LAX Secures $5 Billion Investment, Creating Opportunities for Inglewood Small Businesses

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has secured a $5 billion investment for LAX that could create significant economic opportunities for small businesses in surrounding communities, including Inglewood.

The Los Angeles City Council approved the funding in February as part of LAWA’s latest Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC), which will cover 51 contractual agreements for pre-qualified contractors working on upcoming projects under the airport’s Capital Improvement Program.

On Thursday, airport officials joined Mayor Karen Bass and Councilwoman Traci Park to celebrate the investment, which aims to expand opportunities for diverse, small, and local businesses while streamlining the procurement process for airport projects.

“This will ensure that small, local and minority-owned businesses like Lucas Builders Inc., a local, veteran and family-owned business, will benefit as we prepare the city to welcome the world in the coming years,” Bass said in a statement. “Los Angeles continues leading the way and demonstrating how investment in infrastructure means investing in people, too.”

For Inglewood residents and businesses, the airport’s proximity presents a significant opportunity to benefit from this investment. The five-year initiative could provide contracts and job opportunities for local construction companies, service providers, and various other businesses, especially as LAX prepares for increased traffic during the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

According to LAWA officials, they have engaged 31 prime contractors, 13 of which are first-time prime contractors with the airport authority. Through MATOC, these contractors will be better positioned to pursue the 51 contracts identified by LAWA.

Councilwoman Park, who represents Westside neighborhoods and LAX, added that they are “building smarter and creating real economic opportunities along the way.”

The investment is particularly significant for small businesses from surrounding communities like Inglewood, as it could provide them with a chance to expand their operations and potentially gain recognition that could lead to additional business opportunities.

Inglewood businesses interested in learning more about contracting opportunities with LAX can visit the LAWA website for information on becoming certified vendors and participating in upcoming projects.