California Governor Releases Proposed 2024-2025 Budget
This week Governor Gavin Newsom released his proposed 2024-2025 state budget as California faces a projected deficit of $37.86 billion. The Governor’s budget reflects a measured approach with continued investments in infrastructure, education and workforce development, homelessness response and housing supply with an emphasis on accountability, small businesses, and combatting retail theft. You can find a summary of the full budget here and read the Chamber's statement here.
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2024 Inaugural Will Celebrate New Board Leadership
The L.A. Area Chamber will celebrate its 2024 Inaugural next month, where we will highlight business leaders who have immensely impacted our community. The Inaugural also observes the honored passing of the gavel. This year we welcome our incoming Board chair Janet Lamkin, Senior Vice President of Global Market and Community Innovation at United Airlines. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here.
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L.A. Area Chamber Prepares for Davos
The 2024 World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual meeting is taking place next week in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. Themed “Rebuilding Trust,” the event will provide a crucial space for leaders to focus on the fundamental principles of driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability. This is the WEF's 54th meeting and will convene the world’s foremost leaders in government, business and civil society. The Chamber's President and CEO, Maria S. Salinas will be in attendance, guest of the Swiss Ambassador, to discuss sustainability in infrastructure.
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Port of Los Angeles Hosts 9th Annual "State of the Port" with L.A. Mayor
This week Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka presented the Port’s top initiatives and plans for the coming year at the ninth State of the Port. Seroka reported that in 2023, and for the 24th consecutive year––the Port of Los Angeles ranked as the nation’s No. 1 container port. The event's 500 attendees included port workers, labor and business leaders, and other members of the community. Also in attendance were Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker and all five Los Angeles Harbor Commissioners. Los Angeles Mayor Bass also provided remarks and addressed the ports sustainability and emissions accomplishments.
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Retail Theft Legislation
Building on California’s existing laws and record public safety investments, state leaders convened to address organized retail theft. Lawmakers are proposing legislation to give the justice system more options to curb crime. This week, Assemblymember McCarty introduced AB 1794, to hold repeat offeners more accountable, and Assemblymember Irwin introduced AB 1779, to give authority to the Attorney General to prosecute cross-jurisdictional theft cases. Similarly, Assemblymember Ramos introduced AB 1772 to count prior convictions when assessing penalties in theft incidents, and lastly, Assemblymember Villapudua instroduced AB 1787 to potentially lower the felony threshold to $450. The Chamber will continue to monitor the legislation.
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Chamber Supports Center for Transportation Technology Excellence Project
This week the Chamber provided public comment at the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting in support of a motion to execute a Memorandum of Understanding between Metro, the County of Los Angeles and the City of Palmdale to support the development of the Center for Transportation Technology Excellence Project (CTTE). The motion, introduced by Supervisor Kathryn Barger, was unanimously approved. The CTTE Project may meet a critical industry gap and help to improve transit vehicle development, testing and maintenance. Read more about the motion and our testimony here.
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Flawed Bills AB 1000 and AB 259 Fail to Progress
On Wednesday, Chamber-opposed bill AB 1000 was pulled from its hearing in the Assembly Local Government Committee by Assemblymember Eloise Reyes. The Chamber advocated against the bill, which would require a setback of 1,000 feet from “sensitive receptors” for all new or expanded logistics use facilities 100,000 square feet or larger in the County of Riverside, and County of San Bernardino. The bill could have led to the elimination of jobs, effect critically needed housing in the region, increase miles traveled for heavy duty vehicles, and exacerbate supply chain issues. Additionally, AB 259 dubbed a “wealth tax," was held on the Suspense File by action of Chairwoman Irwin. Both bills would impact businesses and economic growth in the region, and the Chamber is pleased these bills will not move forward.
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Announcing the 98th World Trade Week
Save the date! The Chamber will hold its 98th annual World Trade Week Kickoff Conference May 1 in Long Beach, California. The event themed "The Future Starts Now," will welcome nearly 500 international trade professionals and dignitaries. This year's World Trade Week Committee Chair is Dr. Noel Hacegaba, COO of the Port of Long Beach, and Vice Chair is Dr. Nick Vyas, founding Director of the Randall Kendrick Global Supply Chain Institute/USC Marshall School of Business. For more information or sponsorship visit here.
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California Competes Tax Credit
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is now accepting applications for the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC). There are $164 million in tax credits available during this application period for businesses that are expanding and adding quality. The deadline to submit applications is January 22. Access the application here.
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LA vs Hate
LA vs Hate is a community-driven campaign to foster inclusivity, encourages reporting on hate incidents, and provides support to those affected. Join and support to build a more tolerant and understanding community in Los Angeles. Learn more and get involved at LAvsHate.org.
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Cal OSBA to Provide Business Leader Training
The California Office of Small Business Advocate (Cal OSBA) will provide small business leadership training focused on advancing equity and inclusion for small and diverse businesses. The free event will take place on January 23, 2024, and equip attendees with skills to develop a comprehensive strategic plan, highlight the significance of community involvement in business decisions, and foster an understanding of government engagement opportunities. Learn more and sign up here.
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Join Clean Power Alliance’s Green Leader Program
Are you looking for a way to highlight your business’ sustainability efforts? Join the Green Leader program with the Clean Power Alliance (CPA). As a CPA Green Leader, your company will be able to obtain green certifications such as Green-e and be invited to exclusive networking events. All businesses on CPA’s 100% Green Power energy option are eligible to apply for the Green Leader program. To check if you are eligible and for more information regarding the Green Leader program, please visit here.
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Honoring Dr. King's Legacy
The Chamber proudly celebrates the life, legacy and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Our offices will be closed on Monday, January 15, 2024 in observation of Martin Luther King Day.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Government & Fiscal Affairs Council
Tuesday, January 16, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the Government & Fiscal Affairs Council for the first meeting of the year to hear about current legislation and policies that affect the broad business community.
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Ad Hoc on Homelessness Committee
Tuesday, January 23, 9:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Don’t miss the Ad Hoc on Homelessness Committee for a discussion of relevant policies and programs.
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Energy, Water, & Environmental Sustainability Council
Wednesday, January 24, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join our discussion about issues that ensure reliable and affordable water and energy delivery, improve air quality, promote economic growth and address climate change in Los Angeles at the first Energy, Water and Environmental Sustainability Council of the year.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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