Blogs of the LA Area Chamber
The Time is Now
Gary Toebben on January 29, 2013 at 12:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective
Every so often we have the opportunity to make a significant change in the vision and direction of our government. For the voters of the City of Los Angeles, the 2013 election is one of those times. Nine out of 15 City Council seats are at play in this election, and of those nine seats seven will be filled by new officials as the incumbents are termed out or not seeking another term. These newly elected councilmembers will likely serve 12 years in these positions, setting the agenda for economic development, public safety, city services and much more.
State Budget a Positive Step for Education
Gary Toebben on January 22, 2013 at 12:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective
After almost a half-decade of decline in funding for K-12 and Higher Education in California, Gov. Jerry Brown's new budget proposal includes a boost in funding that will have an impact on every student who is attending school in the Golden State. This increased investment in education, coupled with a state budget proposal that is nearly balanced, offers hope that our state is on a path toward economic stability if Gov. Brown and the Legislature will also address key issues that are holding back our economy.
A Muddy Process for Cleaner Water and Cleaner Beaches
Gary Toebben on January 15, 2013 at 12:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective
Today the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is holding a hearing on a proposed $275 million annual fee that few taxpayers are aware of, but will have a significant financial implication for all public and private property owners throughout the County. Several Chamber members have already indicated that the new fee on their property would cost them more than 1 million dollars per year.
More than 75 Percent of L.A. Voters Say: Move the North Runway
Gary Toebben on January 8, 2013 at 12:00:00 am
Posted in The Business Perspective
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Coalition to Fix LAX NOW has received a powerful endorsement to move the north runway at LAX — from L.A.'s voters.
Ahead of the public hearings to modernize the airport and move the north runway, which start tonight, the Coalition to Fix LAX NOW sponsored a comprehensive citywide poll to hear from L.A. voters on what they think about LAX and moving the north runway. The poll was conducted in December and the findings were released on Monday. The results of the poll were extraordinarily clear: move the north runway.