FEMA Deadline Approaches - Apply by March 10
Homeowners and renters impacted by the recent Los Angeles County wildfires have until March 10, to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. This program offers financial aid for temporary housing, home repairs, personal property losses, medical expenses, childcare, and other essential needs not covered by insurance. Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or by visiting a local Disaster Recovery Center. FEMA may also refer eligible applicants to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans to provide additional relief. Learn more in English or Spanish.
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Insurance Commissioner Approves $1 Billion for FAIR Plan Wildfire Survivor Support
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has approved the FAIR Plan’s request for an additional $1 billion in funding to ensure insurance companies continue to pay claims for Southern California wildfire survivors. Last year, Commissioner Lara’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy aimed to protect policyholders by directing the FAIR Plan to hire additional staff, utilize all available funds, and expedite advance payments for living expenses while processing claims efficiently. Read the full approval plan here.
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Chamber Joins Mobility 21 Coalition in Sacramento
The L.A. Area Chamber joined the Mobility 21 coalition of public and private sector transportation leaders, in Sacramento to advocate for the region’s transportation needs. Key priorities included maximizing available funding, promoting resilient infrastructure, and strengthening partnerships to improve regional connectivity. The coalition met with state legislators to emphasize the importance of these initiatives. California Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin addressed the group, outlining the state’s transportation goals, ongoing projects, and infrastructure efforts following recent wildfires. Caltrans Director Tony Taveras also shared insights on the agency’s wildfire response in Los Angeles. As a founding member of Mobility 21, the Chamber remains committed to advancing the coalition’s mission.
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California Community Foundation, Snap, Launch Department of Angels
California Community Foundation CEO Miguel Santana and Snap CEO Evan Spiegel launched the Department of Angels to aid the wildfire recovery in Altadena and Pacific Palisades. With $10 million in funding from Snap and its executives, the program empowers residents to lead their own recovery. This grassroots initiative will provide resources and project management support, working alongside local leaders. Spiegel, whose father lost his home in the wildfires, highlighted the program’s focus on community-driven recovery. Learn more here.
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Chamber Supports Fast Track Planning Motion
The Chamber provided public comments supporting a L.A. City motion to fast-track infrastructure projects for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games at this week's City Planning and Land Use Management Committee meeting. The motion exempts some planning requirements and conditions for these projects, helping the region prepare for this once-in-a-generation economic opportunity.
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L.A. City Council Passes Business Tax Relief Ordinance
The Los Angeles City Council passed an ordinance offering tax relief to local businesses impacted by the wildfires this week. The L.A. Area Chamber advocated for and successfully secured amendments to the ordinance to support a broader range of businesses impacted.
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Steel and Aluminum Tariffs Could Impact Rebuilding Efforts
The U.S. unveiled plans to impose a 25% tariff on all imported steel and aluminum. Though a timeline for implementation has not been specified. It remains unclear if the tariffs will apply to China's existing tariffs introduced last week, but it should be noted that the bulk of US imports come from Canada, Brazil and Mexico. With Los Angeles facing urgent rebuilding needs following the wildfires, the Chamber will closely monitor this proposed tariff and its potential impact on construction costs, and the region.
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Small Business Fire Response & Recovery Webinar
Join the Together for L.A. weekly webinar to stay informed about the latest resources for wildfire recovery in L.A. County. This week’s session will cover important updates on funding opportunities and other relief programs for fire-impacted small businesses. Don’t miss this opportunity to access essential guidance to help rebuild and strengthen your business operations. For more information, visit here.
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L.A. Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds
The L.A. Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds provide immediate direct financial support to businesses, nonprofits, and workers impacted by the windstorm and wildfires of January 2025. These funds are intended for immediate relief while the county and City of Los Angeles, along with federal, state, local, and community partners, plan for the long-term economic recovery and resiliency of those impacted. To apply visit here.
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CMTC: Technology Journey for Manufacturing
Join California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC) on February 19, for the "Technology Journey for Manufacturing" webinar, designed to help manufacturers stay competitive through technology innovation. Experts will share how to integrate advanced technologies to streamline operations, cut costs, and boost productivity. Register at the CMTC website.
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ACCESS D.C.
March 11 - 13, 2025
Join the L.A. Area Chamber in Washington, D.C., to promote policies that will drive job creation and cultivate a thriving regional economy. Take advantage of the early-bird registration rate until Friday, February 14. Register here.
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Celebrating Black History Month:
Augie Haydel, L.A. Care Health Plan
Augustavia “Augie” Haydel serves as General Counsel for L.A. Care Health Plan. Her responsibilities span healthcare law, public law, governance, litigation, contract negotiations, and regulatory compliance. She has a distinguished career in health systems. She is a member of our Board of Directors and serves as Chair of the Chamber’s Health Care Council.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Pancakes & Politics
Thursday, February 27, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the L.A. Area Chamber for the next session of our Pancakes & Politics Speaker Series featuring Miguel Santana, President & CEO, California Community Foundation.
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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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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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