Reopening Around the Corner

by Maria S. Salinas

The light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel is getting brighter every day. This week, Governor Newsom announced a statewide goal of reopening by June 15, moving beyond California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. With millions having already been vaccinated in California along with expanding vaccine eligibility and declining rates of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, we are on a path to return to full reopening.

Over this last year, during a period of great economic uncertainty, the Chamber worked across all levels of government to ensure the needs of our region were at the forefront. From support for families to relief for small businesses, the Chamber leaned in to the challenges we faced. With partners in Sacramento, we have represented the Los Angeles region in a slew of issues around relief and reopening. 

We were pleased to meet with Dee Dee Myers, Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and Senior Advisor to Governor Newsom, to discuss the business issues unique to the Los Angeles region and our efforts at the state level to reinforce the region’s status as a crucial force to California’s economic well-being. 

One of the biggest challenges facing our state is how we'll keep California competitive in the ever changing post-pandemic global economy. The Chamber is committed to continuing our work with our peers and colleagues at the Capitol to find solutions which are industry-friendly and that keep the voice of Los Angeles’ business community elevated. 

As the pandemic comes to an end, we will see jobs returning and increases in the rate of vaccinations. With a time frame for a full lifting of restrictions finally coming for the first time since COVID-19 hit our shores, we are more optimistic for Los Angeles’ recovery with each passing day.