Governor Newsom Signs Chamber Bill into Law
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1415, sponsored by Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, into law on Tuesday. This Chamber-sponsored bill adds geographic areas in Downtown and Hollywood within the City of Los Angeles that are exempt from specified provisions of the Outdoor Advertising Act. This legislation is needed due to the imminent expiration of the region’s redevelopment plans as well as the ongoing fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chamber is proud to have sponsored the bill and is thankful to the Governor for his signature.
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Mayor Releases Progress Report on Executive Directive 4
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass recently released a 90-day progress report on Executive Directive No. 4, Identifying Barriers to Small Business Creation, Development and Growth. The report outlines critical work the city has done to gather data and understand key issues the small business community experiences while working with the city, such as procurement and opening and operating a small business. The Chamber is an active partner with the Mayor to improve the city's work with small businesses. We will continue to support and advise the city on behalf of the small business community. Read the progress report here.
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Chamber Leaders Gather to Highlight International Trade
With a vibrant international economy, the Chamber continues to lead in fostering global trade. The Chamber recently began the journey to the 2024 World Trade Week to celebrate and educate on the importance and benefits of global trade. The Chamber, Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Chief Operation Officer of the Port of Long Beach and 98th World Trade Week Chair, and a strong band of committee members from both public and private sectors, met to discuss the promised innovation, collaboration, and unprecedented growth in world trade. World Trade Week is not just an event — it's a celebration of the intricate web that binds our world together in the tapestry of global trade.
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Governor Newsom Signs Mental Health Bill
The Chamber was pleased to attend the event where Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 326 and Assembly Bill 531 to overhaul the mental health system. Californians will have the opportunity to vote on this bill package — collectively known as Proposition 1 — on the March 2024 ballot. The bills will transform California’s mental health and substance use disorder treatment systems and raise $6.38 billion through a bond if they are passed by voters.
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Quarterly Legislative Briefing
The Chamber held its quarterly legislative briefing this week, staff from elected official offices to learn about the Chamber's study, California's Competitiveness: A Regional Approach, and 2024 policy priorities. The Chamber hosts this briefing to update the Los Angeles County legislative delegation on key policy and programmatic initiatives.
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Chamber Meets with Senator Padilla's Office
Chamber President & CEO, Maria S. Salinas met with staff from U.S. Senator Alex Padilla's office this week to present our study, California's Competitiveness: A Regional Approach, and share crucial resources the Chamber provides to the entire business community, such as the OneLA inclusive procurement program. The Chamber is committed to advocating for regional solutions to increase competitiveness in the L.A. region. We will continue to work with the Senator and his team on robust policies and programs to support the economy.
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Mayor Bass' Appointment to LAHSA Commission Confirmed
This week, the Los Angeles City Council confirmed Mayor Karen Bass’ appointment to the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority (LAHSA) Commission. Mayor Bass appointed herself to the commission and will be the first L.A. Mayor to serve on the commission. The commission oversees hundreds of millions in homelessness spending in the city of L.A. and the rest of the county. The Mayor’s appointment to the commission will strengthen the city’s partnership with the county and allow for greater collaboration to help unhoused individuals. The Chamber applauds the Mayor on this appointment as it reiterates her commitment to helping solve the homeless crisis the city currently faces.
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Chamber Meets with Commerce Leadership on Indo-Pacific Region
The Chamber hosted a listening session with Grant T. Harris, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Analysis, to share thoughts, insights, and recommendations on building resilient and competitive supply chains in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) region. One of the key challenges discussed in the meeting was retrieving relevant data within the supply chain, particularly when different stakeholders are using separate operating systems. This issue highlights the importance of interoperability and data compatibility for efficient supply chain management, as it can be difficult to obtain a comprehensive view of the supply chain. The final text of the IPEF Supply Chain Agreement was released on Sept. 7 and can be found here.
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AGOA Forum in Johannesburg
South Africa is hosting the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum in Johannesburg from Nov. 2 to 4. The event will allow more than 200 U.S. buyers to have targeted interactions with suppliers from AGOA participating countries. This year's targeted industries are agriculture and agro-processing, automotive, mining and machinery. Potential buyers will be assisted by the South African Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition to travel to South Africa for the duration of the Exhibition. Interested businesses should reach out to Noemi Ordonez for the required documentation and processing. Learn more about the event here.
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2023 Procurement Fair: Get in the Game
Join us at the 2023 Procurement Fair: Get in the Game where representatives from the Port of Long Beach, California Department of General Services, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Metro, County of Los Angeles Internal Services Department, City of L.A. Department of Water & Power, SoCal Gas, AEG, BuildLACCD and more will come together for forecast presentations, 1:1 matchmaking Meet the Buyer meetings, and the Exhibit Hall. Explore procurement opportunities with both private and public sectors and foster connections. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to access potential contracts and take part in Greater L.A.’s supplier economy. Register today.
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Learn How Apprenticeship Programs Can Help Your Company
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Southern California Apprenticeship Network invite you to the SCAN Kickoff Event. This event will highlight the benefits of apprenticeship as a strategic workforce recruiting, training and development model. Hear from employers using apprenticeships and what has helped them succeed in closing skills gaps. Learn from elected and appointed officials leading the way for work-based learning, including apprenticeships and employer incentives across California. Register here to participate on Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College.
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Extreme Heat
Extreme heat can occur quickly and without warning. When an unexpected heat wave hits, it's necessary to drink plenty of fluids, find air conditioning, avoid strenuous activities, watch for heat illness, and more. Learn how to stay safe in extreme heat at ready.gov/heat.
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9th Annual South Bay Economic Forecast
The South Bay Economic Forecast is Southern California’s premier source for in-depth economic information and analysis on the South Bay region of Los Angeles County. The forecast assesses emerging industries, disruptors and game-changing technologies, and is attended by the region’s top business, education, civic, and government leaders. Learn more and register here.
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Raul A. Anaya
The Chamber is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s an honor to highlight the impact of Hispanic Americans who have enriched our communities and nation. This week, the Chamber features Raul A. Anaya who serves as President of Business Banking & Greater Los Angeles for Bank of America. We are grateful for his dedication to our Board and to the region.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Ad Hoc on Homelessness Meeting
Tuesday, October 17, 9:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join this special session to hear from District 4 Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman, who serves as Chair of the Housing & Homelessness Committee. Councilmember Raman will discuss what the Committee and City Council are working on to address housing and homelessness in Los Angeles and reflect on the implementation of recent housing-related measures.
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Pancakes & Politics: California State Controller Malia M. Cohen
Friday, October 27, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
The Accenture Pancakes & Politics Speaker Series features leaders in elected office, business, as well as city and state administration, who are influencing important policy issues impacting the Los Angeles region.
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Education Summit
Wednesday, November 8, 9:00 a.m.
Join the Chamber's Education Summit, where you'll hear from industry experts on the paradigm shift happening to create a stronger partnership between business and education. The event will feature thought leaders from Los Angeles Community College District, Loyola Marymount University, UC Merced, Otis College of Art and Design, Bank of America and more.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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