ACCESS D.C.: Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy Discusses Federal Transportation Infrastructure
President & CEO Maria S Salinas hosted a conversation with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, who shared his outlook on the future of federal transportation infrastructure. Duffy emphasized the need to prioritize safety as public transit systems expand nationwide and discussed opportunities for government and business partners to collaborate to make transit more efficient and reliable. The Los Angeles delegation also heard about Secretary Duffy’s priorities on innovation and partnerships with host cities of global events, like this year’s FIFA World Cup.
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ACCESS D.C.: The Chamber Meets with the Small Business Administration
The delegation met with SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler to explore ways to strengthen small businesses across the Los Angeles region. Both the Chamber and the SBA are committed to expanding access to and support for small businesses and emphasized that entrepreneurs often drive innovation. President and CEO Maria S. Salinas highlighted the Chamber’s ongoing wildfire recovery efforts and its Get in the Game initiative, designed to ensure small businesses are not left out of the economic benefits.
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ACCESS D.C.: Chamber Advances LA Priorities with OMB
As part of the Chamber’s ACCESS D.C. delegation, Chamber delegation members met with the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to discuss federal priorities for the Los Angeles region. OMB plays a central role in shaping the President’s budget. The delegation discussed key priorities tied to LA28, including transportation, public safety, and cybersecurity. Chamber members emphasized the importance of a strong federal partnership to ensure Los Angeles delivers a seamless, secure, and world-class global experience.
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DA Nathan Hochman Announced Workers’ Compensation Fraud Campaign
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced a new countywide LA Metro bus ad campaign warning that workers’ compensation fraud is a felony. The ads remind the public that exaggerating injuries or submitting false medical information to collect workers' compensation benefits can lead to criminal charges. Hochman said fraud drains resources meant for legitimately injured workers and increases costs for employers, especially small business employers. Read the full statement here.
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Chamber Opposes Misaligned Price-Gouging Protections
This week, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors considered extending broad price gouging protections put in place following last year’s devastating wildfires. The Chamber fully supports the County’s efforts to protect housing affordability and the availability of construction materials. However, extending price limits to industries with no meaningful connection to recovery continues to cause real economic harm without providing any corresponding benefit to the County or its residents. The Chamber encouraged the Board to extend the price gouging protections selectively and responsibly. Read the letter here.
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Chamber Engages Finland on Trade, Innovation, and Sustainability Opportunities
The Chamber met with Minna Laajava, Consul General and Ambassador of Finland, and Sanna Andersson, Commercial Advisor, to explore engagement opportunities and Finland’s growing engagement with Los Angeles. The discussion highlighted trade, innovation, and sustainability, identifying pathways to deepen bilateral ties, support business connections, and advance shared priorities between Finnish stakeholders and the greater Los Angeles region economy.
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Get in the Game: Department of General Services: I'm Certified, Now What?
Join us for an upcoming virtual workshop designed to help small businesses grow. Get in the Game: DGS – I’m Certified, Now What? on March 23. Learn about financing readiness and state contracting opportunities. Register here. Sign up for event updates and notifications here.
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DBE Reevaluation: From Presumption to Proof
Hensel Phelps invites trade partners to attend DBE Reevaluation: From Presumption to Proof on April 1 at 1:00 p.m. This complimentary session will explain updates to the DBE Interim Final Rule and how disadvantaged status is now evaluated. Guest speaker Patti Olds, President & CEO of Kuniklo, will share guidance on documenting eligibility and preparing for certification or recertification. Register here.
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Chamber Partners on Resource Fair to Support Fire‑Impacted Businesses
Join the Chamber as we partner with PaliBu, SBA, and community partners to support fire survivors and local businesses. This event will connect entrepreneurs with essential recovery resources, including digital marketing support, business plan strategy, loan and grant application guidance, and legislative advocacy to help businesses rebuild, recover, and move forward. Learn more here.
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West Basin Municipal Water District Rebate Program Supports Water Conservation and Sustainable Landscaping
Residents in eligible service areas can access new incentives to replace water‑intensive lawns with climate‑friendly landscaping. Rebates start at $3 per square foot—with higher amounts available in qualifying zones—for projects that reduce water use and cut runoff. The program provides guidance to help homeowners transition to native plants that support long‑term conservation and environmental stewardship. Learn more here.
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Celebrating Women’s History Month
This week, we recognize Nicole Janigian Simonian, Partner at Crowell & Moring and co‑chair of the firm’s International Trade Group. A Chamber Board member and chair of the Global Initiatives Council, Nicole is a leading authority on global mobility and international trade, advising companies across sectors on cross‑border strategy, compliance, and global operations.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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World Trade Week Centennial Celebration
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
JW Marriott Los Angeles
Celebrate 100 years of global trade leadership with the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce! World Trade Week 2026 brings together business, civic, and international leaders to honor a century of trade and chart the path forward for Los Angeles as a global economic hub.
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