Global Leaders Convene at United Nations General Assembly
This week, world leaders are gathering in New York City for the United Nations General Assembly, a forum addressing urgent global challenges—from climate change and economic development to security and humanitarian crises. For Los Angeles, a global city and gateway for trade, these conversations are especially important. Policies and partnerships forged at the UN influence markets, drive international cooperation, and create opportunities for commerce. As the Chamber continues to champion global trade and cross-border collaboration, we recognize that decisions made on the global stage ripple directly into our local economy.
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Chamber Engages Governor’s Office on Critical Policy Priorities
The Chamber submitted letters to Governor Gavin Newsom urging action on key legislation from the 2025 session. The bills address a range of priorities — from housing and workforce development to infrastructure, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and transportation. We will continue to track these measures and keep members informed as they move forward.
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Chamber Amplifies Small Business Impact at UN Global Forum
Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas joined global leaders in New York for Pathways to Prosperity: Unlocking Inclusive Economic Growth Through Entrepreneurship, hosted by the Ares Charitable Foundation in support of the entrepreneurship agenda surrounding the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80). The program featured Michael Arougheti, CEO of Ares Management; the Hon. Julián Castro; and the Hon. Don Graves, who discussed how entrepreneurship can drive inclusive economic growth worldwide. Salinas also participated in a second panel highlighting the Chamber’s efforts to support small businesses and expand access to capital, advising, and procurement opportunities.
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Mayor Bass Signs Final Approval for Convention Center Expansion
Mayor Karen Bass signed the final approval to move forward with the modernization and expansion of the Los Angeles Convention Center, marking a major milestone in revitalizing Downtown Los Angeles. Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas joined a broad coalition of civic, business, labor, and neighborhood leaders at the press event to celebrate this achievement. The Chamber has been a strong advocate for the project, highlighting its benefits for the tourism sector as Los Angeles prepares for major global events. The Chamber will continue collaborating with the City to support policies that strengthen the local economy.
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Chamber Urges Governor to Veto AB 1064
Last week, the Chamber sent a letter to the Governor requesting his veto of bill AB 1064. This bill assumes that training AI models using data from minors is inherently harmful and would prohibit companies from using such data to train or fine-tune their systems. This restriction would have far-reaching consequences, limiting the development of safer, more secure, and more effective AI tools. It would also reduce the quality and availability of general-purpose AI models, ultimately making AI less useful—and potentially less safe, including for minors themselves. While the Chamber supports ethical development of AI, especially as it pertains to the safety and well-being of minors, AB 1064 is overly restrictive and risks stifling innovation and access to valuable educational resources for California’s youth.
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Chamber Urges Governor to Sign Infrastructure Legislation
The Chamber delivered letters to Governor Gavin Newsom’s office requesting a signature on Senate Bill (SB) 71 by Senator Scott Wiener and Assembly Bill (AB) 417 by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo. SB 71 would extend critical streamlining for active and public transportation infrastructure projects, including bike and pedestrian improvements, through 2040. AB 417 makes practical enhancements to Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts (EIFDs) and streamlines the creation of Community Revitalization Investment Authorities (CRIAs). This legislation will provide greater certainty, efficiency, and opportunities for economic development in commercial corridors and job centers.
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Trump Administration Proposes $100K Fee for H-1B Visas
Last week, President Trump issued a proclamation introducing a proposed $100,000 fee for employers petitioning for H-1B visas. Imposing such a substantial new cost on employees who contribute to the vitality of our economy puts businesses at a competitive disadvantage and could harm domestic employment by encouraging companies to outsource positions overseas. The Chamber is closely monitoring this development. Learn more here.
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Registration Now Open for Procurement Fair
Join us on November 6 at The Proud Bird for the Get in the Game: Procurement Fair. Network with buyers and suppliers, explore contracting opportunities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and LA28 Games, and attend insightful panels. Note: Supplier matchmaking requires one mandatory Zoom training between Oct. 6–Oct. 27. Register here.
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HYBRID Workshop: Get in the Game – California Retirement Mandate
Join Our HYBRID Workshop: Get in the Game: Understanding the California Retirement State Mandate with special guest Chris Shaw, ADP Division VP, Tuesday, October 14. Learn about compliance requirements, penalties, tax savings, and retirement plan options. In-person space is limited — register today.
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Door Dash: Local Business Disaster Relief Fund
The DoorDash Local Business Disaster Relief Fund provides $5K–$15K grants to help small, independently owned U.S. brick-and-mortar businesses recover from declared disasters within the past 12 months. Eligible businesses must meet size and revenue requirements. Apply by September 29 at 6:00 p.m. Applications are accepted quarterly. Learn more about the fund here.
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LAX Unveils Transformative Vision Reflecting the Spirit of Los Angeles
Los Angeles World Airports has unveiled a transformative vision for LAX, blending the culture, creativity, and energy of Los Angeles into the airport experience. With $30 billion in upgrades underway, LAX is evolving into a world-class destination ahead of major global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics—offering travelers a seamless, distinctly L.A. experience from arrival to departure. Learn more about the transformation here.
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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Francisco Uribe, Senior Director, Government Relations at The Home Depot
Francisco Uribe joined The Home Depot in October 2007 and serves as the company’s executive representative and primary contact for state government relations in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Mexico. He oversees the strategy, planning, and management of all state-level government affairs in these regions. Francisco is actively involved in the community, serving on the boards of The California Business Properties Association, Retail Association of Nevada, the Board of Governors of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, and as Immediate Past Chairman of the Washington Retail Association.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Joint Meeting: Innovation & Technology and Land Use, Construction & Housing Policy Councils
Tuesday, September 30, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER-ONLY EVENT
Join the ITC and LUCH Policy Councils for a hybrid meeting to hear from Andrew Pennington, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Business and Economic Development, Office of Mayor Karen Bass, and Dr. Benjamin Correy, Founder and CEO of Archistar.ai, on the City’s partnership to help expedite permitting for rebuilding.
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Women in Leadership
Wednesday, October 1, 9:00 a.m.
Don't Miss the next Women in Leadership session at The Music Center - Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, featuring a special presentation from McKinsey & Company on the Women in the Workplace: The 10th-Anniversary Report.
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ACCESS L.A.
Thursday, October 9, 11:30 a.m.
Join the Chamber and engage with policymakers to champion policies that drive economic success. Make meaningful connections with business and civic leaders at the ACCESS L.A. luncheon, featuring welcome remarks by Mayor Karen Bass.
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