City Heights CDC and Latino Prosperity discuss economic prosperity in Latinx communities

City Heights CDC welcomed more than 20 Latinx community leaders in San Diego for a discussion on Latinx prosperity in the region and nation.

As part of Latino Prosperity’s national efforts, President and CEO Orson Aguilar, joined by President/CEO and Latino Prosperity Board Advisor Alexis Villanueva, M.S., convened local Latinx advocates and leaders for an afternoon of candid discussion on Latino prosperity in the region. Leaders engaged in open conversations about finances, public policy, and the need for intentional investment in our communities. Attendees connected across public and private sectors, sharing insights as Latinx leaders rooted in their respective professions and communities.

These conversations, taking place in cities across the country, are part of a broader national effort across policy, social, and economic sectors to shape a blueprint for advancing long-term Latino economic opportunity in the United States.

Why This Matters - Latinx Economic Impact

Between 2019 and 2022, Latinos (who make up between 19 to 19.5% of the U.S. population) contributed approximately 41% of the country’s real GDP growth. Despite this economic power, Latino households hold 21 cents of wealth for every dollar held by White households.

Source, UCLA Newsroom

Source, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

This disparity reflects the strength of Latinx communities. However, generations of exclusion, from homeownership and higher education to retirement savings and immigration protections, continue deepening the wealth gap.

As one leader in the room shared, “Our community has endured fear of separation and displacement for years.”

Despite the vital role immigrants play in our economy and communities, Latinx families, especially those who are undocumented, are often overlooked or targeted. Immigration status limits access to critical resources that support stability and economic mobility, including credit, healthcare, education, Social Security, and student aid. These systemic barriers and ongoing attacks on immigrant families have deepened the disparities we see in San Diego and nation for generations.

Conversations like this one help build community—and from that, lasting change. We’re deeply grateful to our partners and the Latino leaders who joined us at the table. We look forward to growing this network and continuing our collective work with Latino Prosperity throughout San Diego.