Chamber Urges Action on L.A. Convention Center Expansion
The L.A. Area Chamber remains engaged in supporting the Los Angeles Convention Center Expansion Project. The modernization of the convention center could mean more jobs, hotel bookings, an increase of revenue, and economic development. This week, the Chamber sent letters of support to the office of Mayor Bass and the Los Angeles City Council urging them to support this pivotal project. The window of opportunity to complete this project is swiftly closing, the Chamber is urging urgent decision-making to avoid losing a chance to support the Los Angeles tourism industry and our economic growth. Construction cannot be in progress during the 2028 Olympics because there are several events scheduled at the Convention Center. The expansion must be completed by 2027, meaning that work needs to begin no later than late 2024.
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Potential Impacts of the Baltimore Bridge Collapse
As Baltimore officials begin work on reconstructing the Francis Scott Key Bridge and reopening the east coast port, other ports and facilities throughout the U.S. will inevitably experience an increase in activity. Here in Southern California, we know the devastating impact of disruption in the supply chain all too well. In fact, disruption due to political conflict in the Middle East or drought conditions impacting the Panama Canal are already realities. No doubt that port officials will monitor the situation in Baltimore closely. The unfortunate incident is a reminder why we must continue to advocate for investments in infrastructure.
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Mayor Bass and Senator Padilla Highlight Nearly $900 Million in Transportation Funding
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla joined local leaders at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to highlight nearly $900 million in recent federal investments to LA Metro to improve mobility and upgrade transportation infrastructure ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This includes the $700 million allocated to Metro last month through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Fiscal Year 2024 transportation spending law. The Chamber applauds Mayor Bass and Senator Padilla’s decisive moves to strengthen the region’s infrastructure ahead of these major events, as they will have longstanding effects on the community.
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Chamber Prioritizes Retail Theft Bills
This week the Chamber expressed support for several retail theft bills. This legislation strengthens previously passed regulations by extending verification and disclosure requirements to high-volume third-party sellers on online platforms, even for transactions completed outside the platforms. This closes a previous loophole which allowed sellers to evade regulatory oversight. The Chamber also recently signed onto a coalition letter lead by the California Chamber of Commerce in support of a bill which expands the jurisdictional options for prosecuting theft-related crimes beyond actions brought by the Attorney General, allowing local prosecutors greater flexibility in where they are able to try these cases.
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CARB Rule Opposition
The Chamber joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and our members in the railroad industry to oppose the California Air Resources Board’s application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to exempt its In-Use Locomotive Regulation from the Clean Air Act. This regulation would require zero-emissions locomotives by 2030 in some cases and universally by 2035, despite the lack of existing technologies to meet these standards. It is believed that this regulation would negatively impact supply chains and the economy, potentially leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, it could force many short line railroads out of business and redirect millions of tons of freight away from regional rail systems.
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Chamber Provides Testimony at SCAG Regional Council
On Thursday, the Chamber provided public comments in support of Connect SoCal 2024 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) at the Southern California Association of Governments' Regional Council meeting. The final plan outlines direction for the region to meet federal transportation air quality standards and state greenhouse gas emission targets through $750 billion in transportation investments and a regional development pattern. SCAG's Regional Council approved the plan in a unanimous vote.
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Welcoming the World to L.A. Volunteers Needed
The U.S. Travel Association's IPW 2024 marketplace will be in Los Angeles from May 3-7, and is slated to attract over 5,000 international travel planners, media representatives and U.S. suppliers from over 60 countries. To gear up for this event, IPW is recruiting for a variety of roles and locations, including greeters at LAX, downtown host hotels, the convention center, special events, and guided tours for buyers and media showcasing our diverse communities. For more information, sign up here.
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Bawse Ventures Grant
Bawse Ventures, an initiative by the Lip Bar, is excited to announce its grant program targeting entrepreneurs. Qualified applicants can apply for grants up to $25,000 to support their businesses, with a focus on BIPOC-owned businesses. The deadline for applications is April 12. To apply or learn more about the grant’s criteria and process, visit The Lip Bar’s Bawse Ventures.
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Yard Transformation Rebates
Save Our Water Yard Transformation Rebate Program provides rebates for outdoor turn replacement and other water-conserving products. Eligibility and rebate offers vary by location and are available through public water agencies. Residents can check their eligibility and find local offers by entering their ZIP code on the program’s website. Learn more about rebate options here.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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ACCESS Sacramento
April 17-18, 2024
COMMUNITY EVENT
ACCESS Sacramento provides a platform for its members and partners to advocate for the region at the state-level. Through a series of keynote sessions and panel discussions, attendees can connect with elected officials, share their stories and business knowledge to help shape policy.
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Small Business Council
Wednesday, April 17, 10:00 a.m.
COMMUNITY EVENT
Attend this informative webinar to learn how to pursue contract opportunities with California state government, and become a preferred bidder as a certified Small Business (SB) or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE).
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Transportation & Goods Movement Council
Tuesday, April 23, 9:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Please join the Transportation and Goods Movement Council to hear from Kiana Valentine, Executive Director, Transportation California, on the Road Charge Program.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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