L.A. Area Chamber Launches Small Business Disaster Recovery Fund
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the launch of the Small Business Disaster Recovery Fund to provide financial relief and technical assistance to small businesses impacted by the wildfires. The fund received a leadership gift from Bank of America, and contributions from Ring and Chevron. The Chamber is actively solicitating contributions for the fund to serve the small businesses that have been destroyed or damaged by this disaster. For more information visit lachamber.com/donate or read the press release here.
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SBA Administrator Visits Chamber to Discuss Wildfire Support
Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas met with SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman along with Stephen Cheung, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), for a productive discussion on how to effectively respond to the Los Angeles wildfires and support impacted businesses and communities. A total of 22 assistance centers are now open throughout L.A. County to support disaster recovery and provide resources for those affected. Administrator Guzman was appreciative of the Chamber’s partnership to share the resources for small businesses to begin to recover. For more information or to apply click here.
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Together For L.A. Coalition Convenes to Support Small Businesses
Los Angeles County is home to more than 1.3 million small businesses, the Chamber and its partners have united under the Together for L.A. coalition to aid wildfire recovery efforts. Established in 2020, this strategic partnership focuses on fostering an equitable, sustainable, and resilient economic recovery, with a strong emphasis on supporting small businesses. The founding partners of Together for L.A. include the L.A. Area Chamber, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles (LISC LA), the Dr. Lucy Jones Center for Science and Society, the Institute for Sustainable Development (ISD), the City of Los Angeles, and Los Angeles County. This impactful collaboration has been activated to ensure resources are coordinated.
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Steve Soboroff Appointed as Chief Recovery Officer
Mayor Karen Bass today announced the appointment of Steve Soboroff to serve as the Chief Recovery Officer for the City of Los Angeles to kick off the city’s massive rebuild and recovery effort initiated by her Executive Order announced earlier this week. Soboroff will work directly with Mayor Bass in recovery efforts to clear the way for Los Angeles residents and businesses to rapidly rebuild the community.
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President Biden Approves California Major Disaster Declaration & Commits to Cover Costs
President Biden declared the California wildfires as a major disaster, he ordered federal aid to supplement recovery efforts in the areas impacted by wildfires and shared a commitment to cover the costs of fighting the fires. The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Los Angeles County. The assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. The Chamber will advocate to ensure these disaster funds are distributed as President Trump enters office.
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IRS Deadline Extensions
The IRS, California Franchise Tax Board (FTB), and California Employment Development Department (EDD) have provided filing and payment extensions for businesses in Los Angeles County due to the wildfires. For Federal and California income tax due dates for payment, filing, and making tax payments (for tax year 2024) is extended to October 15, 2025. The California EDD allows for a 2-month extension for CA payroll tax. The Chamber will monitor any changes to Los Angeles City tax deadlines.
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L.A. County Supervisors to Vote on Business Interruption and Worker Recovery Funds
In response to the wildfires, Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Lindsey P. Horvath introduced an emergency declaration at this week’s Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting. They also directed the County Chief Executive Officer to explore steps to establish a Business Interruption and Worker Recovery Fund. These initiatives aim to create critical pathways for securing private and public funding to assist affected residents and businesses. The L.A. Area Chamber will continue to monitor and provide updates on these developments.
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The Port of Long Beach Marks 20th Anniversary of its Clean Port Policy
The State of the Port 2025 highlighted the Port of Long Beach's achievements under its Leading Green Port Policy. Mario Cordero, Executive Director of the Port of Long Beach, emphasized key milestones in emission reductions: a 92% decrease in Diesel Particulate Matter, a 71% reduction in Nitrogen Oxides, and a 98% drop in Sulfur Oxides, with plans for 100% reductions. He also shared that 2024 was the port's busiest year on record, handling 9.6 million TEUs. Cordero has been instrumental in advancing the port's sustainability efforts and enhancing global trade efficiency while addressing environmental concerns. Additional speakers included Noel Hacegaba, COO of the Port of Long Beach, Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, and Bonnie Lowenthal, President of the Long Beach Harbor Commission.
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Local Assistance and Disaster Recovery Center Information
Discover a comprehensive hub of local, state, federal, and non-profit recovery resources in one place. Whether you need financial aid, business support, or community programs, the L.A. County Recovery Resource Center offers the tools to help you thrive. Explore rebuilding and growth opportunities here.
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Disaster Relief: Misfortune and Calamity Tax Relief
You may be eligible for tax relief if your property is damaged or destroyed by a calamity, such as fire or flooding. To qualify, file an Application for Reassessment: Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity (M&C) Form ADS-820 with the Assessor’s Office within 12 months from the date the property was damaged or destroyed. The loss must exceed $10,000 of current market value. For more information visit here.
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California Insurance Commissioner to Host Workshop for Wildfire Survivors
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara will host an insurance support workshop on January 18-19 to assist residents impacted by recent wildfires. The workshop will offer guidance on navigating insurance claims, understanding coverage options, and accessing available resources. For more information and to participate, visit here.
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City Exempts Wildfire-Related Store Closures from Fair Work Week Ordinance
The City of Los Angeles has confirmed that store closures due to wildfires will be exempt from the city's Fair Work Week Ordinance. This ordinance typically requires employers to provide employees with at least fourteen days' notice of their work schedules and allows employees to decline shifts if changes are made after the notice deadline. However, exceptions are made when operations are disrupted by force majeure events, such as fires, floods, earthquakes, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, and other natural disasters or civil disturbances. Learn more here.
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Governor Newsom’s Wildfires Executive Order
Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to accelerate the rebuilding of homes and businesses destroyed in the Southern California wildfires. The order suspends California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Coastal Act requirements for reconstruction while ensuring adherence to building codes and safety standards to make structures more resilient against future wildfires. It also emphasizes state agency coordination and supports California's broader housing strategy by expediting construction and holding local governments accountable for delays. For more information on the executive order, read the Chamber's policy update here.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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2025 Inaugural: Building a Legacy Together
Join us in coming together for Los Angeles for the L.A. Area Chamber's annual Inaugural on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Consider sponsoring this impactful event to directly support the Chamber’s mission. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Chris Luna here.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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