City Council Approves Convention Center Expansion
This week, the Los Angeles City Council approved the Los Angeles Convention Center Expansion Project P3 Agreement. The Chamber strongly advocated for the project through testimony and issuing several statements urging the council to take action. Additionally, the Chamber and the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council issued a joint letter backing the expansion project. The L.A. Convention Center Expansion Project represents a significant investment that will benefit the entire region, generating an anticipated $1.3 billion in visitor spending, creating thousands of high-skilled, high-wage jobs, and contributing $69 million to the General Fund, which supports city services. Read our statement here.
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L.A. Area Chamber and CCA Issue Statement on City of Grants Pass v. Johnson Decision
The L.A. Area Chamber and Central City Association (CCA) issued a joint statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision on City of Grants Pass v. Johnson. The court ruled that anti-camping ordinances regulate conduct, not status, allowing cities more authority and flexibility to address homelessness and enforce public safety policy. The Chamber and CCA filed an amicus brief supporting the City of Grants Pass. Read our statement.
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LAHSA Reports Decline in Los Angeles Homelessness in 2024
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) announced the results of the 2024 Homeless Point-In-Time Count, which reported a decline in homelessness in the City of Los Angeles for the first time in six years. The homeless count showed a 10% decrease in street homelessness – the first double-digit decrease in the last nearly 9 years; a 38% decrease in makeshift shelters; and a 17% increase in the number of people moved off the streets. Read Mayor Karen Bass’ statement, which includes remarks by Maria S. Salinas, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce here.
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Chamber’s Advocacy Preserves Women’s Workforce Development Programs
Last week, the Chamber successfully advocated to preserve $50 million in state funding for two workforce development programs supporting women: the High Road Training Partnership (HRTP) and the Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA Grant). Over the past six months, the Chamber advocated for continued funding, highlighting the potential harm cuts would inflict on regional economic and workforce development, especially impacting women in construction and other high-demand industries. The Governor signed the FY 2024-25 budget into law, including the Chamber’s recommendation to maintain the $50 million in funds. Read our statement here.
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Mayor Bass Extends Emergency Declaration on Homelessness
The L.A. City Council passed a motion to extend Mayor Karen Bass' declaration of a local emergency concerning housing and homelessness. The resolution, originally enacted on July 7, 2023, will be continued for another 90 days. The Chamber testified in support of the motion, which will enable the city to urgently respond to the homelessness crisis through expedited contracting and streamlined processing of temporary and affordable housing projects.
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Governor Signs PAGA Reform Into Law
Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law two Chamber-supported Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) reform measures, Assembly Bill 2288 (Kalra) and Senate Bill 92 (Umberg). The bills reflect the agreement that Governor Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, and the Fix PAGA Coalition reached to reform the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). The Cal Chamber led the efforts on behalf of the business community. The L.A. Area Chamber was actively engaged with the Fix PAGA Coalition to represent our members. For more information, read the Chamber's policy alert here.
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Yusen Terminals Debuts Battery-Electric Top Handlers
Yusen Terminals celebrated a historic milestone at the Port of Los Angeles by debuting the nation's first five commercially available battery-electric top handlers at a marine terminal. These Taylor ZLC 996 electric machines will significantly reduce Yusen’s carbon footprint and set a precedent for greener port operations nationwide. The Chamber joined Yusen Terminals CEO Alan McCorkle, along with Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, Robert Taylor, President and CEO of Taylor Machine Works Inc., and representatives from ONE, ILWU, CARB, as well as City of Los Angeles and port officials, local agencies, union, and community leaders to mark the occasion.
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Economic Mobility Initiative
The Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) provides small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits with tailored support that helps them thrive and build generational wealth at no cost. The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a proud partner in this initiative, offering training for small businesses in securing local, state, and federal contracts and certifications through the OneLA Inclusive Procurement program. Learn more here.
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Walmart Open Call 2024
Walmart is inviting small business owners to pitch their U.S.-made products, providing a chance to meet with Walmart and Sam's Club merchants in person. This opportunity allows entrepreneurs to get their products on the shelves of Walmart or Sam’s Club and featured on their online platforms, significantly expanding their market reach. Apply by July 15, 2024. For more details, visit here.
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Music Center Hosts Chamber at Dance DTLA
L.A. Area Chamber members joined a fun summer evening at The Music Center for Dance DTLA. Now in its 20th year, the Dance DTLA program offers participants the chance to try different dance styles on Friday nights this summer. There are more summer Dance DTLA evenings coming up, click here to see the full schedule.
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Chamber Joins New Leadership Table to Accelerate L.A. County's Efforts to Solve Homelessness
Chamber President and CEO, Maria S. Salinas, has been invited to serve on the newly formed Leadership Table, established by the L.A. County Board of Supervisors, to create a unified plan of action for addressing and preventing homelessness in the region. Read the press statement here.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Ad Hoc on Homelessness
Tuesday, July 9, 9:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Register for the next Ad Hoc Committee on Homelessness meeting to hear from Cheri Todorff, Executive Director of the L.A. County Homeless Initiative.
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Small Business Summit
Wednesday, July 10, 8:30 a.m.
COMMUNITY EVENT
Don't miss the 2024 Small Business Summit! Learn how to access resources, including public and private funding, training, and contracts, to help your business grow and thrive.
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Education & Workforce Development Council
Thursday, July 11, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the upcoming Education & Workforce Development Policy Council for a briefing from the LAUSD Government Affairs team on the recent school year, budgets, and status of innovative pilot programs to support student academic success.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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