NBCUNIVERSAL EVOLUTION PROJECT TAKES STEP FORWARD
This week the Chamber was at L.A. City Hall to support NBCUniversal's Evolution Project, which was given unanimous approval by the City Council. The 20-year project includes upgrades and improvements to studio production and post-production facilities, new media-related office space, and enhancements to the Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park and Citywalk. This represents a $1.6 billion investment in L.A., which will create more than 30,000 good-paying jobs during construction and operations. The project still needs approval for the County portions. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.


L.A. City Council approves trash franchise plan over the Chamber's objection
On Wednesday, the L.A. City Council voted 11-3 to move forward with an overhaul of the trash system in L.A. with a plan that would create 11 exclusive wastehaul zones. The Chamber strongly opposed this proposal, warning that it would destroy dozens of small businesses, eliminate hundreds of jobs and create a new bureaucracy in a City that is already struggling financially. A non-exclusive franchise system, which the Chamber testified in favor of, would allow for the same environmental, recycling and revenue benefits to the City, while maintaining competition and consumer choice. The Chamber is pushing for a full Environmental Impact Report while exploring ways to fight the implementation of the exclusive system. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.

Chamber endorses pension reform
Last week the Chamber's Board of Directors voted to endorse the Bankruptcy Avoidance and Pension Protection Act of 2013 initiated by former Mayor Richard Riordan. "Every year, taxpayer dollars that should be spent on police, fire, parks, libraries and other critical city services are instead lost to growing pension obligations," said Chamber President & CEO Gary Toebben. The Chamber has made pension reform a priority issue since 2006. In recent years, City actions to reform its pension systems have been positive steps forward, but are not enough to solve the growing problem. Contact Ruben Gonzalez, 213.580.7568.

Chamber receives post-Measure J report from Metro
At the Transportation & Goods Movement Council's final meeting of the year, members heard from Raffi Hamparian, federal affairs manager at Metro, on next steps after Measure J failed to reach the two-thirds approval threshold to extend the half-cent Measure R sales tax an additional 30 years. "Metro is going back to the drawing board to look at the fundamentals of America Fast Forward," Hamparian said. This includes the final steps on the full funding for the Regional Connector and subway to the sea. Metro will also follow up on the the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program that was expanded under the last transportation reauthorization, and consider advocating in D.C. for a Qualified Transportation Infrastructure Bond, which the Metro Board will discuss this month. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.

California Connections launches this week in Sacramento
California Connections 2013 began on Wednesday in Sacramento. The three-day seminar is focusing on issues facing the State including the corrections system and the impacts of realignment. "Realignment is the biggest transformation in the corrections system," said Director, Division of Internal Oversight & Research Lee Seale, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations. "As a local leader you have to think about reintegrating this group into society," said L.A. Sheriff Department Commander Stephen Johnson (California Connections '12). Contact Hadia Kabir, 213.580.7524.

CODA Electric chosen as nominee for Motor Trend Car of the Year Congratulations to Coda Electric for being selected as a contender for 2013 Motor Trend Car of the Year. The Tesla Model S Electric Car was eventually chosen as the car of the year. Learn more. Congratulations to recent Chamber member ribbon cuttings This month several Chamber members celebrated grand openings including, from left to right, Chase Bank, Downtown L.A. CADA and CareMore - Union Ave. Care Center. Interested in having a ribbon cutting? Contact Pat Clark, 213.580.7595. Click here to submit your member good news.