L.A. Area Chamber Marks Wildfire Anniversary by Uniting Leaders to Support Small Business Recovery

by L.A. Area Chamber

LOS ANGELES, CA – January 9, 2026 – On “Day One of Year Two” of our recovery from the 2025 wildfires, the Los Area Chamber of Commerce convened a group of business and civic leaders who gathered to discuss policy and advocacy with a focus on the outstanding needs of small businesses.

“Year one was about providing immediate emergency relief,” said Maria S. Salinas, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. “We are grateful to the many organizations and individuals who generously supported relief efforts, and we know that our work is not done. We are renewing our commitment to work with stakeholders to advance policies that help small businesses return and to secure the funding necessary to support long-term recovery.” 

The discussion emphasized the importance of a holistic approach that restores thriving communities, including schools, parks, and retail centers, while supporting both residents and business owners. Leaders also reached an agreement to streamline communication and resource sharing so that small businesses and wildfire survivors receive direct, timely support. They highlighted the need to rebuild concurrently to ensure communities can return stronger and more resilient.

Representatives included Governor Newsom’s Office of Business & Economic Development, California Office of the Small Business Advocate, LA County Department of Economic Opportunity, and the offices of State Senator Ben Allen, Assemblymember John Harabedian, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Mayor Karen Bass, Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, California Community Foundation, and UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute. Also in attendance were representatives from local Chambers of Commerce, including those from Altadena, Pali-Bu, Santa Monica, and Hollywood, who mobilized support efforts for small businesses in their communities following the wildfire disaster. 

A formal statement on behalf of the coalition of stakeholders will be released in the coming days.

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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. 

A Thriving Region for All.