Chamber Advocates for Alternatives as Living Wage Proposal Moves Forward
This week, the proposed Living Wage Ordinance was reviewed by the L.A. City Council’s Committee on Economic, Community Development, and Jobs. The Chamber voiced concerns about its potential negative impact on the city’s budget and small businesses, while also leading discussions with Councilmembers to explore alternative proposals to protect jobs and support workers. Despite these efforts, the committee advanced the ordinance to the full City Council. The Chamber will continue advocating for alternative solutions.
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California Superintendent Thurmond Keynotes at Education Summit
The L.A. Area Chamber welcomed California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond to keynote the second annual Education Summit. Superintendent Thurmond highlighted the importance of partnerships between education and the business community to prepare students. He also shared his personal story which fueled his dedication to education and community. His message emphasized the importance of aligning workforce needs with skills.
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Chamber Explores Collaboration Between Education and Business at Education Summit
This week, the L.A. Area Chamber held the 2024 Education Summit at Loyola Marymount University (LMU). The event convened business leaders, educators, and policymakers to discuss strategies to deepen collaboration. The opening panel featured LMU President Timothy Law Snyder, and Jen Prince, Los Angeles Rams, who shared details of their recent partnership. Discussions explored how building impactful partnerships, workforce readiness, and future workforce trends are essential to regional growth. The Chamber also recognized the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation for its pivotal support to deepen collaboration between business and education in the L.A. region.
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Mayor Bass Issues Directive for City Capital Infrastructure Plan
Last week, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signed Executive Directive 9, designed to reform the city’s approach to public infrastructure improvements, including streets, parks, and other public spaces. The directive calls for the development of the city’s first Capital Infrastructure Plan (CIP) and the formation of a Capital Planning Steering Committee with representatives from various city departments. By prioritizing long-term capital projects, these efforts aim to enhance the city’s ability to deliver projects efficiently, on time, and within budget—maximizing public benefits in preparation for major upcoming events.
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Navigating the 2025 Tax Cliff: Key Takeaways from Chamber Briefing with Watson McLeish
The Chamber recently hosted an in-person briefing which featured Watson McLeish, Senior Vice President for Tax Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The discussion focused on the looming 2025 tax cliff and the potential legislative changes that could impact businesses nationwide. McLeish provided a comprehensive analysis of the fiscal landscape, outlining key tax provisions at risk and what businesses should expect as we approach 2025. Companies are encouraged to strategically prepare for possible tax increases, reduced research and development deductions, and other factors that could affect profitability and growth.
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Mayor Bass Appoints Tiena Johnson Hall as New GM of Los Angeles Housing Department
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass has appointed Tiena Johnson Hall as the new General Manager of the Los Angeles Housing Department. Hall's primary focus will be on enhancing the city's affordable housing system by streamlining processes and both expanding and preserving affordable housing options. In collaboration with various city stakeholders, Hall will play a crucial role in helping Angelenos remain housed by securing federal and state resources to increase the city's affordable housing supply.
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Port of Los Angeles Sets Record in September and Achieves Best Quarter Ever
The Port of Los Angeles achieved a record 954K TEUs in September, a 27% increase from last year, closing out its busiest quarter ever with a total of 2.85M TEUs processed. Year-to-date, the Port is 18% ahead of its 2023 pace, having moved 7.59M TEUs in the first nine months. Executive Director Gene Seroka stated that these records highlight the skill and efficiency of the workforce, crediting longshore workers, truckers, terminal and rail operators, and supply chain partners for their hard work. Read more here.
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Chamber’s Diplomatic & Commercial Officers Group Delves into AI Trends and EU Regulations
This week, the L.A. Area Chamber's Diplomatic & Commercial Officers Group participated in an engaging AI event featuring distinguished speakers. Gerard de Graaf, Senior Envoy for Digital to the U.S.; Douglas Merrill, partner at McKinsey & Company; and Michael Bowers, Founder & CEO at Heed AI Consulting, shared their expertise and insights on artificial intelligence. The discussion also explored the EU AI Act and its implications for U.S. businesses.
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"Get in the Game" OneLA Procurement Fair
Join the 2024 OneLA Inclusive Procurement Fair and 'Get in the Game'! Small business owners, don’t miss the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and experts. This event offers one-on-one matchmaking appointments and essential training to help you navigate certification and contracting. Register today and take the next step toward growing your business. Sign up here.
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Procurement Fair: Meet the Buyer Workshop
Final Workshop Alert - don’t miss your last chance to meet buyers at the OneLA Inclusive Procurement Fair! Join us for the final mandatory workshop on October 28, where you'll qualify for one-on-one matchmaking appointments with top buyers at the OneLA Inclusive Procurement Fair. Seize this opportunity to elevate your business. Register here.
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Economic Mobility Initiative
Unlock opportunities as the 2028 Olympics are fast approaching! Prepare your small business, nonprofit, or entrepreneurial venture for success with the Chamber’s free Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) training program. Powered by the OneLA Inclusive Procurement Program, EMI offers personalized guidance to help you navigate contracts, certifications, and more. This program is designed to equip businesses throughout L.A. County with the tools for long-term growth and success. Don’t miss out—sign up today here.
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November Election Voting Resources
Make your voice heard! In California, ballots can be submitted until Tuesday, November 5, 2024, and voter registration is open until Election Day. Confirm your voter status by visiting the L.A. County Registrar-Recorder, find your nearest L.A. County drop box location, or vote in-person at any L.A. County polling place by 8:00 p.m. on November 5. View and share the L.A. Area Chamber’s Voter Guide, which offers our recommendations to ballot propositions, measures, and candidates that impact the business community locally and statewide.
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Chamber Welcomes Newest Diamond Investor: U.S. Bank
The Chamber is pleased to welcome its newest Diamond Investor—U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank offers a wide range of services, including consumer, business, and commercial banking. U.S. Bank is represented on the Chamber Board by Brian Hernandez, L.A. Business Banking Market Leader. Thank you to U.S. Bank for their ongoing support!
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Global Initiatives Council
Wednesday, October 30, 10:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the Global Initiatives Council and Erin Bromaghim, Deputy Mayor of International Affairs for the City of Los Angeles, to explore how upcoming major sporting events—such as the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Super Bowl LXI in 2027, and the 2028 Olympics—will create global opportunities and impact local businesses.
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Women in Leadership
Tuesday, November 12, 3:30 p.m.
COMMUNITY EVENT
Join our next Women in Leadership session, where speakers will highlight the importance of mental health and wellness in personal and professional success.
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Pancakes & Politics
Thursday, November 14, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the next Pancakes & Politics session, featuring Brian K. Williams, Deputy Mayor of Public Safety for the City of Los Angeles.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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