs Need Industrial Ground

> Industrial land policies shape access to good-paying jobs in Southern California.
- Title: Good Jobs Need Industrial Ground | Shortify
- Summary: Industrial land policies shape access to good-paying jobs in Southern California. Southern California's industrial real estate supports 1.5 million jobs and…
- Keywords: southern california, industrial land, laborers union, port of long beach, shoemaker bridge, liuna local 1309, supply chain federation, naio so cal, business, local, Good, Jobs
- Source: Los Angeles Business Journal — https://labusinessjournal.com/commentary/oped-good-jobs-need-industrial-ground
- Author: staff-author
- Published: 2026-10-19T07:57:22+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: southern california, industrial land, laborers union, port of long beach, shoemaker bridge, liuna local 1309, supply chain federation, naio so cal, business, local
## Phan's journey
Phan grew up in Section 8 housing and food stamps, later joining LIUNA Local 1309 after prison.

> We build America, and we keep America moving
## Shoemaker Bridge project
LIUNA Local 1309 foreman Phan works on the $900 million Shoemaker Bridge, a critical freight connection to Port of Long Beach.
## Industrial jobs impact
Southern California industrial land supports 1.5 million jobs and generates $196 billion annually across L.A., Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.
## Wages and stability
Industrial workers earn average wages over $64,000 in the Inland Empire, $75,000 in L.A. County, and $82,000 in Orange County.
## Land-use policy challenge
Local regulations treat industrial sites as standalone parcels, not connected systems, risking job displacement without emissions reductions.
## Systemic job risks
When industrial businesses move, jobs like Phan’s leave the region permanently, undermining middle-class stability.
## Policy decision needed
Southern California must adopt land-use policies that protect industrial ecosystems to ensure future job opportunities.
## Key takeaway

Southern California's industrial real estate supports 1.5 million jobs and $196 billion annually, critical for middle-class livelihoods.