Attorney General, state leaders, and infrastructure priorities shaping LA
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Attorney General Bonta Addresses Trade, Safety, and Legal Priorities during ACCESS Sacramento
On Monday, May 11, members gathered for an engaging evening in Sacramento with California Attorney General Rob Bonta. The conversation ranged from California's legal fight against the Trump administration's tariffs — and what's at stake for the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach — to the rising threat of organized cargo theft along our freight corridors. Bonta spoke candidly about prioritizing among 67+ lawsuits against the federal government, the state's fight over landmark emissions standards, and the AG office's role in public safety. The evening closed with an inspiring exchange on civic engagement and what it means to show up in 2026.
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Chamber Advances Regional Priorities with State Leaders at ACCESS Sacramento
On Tuesday, May 12, the Chamber’s ACCESS Sacramento delegation convened business and civic leaders for more than 30 advocacy meetings with state leaders to advance regional competitiveness and workforce priorities. Delegates met with Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Senate Majority Leader Angelique Ashby, and Los Angeles Delegation Chair Assemblymember Tina McKinnor to discuss rebuilding efforts, preparation for the Global Games, and strengthening infrastructure investments. Chamber leadership also met with representatives from Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration, reinforcing the Chamber’s role in advancing economic recovery and regional resilience. View the full Advocacy Agenda here.
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Secretary of Transportation Highlights Investments for LA Ahead of 2028 Games at ACCESS Sacramento
On Tuesday, May 12, the Chamber hosted its morning program of ACCESS Sacramento, featuring a timely fireside discussion on transportation investments with California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin and Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas. Secretary Omishakin outlined his goals for the rest of the year as they relate to improving the LA region's transit corridors and his efforts to drive infrastructure investments for the region ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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Metro Expands Connectivity with Opening of New D Line Stations
Last Friday, LA Metro opened three new D Line stations at Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax, and Wilshire/La Cienega. The first section of the D Line Extension provides travel between the Westside, Mid-Wilshire, Koreatown, Downtown LA, and Union Station. The Chamber celebrates the opening and the improved access to jobs, healthcare, education, cultural sites, and other major destinations.
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Business Tax Repeal Headed to November Ballot
The Los Angeles City Council voted to place a proposed repeal of the City's Business Gross Receipts Tax on the November 2026 General Municipal Election ballot. The measure, which would eliminate the tax on virtually all businesses operating in Los Angeles, will now go before city voters. Placing the initiative on the November ballot avoids the cost of a standalone special election, estimated at $31.8 million.
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2026 China-California Business Forum
Co-Chairs Kevin Klowden (Milken Institute) and Brian Peck (USC) represented the Chamber at this year’s China-California Business Forum. Hosted by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles and co-hosted by the Bay Area Council, World Trade Center Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, the event highlighted California–China trade and investment ties and encouraged entrepreneurs to pursue new cross-border business opportunities.
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Friday, May 15: Workshop Offers Updates on Zone Zero Regulations
Assemblymember Jessica Caloza will host a Zone Zero Workshop on May 15 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the LA River Center & Gardens. Attendees will hear directly from CAL Fire and the Board of Forestry on new regulations and implementation progress. Advance RSVP is required, and participants are encouraged to submit questions ahead of time. Sign up here.
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PaliBu Chamber Recovery Expo — Free Event, May 16
Join us at the PaliBu Recovery Expo this Saturday, May 16, at noon, to connect with valuable recovery resources, city and county agencies, builders, architects, vendors, and more. Enjoy expert panels, networking, food, and community support focused on recovery and resilience. Know a great nonprofit or business resource? Invite them to join this meaningful day in Malibu. Learn more here.
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Los Angeles County Small Business Mobility Fund
The Small Business Mobility Fund is part of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity’s (DEO) Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) and its broader mission to reduce barriers to business success by expanding access to education, training, technical assistance, and capital for small businesses across all five Supervisorial Districts. This is an EMI program powered by DEO and ICON CDC. Learn more here.
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Get in the Game: Small Business Opportunity Portal
Stay informed on the latest small business procurement opportunities designed to help you grow and compete. Receive timely updates, resources, and access to contracts that match your business needs. Don’t miss out on valuable opportunities. Sign up today to stay connected and ready for what’s next.
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George L. Pla Re‑Elected President of LA Memorial Coliseum Commission
Former Chamber Board Chair George L. Pla has been re‑elected President of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission for a fifth consecutive term. His leadership continues to guide the Coliseum’s evolution as a world‑class venue as Los Angeles prepares for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and other major global events.
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Chamber Board Chair Andy Park Featured in LA500
Chamber Board Chair Andy Park has been recognized in the Los Angeles Business Journal's LA500 for his leadership and commitment to strengthening the region’s economy. Park highlights how sports bring people together and why we should support businesses that create jobs, drive innovation, and offer opportunities across Los Angeles as the city prepares for major global events. Read more here.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Fleet Week Ship Tour & Reception
Thursday, May 21, 3:00 p.m.
MEMBER-ONLY EVENT
Join an exclusive VIP Ship Tour and Reception with fellow Chamber members at the Port of Los Angeles. Experience early access aboard an active vessel before the public opening, followed by a private reception with community and business leaders. This is a unique opportunity to connect, build relationships, and be part of a signature Los Angeles event.
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World Trade Week Centennial Celebration
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
JW Marriott Los Angeles
Join us on May 27 for the World Trade Week Centennial event. Hear from keynote speaker Peter Tirschwell of S&P Global Market Intelligence on the forces reshaping global trade and what they mean for Los Angeles and your business right now. Connect with leaders from the Ports, Airports, and the City, and be part of the conversation shaping the next century of trade.
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