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Mayor's Budget Reviewed in Committee
Mayor Karen Bass’ proposed budget has been reviewed in the Budget, Finance, and Innovation Committee. L.A. Area Chamber President & CEO, Maria S. Salinas, testified in support of Mayor Bass' proposed budget, and specifically on the items to address homelessness. Budget hearings continued in committee this week with the Chief Legislative Analyst's report on proposed changes to the Mayor's budget. You can read the Chamber’s budget support letter here. |
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Governor Newsom Releases Revised Budget
Governor Gavin Newsom released his revised May budget proposal, which indicates a budget deficit of $31.5 billion, representing an additional $10 billion from earlier projections. The previous proposal included trigger cuts, delays, and withdrawals or reductions of planned one-time spending to address the projected revenue shortfall. The Chamber is analyzing the revised budget, the new deficit, and new proposals. |
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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Key Infrastructure Funding to Electrify Ports
The Biden Administration announced investments to make our ports safer, cleaner, more efficient, and more reliable as part of President Biden's 'Investing in America' agenda. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to invest $3 billion to fund zero-emission port equipment and technology, as well as assist ports in creating climate action plans to reduce pollutants, improve air quality, and promote environmental justice in neighboring communities. The EPA will also invest $1 billion to reduce emissions from heavy-duty commercial vehicles, including those operating in and out of ports. |
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Chamber Supports Al Fresco Dining Program
Al Fresco dining is one of the good things that came out of the pandemic. Ensuring restaurants can easily continue their al fresco dining options has been debated in City Hall. Outdoor dining is beneficial for both restaurants and the community, and the Chamber is working with small businesses to advocate for reduced fees and removing barriers to keep the program in place. Read our op-ed. |
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| POLICY & ADVOCACY |
L.A. County Budget Hearing
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors held the first day of public hearings for the proposed budget. The $43 billion budget reflects a decrease of $1.6 billion, with $1.1 billion in unmet needs. The L.A. Area Chamber is advocating for the County to finance the unmet needs of the Centralized Contracting and Procurement Office, the Department of Economic Opportunity, and digital divide projects. See our budget snapshot here. |
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L.A. Tourism Wage Increase to Go Before Committee
Next week, the Los Angeles City Council Economic and Community Development Committee is scheduled to consider the "Tourism Wage Increase" motion. The motion, introduced by Councilmember Price, seeks to raise the minimum wage for travel and tourism workers from $18 per hour to $25 per hour, representing a 38.9% increase in a single year. The Chamber is leading a coalition to support the tourism community with sound and reasoned policies. Read the motion here. |
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| GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT |
2023 SelectUSA Investment Summit
The 2023 SelectUSA Investment Summit ended this week, with more than 49,000 participants — making it the largest-ever Investment Summit. SelectUSA promotes and facilitates business investment in the U.S. by working with related federal government agencies to serve as a single point of contact for investors. More than 2,300 foreign investors from 83 international markets joined President Biden and other senior White House officials to build on the $248 billion in foreign-owned company investments since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration. |
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U.S. Ambassador Meets with UAE Climate Minister
U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai met with United Arab Emirates Minister of Climate Change and Environment H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri this week to discuss shared interests in trade, food security, and the environment. The UAE is set to host the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in November. |
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| COMMUNITY COLLABORATION |
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L.A. Region Small Business Summit
The Chamber partnered with Los Angeles County, the City of Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles Mayor's Office for the L.A. Region Small Business Summit. The event assisted small businesses by offering resources and programs at an expo with public and private providers who offered free on-site services. Sign up for the Chamber's free 1:1 Resilient Business Advising program here. |
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Small Business Rental Assistance Grant Program is Open
The Small Business Rental Assistance Grant Program is providing grants ranging from $2,500 up to $15,000 to eligible Los Angeles-based businesses who need financial assistance to aid in their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants must cover outstanding rent payments made between March 1, 2020, and April 30, 2023. The application period will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on May 24. Apply here. |
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| CHAMBER BUSINESS NEWS |
L.A. Times CEO Leadership Award Nominations
It's not too late to nominate CEOs to be profiled in this year's L.A. Times C-Suite Trends, Updates magazine. The magazine will profile Southern California-based CEOs from various industries who exhibited exceptional leadership in the region. Click here to nominate. |
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| ASIAN AMERICAN & PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH |
Mellissa Tong - DuckPunk
We're celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and highlighting the impactful contributions of our AAPI community members. This week, we recognize Mellissa Tong, founder of DuckPunk, award-winning storyteller, international speaker, and best-selling author. |
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New Member
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Member Anniversaries
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| COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS |
Small Business Strong: Access to Capital
Wednesday, May 24, 10:00 a.m.
COMMUNITY EVENT
Entrepreneurs are invited to join our Small Business Strong event to learn how to access capital and grow their business through multiple financial institutions. Institutions represented will include traditional banks and Community Development Financial Institutions. Additionally, participants will learn how to access financial health coaches to help build credit. This is an in-person event at the Chamber, but there is a virtual option available.
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The Future of Education Outcomes at LAUSD
Friday, May 26, 9:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join us for an Accenture Pancakes & Politics conversation with Los Angeles United School District (LAUSD) Board Member, Kelly Gonez. Board Member Gonez will speak about her recent experience as LAUSD Board President, her thoughts on aligning education outcomes with future business needs, and innovating educational processes.
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| VIEW FULL CALENDAR |
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017 |
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