Annual L.A. Homeless Count Begins
Following a postponement due to the devastating January wildfires, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) launched its 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count this week. This annual effort provides a point-in-time snapshot of homelessness across most of L.A. County, excluding Long Beach, Pasadena, and Glendale. Over three nights, volunteers will cover different regions, counting encampments and makeshift shelters. Last year’s count reported the first decline in five years. For more details, visit here.
|
Governor Newsom Proposes Mortgage Relief Plan
Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed a $125 million mortgage relief program to aid homeowners impacted by recent wildfires. The program, administered by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), would provide direct mortgage assistance and counseling services to prevent foreclosure for those affected by declared emergencies since 2023. If approved, eligibility details and application processes will be announced soon. To learn more visit here.
|
Joby Electric Air Taxi Bringing Innovation to Los Angeles
Joby Aviation, a California-based company, and strategic partner with Delta Air Lines, is pioneering an all-electric air taxi with a range of up to 100 miles and vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. The organization promises to revolutionize urban mobility while reducing noise and environmental impact. Joby showcased their groundbreaking electric air taxi, at the Chamber's 2025 Inaugural, and has committed to delivering their sustainable home-to-airport transportation service to Delta customers, beginning in Los Angeles and New York.
|
Don't Miss ACCESS D.C. - Register Today!
Join the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., March 11-13, 2025, as we champion policies that drive job creation and foster a thriving regional economy. We know that federal support for wildfire recovery and rebuilding, as well as for global events will be an important theme. This is a unique opportunity to engage with policymakers, business leaders and advocate for key policy priorities, to amplify L.A.’s voice at the Capitol. Join the conversation to help shape our regional economic future. Register today.
|
City Council Considers Permit Exemptions for the Olympics
The Los Angeles City Council is set to vote on a draft ordinance exempting certain planning permits and regulations for projects tied to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Chamber underscores the importance of collaboration among businesses and civic partners to ensure the region is ready for this once-in-a-generation economic opportunity. The Chamber has voiced its support for the motion and will continue to monitor its progress.
|
City Council Reviews Fee Waiver Motion for Fire Rebuilding
The Los Angeles City Council approved a motion this week to assess the feasibility of waiving plan checks, permits, and art fees for repairs and rebuilds of structures destroyed in the Palisades Fire. The motion directs city departments to explore fee waivers and alternative solutions, such as payment deferrals if waiving the fees prove unfeasible. The Chamber will review the feasibility report upon its release and share pertinent updates.
|
Nick Vyas Named World Trade Week Committee Chair
We are pleased to announce Dr. Nick Vyas as the 2025 World Trade Week Committee Chair! Dr. Vyas is the Founder and Executive Director of the Randall R. Kendrick Global Supply Chain Institute at USC Marshall School of Business, and has been an engaged committee member for over 4 years. For over 99 years, World Trade Week Southern California Conference has highlighted the importance of global trade. The celebration kicks off in May with the L.A. Area Chamber’s launch event, featuring an industry keynote and panel discussion on how technology is reshaping global trade.
|
USC Welcomes World Trade Week Committee
Thank you to Dr. Nick Vyas, Founding Director of the Randall R. Kendrick Global Supply Chain Institute, Academic Director MS Global Supply Chain Management, and Professor of Data Sciences and Operations for welcoming the 2025 World Trade Week Committee to the USC campus for an in person meeting to discuss the upcoming 99th World Trade Week, themed, A New Horizon: Reimaging Trade with Innovation.
|
FEMA Deadline Approaches - Apply by March 10
Homeowners and renters affected by the recent Los Angeles County wildfires have until March 10 to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. This program provides financial aid of up to $40,000 for temporary housing, home repairs, personal property losses, medical expenses, childcare, and other essential needs not covered by insurance. Applications can be submitted online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or by visiting a local Disaster Recovery Center. FEMA may also refer eligible applicants to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans. Information is available in both English and Spanish.
|
Together For L.A.: Wildfire Assistance
Stay updated on wildfire recovery resources in L.A. County by joining the Together for L.A. weekly webinar. This session will provide key updates on funding opportunities and relief programs available for small businesses affected by the fires. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights and support to rebuild and strengthen your business. Learn more here.
|
LA28 Ceremonies Production Provider Expression of Interest
LA28 is seeking applications from production companies interested in producing the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. LA28 has launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) survey as the first step in the procurement process. The EOI is open until March 17 at 5:00 p.m. PT. For more details, visit LA28.org and the RAMP portal.
|
World Trade Week
Thursday, May 1, 8:00 a.m.
Join us for the 99th World Trade Week: A New Horizon - Reimagining Trade with Innovation. World Trade Week has been dedicated to educating the public about the vital role and benefits of global trade in local, state, and national economies. Register here.
|
Celebrating Black History Month:
Renata Simril, LA84 Foundation
Renata Simril is the President & CEO of the LA84 Foundation, the youth-serving organization committed to transforming the lives of youth in Southern California through sports and play programs, as well as through ongoing investments in infrastructure, research and education as a legacy of the 1984 Summer Olympics. A third generation Angeleno who grew up in Carson, Renata is actively engaged in civic and community service, including serving on the boards of the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, ESPN Return to Play Advisory Council and L.A. Area Chamber Board of Governors.
|
COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
|
Pancakes & Politics
Thursday, February 27, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the L.A. Area Chamber for the next session of our Pancakes & Politics Speaker Series featuring Miguel Santana, President & CEO, California Community Foundation.
|
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
|
|
