Maldonado Revives Commission for Economic Development

Lt. Governor Abel Maldonado revived the California Commission for Economic Development (CED). Today’s meeting, August 11, was the first full convening of the commission since August 2009. Maldonado took action to amend outdated bylaws that hindered action and called upon his commissioners to bring ideas to the table that will promote California, expedite expansion of businesses, and ensure better coordination of state entities involved with permitting and expanding business.

The lt. governor challenged the commission’s advisory committees to return with ideas to be compiled with his own and made into the commission’s draft Strategic Action Plan. The Action Plan will be circulated as a draft and put up for a vote to adopt at the next quarterly commission meeting.

“Californians need our help to get back to work,” said Lt. Governor Maldonado. “That means incentivizing business growth, streamlining regulatory processes, and promoting private investment. These are the nuts and bolts of getting our economy back on track. I’m looking forward to the commissioners’ input and feedback on how to spur job growth in California.”

The lieutenant governor also announced the appointment of Sandra Agalos as the commission’s executive director and the launch of the commission’s new Web site. Ms. Agalos previously served as Lt. Governor Maldonado’s district director during his tenure in the California State Senate. With the launch of the commission’s new Web site, commissioners were encouraged to share their insight into private industry development and how government can help create sustainable job growth on the public Web site’s blog.

First established in 1971, the CED is a statewide, bipartisan advisory commission chaired by Lt. Governor Abel Maldonado. The commission is charged with providing policy recommendations on California’s economic development to the governor, legislature and private sector.

The CED is comprised of 17 members: six commissioners are members of the state legislature, three from each house; 10 members of the public are appointed by the governor and represent various industries throughout the state. Each has a dynamic background and unique insight into revitalizing California’s economy.