Blogs of the LA Area Chamber

Building a Thriving L.A.

Maria S. Salinas on November 14, 2018 at 9:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

One of the most impactful roles that the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce takes on is that of regional trustee.

We bring together different stakeholders with varied agendas to focus on issues that matter to all of us. In my first State of Infrastructure convening, our position as trustee for the region is clear.

Reflecting on Foster Youth College Awareness Month

Maria S. Salinas on October 31, 2018 at 9:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

Earlier this month, the Chamber was recognized by L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger for our work in supporting foster youth and their educational attainment. The Board of Supervisors declared October “Foster Youth College Awareness Month” and doubled down on its commitment to supporting foster youth to college.

Building Resiliency in Watts

Health Net on October 31, 2018 at 12:00:00 am
Posted in Health Care Waiting Room

Childhood trauma should not determine the course of the rest of your life. Research shows that meaningful interventions can help offset negative impacts of childhood trauma, allowing healing and positive growth.

Prop 6 is dangerous and destructive - Vote No

Maria S. Salinas on October 25, 2018 at 9:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

Last Friday’s 17th annual Mobility 21 Southern California Transportation Summit attracted more than 1,300 transportation, business and elected leaders. A common theme ...

Amplifying our Collective Voice at City Hall

Maria S. Salinas on October 19, 2018 at 9:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

On Wednesday, I joined more than 150 of our members at Los Angeles City Hall for our ACCESS L.A. City Hall. An annual event, ACCESS L.A. City Hall not only gives our members an opportunity to interact with elected leaders, but also, for many it’s an introduction to how to engage with City Hall on policies and issues of importance to their businesses, economic development and quality of life.

Join the Chamber for ACCESS L.A. City Hall

Maria S. Salinas on October 10, 2018 at 9:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

A week from today, the Chamber will convene nearly 200 Chamber and business community members at Los Angeles City Hall for our annual morning reception with City elected leadership. It’s a great opportunity to speak directly with Council members and department staff, as well as your fellow business leaders to discuss issues of major importance to our community.

Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Ballot Recommendations

Maria S. Salinas on October 3, 2018 at 9:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

The Chamber has spent a large part of the year analyzing and taking positions on the state and local ballot measures that will be before voters on Nov. 6. Starting with our ...

Propositions 1 and 2 are solid steps to help address our housing crisis

Maria S. Salinas on September 27, 2018 at 9:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

As we head toward election day on Nov. 6, we want to provide helpful information about the many propositions and measures you will find on your ballot. In last week’s Business Perspective, I argued that Prop 10, which would expand rent control, would have the unintended consequence of making our housing crisis worse. Luckily, there are two propositions on the November ballot that would be much more productive:

ACA Open Enrollment Set to Begin Under a Cloud of Confusion

John Baackes, L.A. Care CEO on September 27, 2018 at 6:00:00 am
Posted in Health Care Waiting Room

As another open enrollment period approaches, the future of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) remains uncertain. Efforts to repeal the landmark legislation failed, but regulatory measures continue to alter the ACA and it has left consumers scratching their heads. The confusion caused by all the changes could, in the end, prove harmful to consumers who are dependent on the individual marketplace for their health care coverage.

Proposition 10 is No Solution to our Housing Crisis

Maria S. Salinas on September 20, 2018 at 9:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective

Last week, I wrote an op-ed piece on one of the most troubling topics in our state, affordable housing. In advocating in the Sacramento Bee that our housing supply and affordability crisis must be top of mind for policy makers, I noted that without more housing opportunities within financial reach, we risk the California dream slipping away. I argued government and the private sector must collaborate to address barriers to more housing supply and seek creative solutions to funding and regulatory challenges.