Chamber Celebrates LA Small‑Business Finalists at 2026 NBA All‑Star Pitch Competition
The Chamber was proud to partner with the NBA Foundation at the 2026 NBA All‑Star Pitch Competition Finals at the Kia Forum, where we celebrated seven standout Los Angeles small businesses: Equal IQ, Thimble, Imperium Care, Hadley Investment Co., Hamilton Perkins Collection, UR Prospects, and Generation Connect. Their innovation and leadership reflect the strength of our region’s entrepreneurial community. Hamilton Perkins of the Hamilton Perkins Collection earned first place, followed by Anwar Douglas of Imperium Care in second and Yosh Miller of Hadley in third. Mayowa Arogundade of Equal IQ was recognized as the American Express winner.
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Governor Newsom Announces Mortgage Relief Program
Last week, Governor Newsom announced an expansion of the state’s CalAssist Mortgage Relief Program. This will increase assistance for disaster-affected homeowners from three months to a full year of payments, with support capped at $100,000 and no repayment required. The expansion broadens income eligibility and allows families already receiving aid to access additional payments, with funds paid directly to mortgage servicers. Administered by the California Housing Finance Agency, the program has already delivered millions in relief to wildfire survivors and aims to help families stabilize housing costs while rebuilding. The Governor also continues to push for additional federal disaster funding and is developing a state-backed rebuilding finance program to help close insurance and construction cost gaps.
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Inaugural: Chamber Honors Bank of America with Corporate Leadership Award
At the Inaugural celebration, Bank of America was presented with the Corporate Leadership Award for its commitment to the economic growth of Los Angeles. With over 110 years in Los Angeles, Bank of America is deeply invested through its clients and community partners who work tirelessly to make the city a better place to live, work, and do business. Following the wildfire disaster, Bank of America committed more than $4.5 million to philanthropic recovery efforts, $10 million to CDFIs, and launched Bank of America Rebuild Solution financial tools to support impacted clients. Chamber Board member and former Board Chair Raul A. Anaya, Head of Local Markets Strategy and President, Greater Los Angeles, accepted the award on behalf of Bank of America.
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Inaugural: Lewis Horne, CBRE, Recognized with Distinguished Business Leader Award
The Chamber recognized Lewis Horne, President of CBRE for Greater Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire, with the Distinguished Business Leader Award for his extraordinary dedication to assuring the growth and prosperity of Los Angeles. Lew’s career spans over 40 years, during which he has been a longtime champion of workplace transformation, helping organizations adapt through workplace strategies. Beyond his professional leadership, Lew is deeply engaged in the Greater Los Angeles community, lending his expertise and time to address pressing business and social challenges. In the aftermath of last year’s wildfires, he brought together leaders across the real estate community to drive innovative recovery solutions. We were excited to recognize Lew with this award in celebration of his commitment to a better Los Angeles.
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Chamber Supports Effort to Raise Small Business Tax Exemptions
On Tuesday, the LA City Budget and Finance Committee advanced a motion to explore raising small business tax exemption thresholds and reviewing how other cities structure their business taxes to keep LA competitive. Today, LA’s Business Tax ordinance can burden small businesses with thousands in fees tied to factors like vehicles, equipment, employees, or square footage. Strengthening a business support program is essential to help small enterprises stay and grow in LA. The Chamber urges support for this effort.
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Chamber Hosts Transportation Leaders On Infrastructure Priorities
The Transportation & Goods Movement Policy Council met this week for a panel discussion on federal Surface Transportation Reauthorization. Speakers included Artie Mandel, Director of Government Affairs, Port of Los Angeles; Raffi Hamparian, Executive Officer for Federal Affairs / Government Relations, LA Metro; Erik Rodriguez, Sr. Government Affairs Officer, Southern California Association of Governments; and Adrian Granda, Director, Government Relations, Port of Long Beach. The Chamber will voice these transportation and infrastructure priorities to Washington, D.C., during the upcoming ACCESS D.C. trip to advocate for critical regional needs.
