Chamber Elects Andy Park as 2026 Board Chair at First Board Meeting of the Year
At the Chamber’s first Board meeting of 2026, the Board elected Andy Park, Los Angeles Office Managing Partner at EY, as its 2026 Board Chair. Joining him on the officer slate are Sean Burton, President & CEO of Cityview, as First Vice Chair; Terry Feit, Office Managing Partner at Deloitte, as Second Vice Chair; Greg Geyer, Partner at KPMG, as Treasurer; and George L. Pla, President & CEO of Cordoba Corporation, as Immediate Past Chair. The officer slate also includes Maria S. Salinas, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. Meet our new members here.
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City Council Delays Action on Measure ULA Reform as Housing Affordability Concerns Mount
This week, the Los Angeles City Council delayed an opportunity to address housing affordability by sending a reasonable ballot initiative proposal to committee, where it is expected to stall. Studies from UCLA and RAND show that Measure ULA has led to a sharp decline in real estate activity in the City, diverting investment to other jurisdictions and undermining Los Angeles’ ability to respond to a worsening housing shortage. The L.A. Area Chamber is advocating on multiple fronts for a balanced approach to funding affordable housing that also accounts for the significant economic impacts of the Measure’s substantial tax increase. Read the Chamber’s statements here and here.
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Mayor Bass Announces Nearly $100M Investment to Prepare Exposition Park for Global Events
Mayor Karen Bass joined local leaders at Exposition Park to announce nearly $100 million in proposed state and federal funding to revitalize the park ahead of major global events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The $98.5 million investment will support renovations, infrastructure, and public safety upgrades, while creating more than 300 local jobs as Exposition Park prepares to welcome millions of additional visitors. Learn more here.
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Missed the CalSavers Deadline? Here’s How to Stay Compliant
CalSavers is California’s state-sponsored retirement savings program that employers are required to facilitate for employees unless they offer their own qualified retirement plan. While the registration deadline has passed for all California employers with one or more employees, many businesses have not yet taken action, putting them at risk of noncompliance penalties of up to $750 per eligible employee. Employers can still register now to come into compliance and avoid penalties. Free help is available through employer webinars, providing step-by-step guidance and live Q&A. Or schedule a one-on-one appointment with a CalSavers field team member here.
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Education & Workforce Policy Council Begins 2026 with State Workforce Update
This week, the Education and Workforce Development Policy Council welcomed Deputy Secretary of Workforce Strategy Abby Snay from the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency. Secretary Snay discussed the state’s preparations for new HR 1 work requirements and efforts to protect CalFresh and Medi-Cal benefits by connecting workers to new training and education opportunities. She also highlighted the expansion of Workforce Pell Grants for short-term postsecondary programs and early state strategies to address the workforce impacts of artificial intelligence.
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California Becomes First U.S. State to Join WHO Global Outbreak Network
Following the United States’ decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), Governor Gavin Newsom met with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to make California the first U.S. state to join the WHO’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN)—a global initiative focused on strengthening public health preparedness and rapid response coordination. The Chamber applauds the Governor for prioritizing health emergency readiness and will keep members informed on new developments.
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Noel Hacegaba Represents Port of Long Beach at the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos
The Port of Long Beach participated in the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, where CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba joined global government, business, and industry leaders to discuss the future of trade, supply chains, and economic resilience. He emphasized the importance of engaging directly with policymakers in a neutral setting, highlighting the role of the Long Beach and Los Angeles ports at the intersection of trade, geopolitics, climate, and technology, which together handle nearly 20 million TEUs annually.
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Join the U.S. Chamber’s AI Trade Mission to the UAE: Abu Dhabi & Dubai
Explore AI investment, collaboration, and innovation opportunities in the UAE’s rapidly growing tech sector. This U.S. Department of Commerce–certified trade mission offers private briefings, site visits, and direct engagement with Emirati leaders. Register today to secure your spot.
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LA28 Contracting Opportunities for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics
LA28 contracting opportunities are now being issued on RAMPLA.org. If you haven’t registered yet, please do so as soon as possible to view and respond to upcoming solicitations. Once registered, check RAMPLA regularly; new opportunities may be posted at any time, and timelines can move quickly. Current opportunities include Super Mega Tents, Temporary Scaffold Systems, Temporary Dining Halls, Temporary Elevators and Lifts, and additional services. Register and view opportunities here.
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L.A. Area Chamber Members Get Complimentary Access to SUMA Wealth AI Business Bootcamp
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation invites members to take a proactive approach to financial growth and long-term stability. We’re proud to partner with SUMA Wealth, including its AI Business Bootcamp, designed to help entrepreneurs leverage AI for smarter growth. Chamber members receive one complimentary year, download the app, and use code SUMACHAMBER. Learn more and get started here.
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3rd Annual Business Pipeline Bootcamp: Grow Your Construction Opportunities
PCL Construction offers a multi-session capacity-building program to support small and diverse businesses in securing their first contract or scaling to compete for larger construction projects. Participants gain direct access to PCL’s project pipeline, engage with industry professionals, enhance business readiness, and prepare for upcoming contracting opportunities. More information and register here.
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Southwest Airlines Named #1 U.S. Airline in 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards
The Chamber congratulates Southwest Airlines for being named Best U.S. Airline for 2025 in USA Today’s 2025 Readers' Choice Awards. Southwest ranked first in customer satisfaction and avoiding tarmac delays, and placed in the top four in seven categories. Learn more here.
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NBA All-Star Weekend: Pitch Competition Finals
We’re thrilled to partner with the NBA Foundation for the All-Star Pitch Competition Finals! Join us at Kia Forum on February 12 to watch seven LA-based, impact-driven entrepreneurs pitch for $200K in total cash prizes on the NBA’s biggest stage—All-Star Weekend. Tickets are FREE! Reserve your spot here.
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Carmen Torres Appointed 2026–2027 Chairwoman of City Club Los Angeles
Congratulations to Carmen Torres, 2026–2027 Chairwoman of City Club Los Angeles! As Chair, Carmen oversees club governance, leads board meetings, and guides the organization’s future. In addition to her leadership at City Club, she is a long-time member of the Chamber and actively participates in multiple local business organizations.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Next Week: 2026 Inaugural
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Ray Dolby Ballroom
Last chance to join the L.A. Area Chamber for an unforgettable evening as we honor outstanding leaders and welcome our incoming Board Chair, Andy Park.
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ACCESS D.C.
March 15 - 17, 2026
Conrad Washington DC
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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