Portantino’s Successful Budget Efforts Beneficial for Glendale Tech Accelerator & LA River Funding Included in 2019–2020 State Budget

Sacramento, California — Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D–La Cañada Flintridge) is pleased to announce the following 2019–2020 CA State Budget items for the City of Glendale:  $800,000 to the city for improvements to the Los Angeles River and $1 million for the Glendale Tech Accelerator initiative.  Glendale’s tech initiative was a project initiated by former Mayor Zareh Sinanyan.  It was Sinanyan who asked Portantino to secure the state’s help to expand the successful week-long program.  Glendale is home to over 1,000 technology firms and thousands of Glendale residents enjoy the scenic paths along the Los Angeles River.

 “Both of these projects are tremendously important to Glendale, especially expanding tech opportunities in the city.  And, efforts to improve the LA River have been on everyone’s agenda for decades.  I was pleased to be a Principal Co-Author of SB 5, which brought significant funding to Glendale, and to have worked with Senate Budget Sub 2 Chair Bob Wieckowski on championing the LA River Project,” commented Senator Portantino.

Glendale’s technology firms employ approximately 41,000 people and yield $5.3 billion in sales. Since 2016, the city has hosted an annual Tech Week comprised of discussions, panels, workshops, coding and networking events that encourage innovation and provide opportunities for promising tech professionals. In previous years, Glendale Tech Week has attracted over 1,500 participants eager to learn about the city’s thriving tech ecosystem. Senator Portantino is proud to have initiated funding for Glendale Tech.

“Senator Portantino continues to help our city in small and big ways.  Garnering additional funds for the LA River is very important for us and what a great way to send off our former Mayor Zareh Sinanyan than to see his signature tech project continue to prosper.  I’m excited to carry on this effort and very thankful to our Senator,” added Ara Najarian.

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