Governor Newsom Marks Six Months Since L.A. Wildfires
Governor Gavin Newsom commemorated the six-month mark since the devastating wildfires that swept across Los Angeles with a briefing on ongoing recovery efforts. Federal, state, and local leaders highlighted significant progress, including completing 96% of debris removal in the areas impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires. The Governor noted the record pace of cleanup, estimated at 2,008 homes cleared per month. To date, the wildfire disaster has received $3 billion in recovery support from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Read the Chamber’s full statement here.
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Federal Tax and Spending Bill Signed: Key Environmental Provisions at a Glance
The newly signed federal tax and spending bill marks a major shift in U.S. environmental policy. It expands oil and gas development on federal lands and waters by introducing new tax incentives, streamlining permitting, and rolling back existing environmental protections. At the same time, it eliminates key regulations and incentives supporting wind and solar energy, as well as efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The bill also repeals the EPA’s methane emissions reduction program, which had encouraged monitoring and mitigation in the oil and gas sector. Additionally, it phases out tax credits for electric vehicles and related infrastructure, including the $7,500 credit for new EVs, $4,000 for used EVs, and incentives for commercial electric vehicles. The Chamber will continue to monitor this policy shift and how it impacts the region's health and economy.
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L.A. County Supervisor Barger Unveils Blueprint for Wildfire Recovery
L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger introduced LA County Forward: Blueprint for Rebuilding, a strategic framework to guide the County’s transition from debris removal to full reconstruction. The plan outlines key priorities, including: establishing a feasible financial path for rebuilding; accelerating permitting and inspections; expanding the pool of builders and materials to achieve scale; investing in critical infrastructure; mobilizing the workforce; and restoring everyday services and public assets. Read the roadmap here.
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Chamber Joins Attorney General Bonta for Roundtable on Tariff Impacts to California Businesses
Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas and Chief Policy Officer Carlos Singer joined California Attorney General Rob Bonta, business leaders, and industry advocates for a statewide roundtable on the growing economic impact of tariffs on Los Angeles businesses. The discussion focused on the strain tariffs place on supply chains, manufacturing costs, and global competitiveness, especially in trade-dependent regions like Los Angeles. Business leaders voiced concerns about the uncertainty of federal trade policy and the disproportionate burden tariffs place on small and mid-sized businesses. Attorney General Bonta reaffirmed his office’s commitment to protecting California’s economic interests and advancing fair trade practices.
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New Spending Bill Expands Employer Childcare Tax Credit
The new federal tax and spending bill increases the employer-provided childcare credit from $150,000 to $500,000, with a maximum of $600,000 for eligible small businesses that meet the $31 million gross receipts threshold over five years beginning in 2025. The legislation also allows small businesses to partner with third-party intermediaries to provide childcare resources for employees. In addition, the child tax credit will increase to $2,500 per child for tax years 2025 through 2028, but eligibility will require valid employment authorization.
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GFA Policy Council Hosts Dr. Fernando Guerra and Dana Debel for Ballot Initiatives Discussion
Join the upcoming Government & Fiscal Affairs (GFA) Policy Council meeting on Tuesday, July 15, at 3:00 p.m. to discuss the tourism wage hike referendum and other initiatives set to appear in next year's local ballot. We will be joined by Dr. Fernando Guerra, Loyola Marymount University, and Dana Debel, Delta Air Lines. This is a member-only event. Register here.
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Chamber Monitors Tariff Escalation Impacting L.A. Economy
This week, President Trump announced a new wave of tariffs. The measures include a 50% tariff on copper and pharmaceutical imports, with additional tariffs on semiconductors under consideration. The administration has also issued tariff notifications to 15–20 countries, with implementation expected to begin in August. These actions represent a significant escalation in U.S. trade policy. The Chamber is closely monitoring these developments and continues to advocate for trade policies that protect the region’s global competitiveness and support long-term economic growth. Read the Chamber’s full statement.
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Flavors of Baja: Al Fresco Luncheon at the Consulate General of Mexico
Join the Consulate General of Mexico for a fundraising luncheon on Saturday, July 19, at 1:00 p.m. in support of the Becas ALAs scholarship program. This special event helps provide college-bound Mexican and Latino youth with vital educational support, while guests enjoy Baja California-inspired cuisine from 11 distinguished chefs. Learn more here.
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SCALE: State Small Business Credit Initiative
Through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, alongside CalOSBA, is helping California’s underserved small business community access capital and grow. The initiative, known as SCALE (Success, Capital Access, and Leadership for Entrepreneurs), provides one-on-one coaching to guide business owners through the loan process and connect them with the right financial tools. This program prioritizes support for women-owned, veteran-owned, disabled-owned, low-income, rural, and disaster-impacted businesses statewide. For more information, visit here.
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Get in the Game LA: Strengthen Your Small Business from the Inside Out
Join us for a 'Get in the Game' webinar session with Business & Leadership Coach Anais Babajanian, CPA, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. This virtual workshop will offer practical strategies to help small business owners streamline operations, improve financial systems, and build strong teams. Whether you're aiming to scale, simplify, or strengthen your business, you'll walk away with actionable insights to help you lead with confidence and clarity. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert guidance and elevate your business. Register here.
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Altadena Business Owners Event: Rebuilding Altadena Businesses
Altadena Library will be hosting the Rebuilding Altadena Businesses Expo on Saturday, July 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.— a free event offering resources and expert support for small businesses impacted by January’s wildfires. Attendees can access help with funding, insurance, legal aid, marketing, and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with local partners and begin rebuilding stronger. Register here.
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Meet Me At The Mural Initiative
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is seeking options to commission murals for display on prominent walls in the terminals at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years. Up to ten (10) finalists will be selected, and each artist will be awarded a commission within a range of $14,000 to $38,000. Learn more here.
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WalkUnitedLA 2025 at the Rose Bowl Stadium
Join the United Way of Greater Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Rams for WalkUnitedLA 2025: United for Our Future on Sunday, July 20, at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. Rams Quarterback Matthew Stafford and his wife, Kelly Stafford, will serve as honorary chairs. Proceeds will support wildfire recovery efforts and the United Way’s impactful community initiatives. Register here.
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Port of Long Beach Offers Free Harbor Cruises This Saturday
This Saturday, July 12, the Port of Long Beach is offering five free, 90-minute harbor cruises to mark two decades of its pioneering Green Port Policy. These first-come, first-served tours highlight the Port’s environmental milestones and provide a unique, up-close look at one of the world’s busiest seaports. Boats will depart every two hours from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Dock 3 near the Aquarium of the Pacific. Enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the day. Learn more and plan your visit here.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Innovation & Technology Policy Council
Tuesday, July 29, 2:00 p.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join us for the first Innovation & Technology (ITC) Council Policy Meeting of the year, where we’ll discuss key legislative updates impacting the business community.
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Pancakes & Politics
Thursday, July 31, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join us for the next Pancakes & Politics session with featured speaker, Jim McDonnell, Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
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State of L.A. Business
Thursday, August 7, 8:30 a.m.
Register today for this year’s State of L.A. Business, where we’ll explore the future of transportation and energy in Los Angeles. This event is a unique opportunity to engage with influential leaders, policymakers, and innovators driving change across the city. Connect with professionals from the energy and transportation sectors who are shaping a more dynamic and sustainable future for Los Angeles. To learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit here.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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