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LAUSD Board Approves Staffing and Resource Alignment Plan
This Tuesday, the Los Angeles Unified School District Board approved position closures under a staffing and resource alignment plan. About 600 positions will be eliminated, and roughly 70 will see reduced hours or base changes. In a 4–3 vote, the board authorized issuing reduction-in-force (RIF) notices by March 15, though fewer actual layoffs are expected. District leaders cited declining enrollment and budget deficits, saying the cuts focus on administrative roles to minimize direct classroom impact. View the full presentation here.
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Chamber Engages with Canadian Leaders at Consul General’s Reception
The Chamber attended a reception at the residence of the Consul General in Los Angeles, featuring a fireside chat between Ms. Sylvie Bédard, newly appointed Consul General of Canada, and Andre De Grasse, sprinter, seven‑time Olympic medalist, and recent appointee to the Order of Canada—one of the nation’s highest civilian honors. The reception was co‑hosted by BMO.
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Chamber Explores World Cup Partnership and Delegation Visit with Mexican Consul General
The Chamber met with Mexican Consul General Ambassador Carlos González Gutiérrez to further discuss Casa México Los Angeles 2026, which will bring Angelenos a vibrant, free public program featuring live match‑viewing events, music, gastronomy, exhibitions, and more during the World Cup. We also explored the possibilities of a delegation visit to Mexico City.
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Procurement Opportunities at the Los Angeles Convention Center
The City of Los Angeles and its partners have officially broken ground on the $2.6 billion Los Angeles Convention Center Expansion and Modernization Project, marking a major investment in Downtown revitalization, job creation, and economic growth. The project will add new exhibit and event space, generate thousands of jobs, and position Los Angeles to compete globally while preparing for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Learn more here. Complete the interest form here.
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Doing Business With LAUSD Small Business Boot Camp
Join a free Small Business Boot Camp and Doing Business with LAUSD series, February 18 - April 22, designed for construction contractors and subcontractors of all tiers. Hosted by LAUSD Facilities Services, this training focuses on facilities construction and maintenance projects, providing guidance, resources, and connections to help firms successfully compete for upcoming LAUSD opportunities. Learn more here.
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Free PaliBu Recovery Expo Connects Businesses with Rebuild Resources and Regional Experts
Join the free PaliBu Recovery Expo on February 22 for resources, connections, and support as Pacific Palisades and Malibu rebuild and move forward. This community event brings together trusted partners, local leaders, and recovery experts to share practical information, strengthen networks, and help residents and businesses navigate the road ahead with confidence and resilience. Learn more and register here.
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MOLAA Celebrates 30 Years of Cultural Impact
The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) marks its 30th Anniversary with a yearlong celebration featuring signature events, new partnerships, and expanded community programs. MOLAA is also launching an ambitious campus expansion to deepen its cultural reach. The Chamber encourages business leaders to join as sponsors and partners in shaping the museum’s vibrant future. Learn more here.
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Celebrating Black History Month - Chamber Honors the Life and Legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson
The Chamber joins communities nationwide in honoring Reverend Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader who died on February 17 at age 84. Jackson spent his life advancing justice, voter empowerment, and economic opportunity, becoming one of the most influential voices in American public life. His legacy of service and advocacy continues to inspire our work.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Joint Meeting: Land Use, Construction, and Housing & Homelessness Policy Councils
Thursday, February 19, 1:00 p.m.
MEMBER-ONLY EVENT
Join the Land Use, Construction, and Housing (LUCH) and Homelessness Policy Councils for a joint meeting to hear from Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman, 4th District. The meeting will also feature Williams Lopez, Assistant Director, State Government Relations, UCLA Government and Community Relations, regarding a state legislative effort.
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Get in the Game: Get Certified with California Department of General Services
Wednesday, March 4, 8:30 a.m.
Join us for Get in the Game: Get Certified with California Department of General Services, an in‑person workshop designed to help certified businesses take the next step. Learn how to strengthen your profiles, conduct effective market and contract research, connect with advocates, explore reciprocity partnerships, and access key state resources to compete for California contracting opportunities.
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ACCESS D.C.
March 15 - 17, 2026
Conrad Washington DC
ACCESS D.C. is just weeks away! Join the L.A. Area Chamber in Washington, D.C. to promote policies that will drive job creation and cultivate a thriving regional economy for all. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here.
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