As the November 2026 elections approach, some Los Angeles-area businesses are reporting slower activity this fall. Is this a temporary slowdown, or are local businesses experiencing broader economic challenges?
LOS ANGELES, CA — November 2, 2026 — How is business in your neighborhood? Are customers spending less, workplaces cutting hours, or businesses seeing fewer customers than they did this time last year?
Presence News has recently heard from local businesses in the Los Angeles area expressing concerns about slower business activity during the fall of 2026.
Some business owners have also expressed optimism that economic activity could improve following the November elections, as uncertainty surrounding local policies and the broader political environment begins to settle.
But is that optimism shared throughout the region? And are businesses actually experiencing a slowdown?
Presence News wants to hear directly from the people working, operating businesses, and contributing to the Los Angeles economy every day.
Are Los Angeles Businesses Experiencing a Slowdown?
From automotive repair shops and dealerships to restaurants, retail stores, service providers, and small businesses, the local economy depends on customers continuing to spend money.
For some businesses, fall can be a naturally slower season. For others, changes in consumer spending, operating expenses, competition, and overall economic confidence can have a significant impact on revenue.
Several local business conversations have raised questions about whether customers are delaying major purchases, reducing discretionary spending, or simply becoming more cautious with their money.
However, these individual accounts do not necessarily represent the broader Los Angeles economy.
That is why Presence News is asking business owners and employees throughout Los Angeles County to share what they are actually experiencing.
Could Business Activity Improve After the November Elections?
With Election Day approaching on November 3, 2026, some local business owners are looking toward the weeks and months ahead with cautious optimism.
Election periods can introduce uncertainty about future policies, taxes, regulations, and economic priorities. However, the extent to which an election affects consumer spending or business activity can vary considerably.
There is no guarantee that business activity will increase following the election.
For that reason, Presence News is interested in hearing whether local business owners expect conditions to improve, remain unchanged, or become more challenging heading into 2027.
How Is Your Workplace Doing in 2026?
We want to hear from both business owners and employees.
If you own or operate a business, how does 2026 compare with 2025, 2024, or previous years?
Are you seeing more customers, fewer customers, or approximately the same amount of business?
If you are an employee, have you noticed changes in your workplace?
Are there fewer shifts available? Has your employer reduced staffing? Are sales increasing or decreasing? Is your workplace hiring, expanding, or struggling to maintain its current operations?