City Administrative Officer Joins Chamber’s Pancakes & Politics
The Chamber welcomed Matthew Szabo, City Administrative Officer for the City of Los Angeles, as the featured speaker for our Pancakes & Politics series. Szabo shared valuable insights on the city’s fiscal outlook and key budget contributors, preparations needed to host upcoming global sporting events, and the impacts of recovery efforts in the wake of this year’s devastating wildfires.
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Delegation Heads to Sacramento Advocating on Behalf of the Region
Next week, the Chamber will lead a delegation of business and civic leaders to Sacramento for its annual legislative advocacy trip. This is an important opportunity for the Chamber to advocate at the state level for policies to develop the workforce of the future and regional competitiveness. Guests will hear from Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, followed by meetings with legislators to advocate for key policies important to the region.
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Chamber Supports Governor's Federal Aid Request
The Chamber, along with a coalition of regional chambers of commerce, has sent a letter to Congress in support of Governor Newsom’s request for $39.68 billion in federal aid following the devastating wildfires earlier this year. While philanthropic organizations and local and state governments have responded swiftly, additional federal support is urgently needed. We acknowledge the early actions taken by the Environmental Protection Agency, but substantial federal assistance—on par with responses to other recent natural disasters—is critical. Time is of the essence, as the fires struck as our region prepares to host a series of major global events.
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Los Angeles Rams Announce New Facility Development
The Los Angeles Rams have announced plans for a 52-acre development, Rams Village at Warner Center in Woodland Hills. This new development will serve as the Rams' permanent headquarters and training facility, featuring over 350,000 square feet of state-of-the-art space. In addition to the headquarters, the project will include residential, retail, office spaces, a hotel, and indoor entertainment options. "This is a tremendous opportunity to create a dynamic destination and establish the Rams' permanent headquarters within the City of Los Angeles," said Los Angeles Rams Owner & Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. Learn more here.
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L.A. County Projects $160 Million Budget Revenue Loss
This week, L.A. County CEO Fesia Davenport released a Recommended Budget projecting a loss of approximately $160 million in new net revenues year-over-year. Key challenges include a $4 billion settlement of lawsuits under AB 218, the January wildfires, declining property tax revenues, labor negotiations, and uncertainty surrounding federal funding due to actions and comments from the Trump Administration. The Chamber will keep our membership informed as the situation develops.
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Governor Newsom Files Civil Action Challenging Unilateral Tariffs
Governor Gavin Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta have filed a civil action challenging President Trump’s authority to impose sweeping tariffs, which are harming states, consumers, and businesses. The complaint asserts that the President lacks the power to enact such measures unilaterally and that his actions have caused irreparable damage. The Chamber supports reasonable and consistent trade policy and has been deeply concerned by the market volatility resulting from the Administration's actions. We commend efforts to encourage our nation's leaders to adopt thoughtful and measured approaches to economic policy. Read our statement here.
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Italian Consulate and LAEDC Hosts Business Forum
The Chamber attended an event organized by the Italian Consulate in Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), "Guida Paese Smart: How to Successfully Launch Your Business on the West Coast of the USA." The event offered an in-depth analysis of economic and entrepreneurial opportunities, highlighting key sectors in the region and the challenges businesses may face.
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Contracting Opportunity at the Port of Long Beach
The Port of Long Beach is seeking experienced on-call event planning consultants to manage high-profile events, including conferences, industry gatherings, and press events with up to 1,000 attendees. Selected consultants will oversee all aspects of planning, execution, and post-event evaluation, ensuring safety compliance and adherence to regulations. Consultants will act as the primary liaison between the Port and vendors, managing timelines, budgets, and event standards. Proposals are due by 3:00 p.m. on April 29. For more information visit here.
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LAUSD: Spring 2025 Small Business Bootcamp
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Spring 2025 Small Business Bootcamp is now accepting registrations! This free 9-week program is designed to help small businesses prepare for and secure construction contracts with LAUSD. Classes will be held every Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., from March 19 through May 14. For more information visit here.
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Restaurants Care Resilience Fund: Small Business Grant
The Restaurants Care Resilience Fund is offering two grant opportunities to support restaurant recovery and growth: $10,000 grants for L.A. County restaurants and food trucks impacted by the 2025 L.A. Fires, and $5,000 grants for independent restaurants and commercial caterers in select California counties to build resilience. Applications are open now through April 26. Don’t miss this chance to invest in your business. Learn more and apply here.
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LAUSD Summer Internship Opportunities
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is actively seeking industry partners to support work-integrated learning opportunities for students enrolled in Health Science & Medical Technology, Engineering & Architecture, or Information & Communication Technology. Work-based learning and hands-on experiences are among the most impactful ways companies can support the next generation of the workforce. Learn more here.
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Loyola Marymount University Appoints New President
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce congratulates Thomas Poon, Ph.D., on his appointment as the 17th President of Loyola Marymount University, effective June 1. Dr. Poon, who previously served as Executive Vice President and Provost at LMU, will succeed Timothy Law Snyder, Ph.D., upon the conclusion of his transformative tenure at the end of May.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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World Trade Week
Thursday, May 1, 8:00 a.m.
Join us for the 99th World Trade Week: A New Horizon - Reimagining Trade with Innovation. World Trade Week has been dedicated to educating the public about the vital role and benefits of global trade in local, state, and national economies.
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Transportation & Goods Movement Council
Thursday, May 6, 8:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join us for the next Transportation & Goods Movement Council meeting, which will be held at City Club LA on May 1.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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