L.A. Area Chamber Warns of Economic Risks Following L.A. City Council's Wage Ordinance Approval

by L.A. Area Chamber

LOS ANGELES, CA – May 14, 2025 – The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement from Maria S. Salinas, President & CEO, regarding the passage of the Hotel and Airport Concession Worker Wage Ordinance:

"We are deeply troubled by today’s L.A. City Council vote to approve this wage ordinance without fully addressing the significant risks it presents to our city’s economic health. This ordinance, as passed, disregards concerns raised by local employers, hotels, restaurants, and airport concessionaires and its severe unintended consequences, ranging from reduced hours, job losses, to stalled investments and declining competitiveness for our hospitality and tourism sectors. The L.A. City Council has moved forward at a time when our economy remains fragile, and key sectors have yet to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

We urged the L.A. City Council to take a measured approach and support amendments that would delay implementation until our local economy and key industries stabilize. Unfortunately, this prudent path was rejected, placing even more uncertainty upon the businesses that contribute to Los Angeles’ vibrancy and prosperity," said Maria S. Salinas, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber remains committed to working with city leaders and the business community to find solutions that drive economic growth while supporting L.A.'s workforce.

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About Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce

The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of a broad spectrum of organizations across the private, non-profit, academic, and public sectors, including the business community, job creators, and innovators in the Los Angeles region. Our mission is to design and advance opportunities and solutions for a thriving regional economy that is inclusive and globally competitive. As the oldest and largest business association in the region, the Chamber has a long-standing history of convening business leaders, communities, and policy makers to promote a vibrant economy.

For more information, visit www.lachamber.com.