Chamber Backs Ballot Measure to Repeal L.A.'s Gross Receipts Tax
This week, the L.A. Area Chamber joined a coalition of business organizations in filing a citywide ballot initiative to repeal Los Angeles' outdated gross receipts tax. As cities across the country compete for talent and investment, L.A. must modernize its approach. Eliminating the gross receipts tax is a key step toward creating a more predictable, transparent, and business-friendly environment, one that welcomes innovation, strengthens our economy, and benefits all Angelenos. This initiative underscores our commitment to policies that make it easier to do business in Los Angeles. The Chamber will continue working to foster a competitive economy and ensure our city remains a leading destination for entrepreneurs, employers, and opportunity.
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LAUSD Opens School Year with Message of Unity and Progress
This week, Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho welcomed partners and supporters to the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Opening of Schools celebration, emphasizing that Los Angeles is a place where all are “welcomed, loved, treasured, and accepted.” He recognized the district’s educators, staff, and bus drivers for their extraordinary service during January’s wildfires and reaffirmed Los Angeles Unified’s deep commitment to safety and student well-being. The event also celebrated major milestones: the district’s highest-ever Smarter Balanced Assessment scores, Grover Cleveland Charter named the top magnet school in the nation, and the launch of new programs in skilled trades and micro-credentialing. Superintendent Carvalho closed by recognizing the quiet heroes of public education, the teachers, school leaders, and support staff who make student success possible every day.
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L.A. Area Chamber Leaders Engage at National ACCE Convention in Philadelphia
The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), representing chambers nationwide, convened in Philadelphia this week for its annual convention. ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly opened the event with compelling remarks on the vital, trusted role of chambers, referencing a recent national poll, The Impact and Value of Chambers of Commerce. Senior leaders from the L.A. Area Chamber participated both as attendees and contributors.
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L.A. Area Chamber Shares Wildfire Response Lessons at National ACCE Convention
This week, Los Angeles took center stage at the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Annual Convention in Philadelphia, where Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas participated in a session on the critical role chambers play in natural disaster response. Drawing on the recent Los Angeles wildfires, she highlighted the Chamber’s rapid mobilization, clear communication, and trusted role as a connector during crises. The Chamber presented alongside Erin Leonard of the Asheville Area Chamber in North Carolina, who shared insights on hurricane response. Both chambers offered valuable perspectives on supporting communities through natural disasters.
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Ballot Effort to Repeal Hotel Wage Hike Moves Forward
The Los Angeles City Clerk’s office announced this week that the effort to repeal the recent wage hike on hotels and airport concessionaires will move to the next stage of the ballot initiative process. Having submitted over 140,000 signatures, the County Registrar-Recorder will now verify their validity. Meanwhile, the wage hike ordinance remains suspended until this review is complete. The Chamber continues to support the tourism industry as it recovers from the pandemic, wildfires, and immigration enforcement disruptions. In the absence of reasonable policymaking in City Hall, the Chamber backs this referendum to overturn an ill-timed and unfair wage increase.
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California Lawmakers Break for Summer; Chamber Tracks Key Legislation
The California Legislature adjourned for summer recess on Friday, July 18, following a busy week of policy committee activity ahead of the deadline. Lawmakers will return on August 18 to take up remaining fiscal bills before the August 29 deadline. The Chamber will continue monitoring key legislation when the Legislature reconvenes. View our priority legislation in the state tracker here.
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Chamber Tours L.A. Conservation Corps, Discusses Legislative Priorities
Last week, the Chamber toured the L.A. Conservation Corps’ Northeast Los Angeles (NELA) site in Downtown L.A. The visit included an overview of the Corps’ youth development programs and countywide projects, a tour of the on-site recycling center, and a discussion of shared legislative priorities. The Chamber looks forward to continuing its strong partnership with the L.A. Conservation Corps.
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All Aboard for the Maritime Industry Salute – October 2
Join us aboard the historic USS Iowa on October 2 for the International Seafarers Center’s annual Maritime Industry Salute. This signature gala honors the dedicated seafarers who power our ports and celebrates the achievements of the maritime community. This year’s event will recognize Pacific Harbor Line and its President, Otis Cliatt II, for their industry leadership and impact. Proceeds support critical services for seafarers. Space is limited. Reserve your tickets, sponsorships, and ad placements today here.
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Chamber Supports Small Business Growth Through Statewide Credit Initiative
In partnership with the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation is helping expand access to capital for underserved small businesses through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). The SCALE (Success, Capital Access, and Leadership for Entrepreneurs) program provides tailored coaching to guide business owners through the loan process and connect them with the right financial resources. The program prioritizes support for women-owned, veteran-owned, and disabled-owned businesses and those in low-income, rural, and disaster-impacted communities across California. For more information, visit here.
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SBA Opens Business Recovery Center in Downtown L.A.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened a Business Recovery Center in Downtown Los Angeles to assist small businesses impacted by recent demonstrations. Under the CA-21167 declaration, eligible businesses may apply for up to $2 million in low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to help cover working capital and operating expenses. This critical support is now available. The deadline to apply is March 27, 2026. To check eligibility and apply, visit here.
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LISC LA Offers Recovery Grants to Businesses Affected by January Wildfires
LISC Los Angeles, with support from Wells Fargo, is offering $10,000 grants to small businesses impacted by the January 2025 wind and wildfire events through the Back to Business LA Wildfire Relief Grant. Funds may be used to replace equipment, pay employees, and cover rent and utilities, with at least 80% designated for asset purchases. Eligible businesses must be located in fire-affected areas of Los Angeles County and plan to remain operational within the next 6 to 12 months. The application is open now and closes Sunday, July 28, at 11:59 p.m. For more information, visit here.
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Free Guided Tours of Wrigley Mansion Through August 28
Experience the charm and history of Pasadena’s iconic Wrigley Mansion. Take a free 90-minute guided tour every Thursday at 2 p.m. through August 28, and discover the rich legacy of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses®, the Rose Parade®, and the Rose Bowl Game®. Visitors will also enjoy the breathtaking Wrigley Gardens, featuring more than 1,500 varieties of roses. Spots are limited. Reserve your tour today here.
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Chamber Mourns the Passing of Ambassador Frank Baxter
The Chamber was saddened to hear the news of the passing of Ambassador Frank Baxter — a distinguished businessman, philanthropist, and former U.S. Ambassador to Uruguay. In 2023, the Chamber was proud to honor Ambassador Baxter with the Civic Medal of Honor at our Inaugural. The Chamber extends our deepest condolences to his family.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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First ITC Council Meeting of the Year to Spotlight Key Policy Issue
Tuesday, July 29, 2:00 p.m.
MEMBER-ONLY EVENT
Join us for the first Innovation & Technology (ITC) Council Policy Meeting of the year, where we'll hear from Miguel Sangalang, Executive Director of the Bureau of Street Lighting.
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LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell Headlines Next Pancakes & Politics
Thursday, July 31, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER-ONLY EVENT
Join us for the next Pancakes & Politics session with featured speaker Jim McDonnell, Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
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SOLD OUT - 2025 State of L.A. Business: Shaping the Future of L.A.
Thursday, August 7, 8:30 a.m.
Thank you to everyone who registered for the 2025 State of L.A. Business. The event is officially sold out. Stay tuned for event highlights! Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Click here to learn more.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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