The Norris Group Blog

Jack Kyser Chief Economist for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. (Full Bio)

Bruce Norris is joined by Chief Economist for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), Jack Kyser. Bruce and Jack discuss how global markets are important to the LA forecast, how forecasting has changed in the last 25 years, the huge role the entertainment industry plays in the Los Angeles economy, how different economists can come up with drastically different forecasts, the speculator vs. the investor, how less taxes will effect LA, if we’ll see a recession in California, interest rates, if the FED getting involved is helping, what other industries will see a decline in California because of real estate, and Jack’s outlook on LA commercial real estate.

Jack Kyser is the Chief Economist on the staff of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC). Called the “guru of the Los Angeles economy” by the Los Angeles Business Journal, Mr. Kyser is responsible for interpreting and forecasting economic trends in the Los Angeles five-county area (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties), and for analyzing the major industries of the area. Utilizing this information, he helps develop job retention and creation strategies for Los Angeles County. Mr. Kyser’s advice is frequently sought by business, government and the media.

The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) is a private, not-for-profit membership organization whose mission is leadership in the retention and creation of jobs and economic base in the Los Angeles area. Mr. Kyser’s analytical research work and insightful knowledge of the regional economy has helped to elevate the LAEDC to recognition as the pre-eminent source of economic information and forecasts on Southern California.

Prior to joining the LAEDC, Mr. Kyser was chief economist for the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Kyser has also worked for Security Pacific National Bank, First Interstate Bank (then United California Bank). Mr. Kyser later joined Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha, Nebraska, where he was transportation economist. He has also taught economics at the University of Nebraska–Omaha, and served as a business reporter and commentator for radio station KVNO-FM, also in Omaha.

A native of California, Mr. Kyser was born in Huntington Park and currently resides in Downey. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial design and an MBA from the University of Southern California. He has also pursued additional course work at UCLA.

Mr. Kyser serves on the Economic Policy Council of the California Institute, the research and policy arm of the California Congressional Delegation. He also serves on the economic advisors panel for the California Chamber of Commerce. He is also a past president of the Los Angeles Chapter of the National Association of Business Economists; a member of Lambda Alpha–a land economics fraternity; and on the board of directors of the South Park Economic Development Corporation, and the Building Owners & Managers Association of Greater Los Angeles.