The Economic Legacy of Los Angeles’ Harbor and Coast: A Historical Perspective on Pocketbook Issues and National Politics

The bustling ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have long been at the center of global trade and economic development, shaping the region’s history and influencing the nation’s economy. As voters across the country rank the economy and inflation as top concerns, the legacy of Southern California’s waterfront continues to impact Americans’ daily lives.

From the annexation of Southern California in the mid-19th century to the present day, the region’s ports have played a crucial role in facilitating trade and settlement in the West. The Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach are now the busiest shipping hub in the Western Hemisphere, connecting the U.S. to global supply chains and transpacific trade.

However, the economic prosperity brought by Pacific trade and real estate development has not been evenly distributed. While some have benefited from the region’s industries and booming real estate market, many others have been left behind, unable to afford skyrocketing housing prices and facing financial insecurity.

As the nation grapples with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and international crises on global trade, the high prices of imported goods and scarcity of household necessities have fueled discontent among voters. The clash between the promise of prosperity linked to Southern California’s economy and the realities of global trade has contributed to Americans’ sense of uncertainty and economic distress.

Looking ahead, the region’s history and ongoing challenges present an opportunity for Southern California to lead the nation in addressing economic disparities and shaping a more equitable future. By reimagining policies and principles for wealth distribution and sustainability, the region can reclaim its legacy as a visionary and daring leader in economic development.

James Tejani, an associate professor of history at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and author of “A Machine to Move Ocean and Earth: The Making of the Port of Los Angeles and America,” emphasizes the importance of understanding the deep roots of Southern California’s economic dilemmas and the potential for the region to drive positive change on a national scale.