L.A. Area Chamber Launches Workforce Initiative
The Chamber launched A Paradigm Shift, the state's largest employer-led workforce initiative aimed at connecting Angelenos to high-demand careers through short-term training. The initiative represents a new model for workforce development, with employers helping define the skills and training needed for in-demand roles. This program focuses on healthcare, a high-growth industry sector, the Los Angeles Community College District, workforce partners, and philanthropic support to better align training with real hiring needs and bridge historically siloed employers and education systems. It also strengthens the region’s competitiveness by expanding economic opportunity and building a more reliable workforce pipeline. Click here to read the full press statement. View event photos here.
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Coca-Cola's FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour L.A. Live Welcomes the FIFA World Cup Trophy
The Chamber was pleased to attend Coca-Cola's FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour press event at Coke Studios at L.A. Live, which marked the first U.S. stop of the Official Trophy’s journey following its tour in Mexico. The kickoff also celebrated Coca-Cola's 50-year partnership with FIFA, bringing together civic leaders, community stakeholders, and fans for an up-close look at the Trophy and interactive activities. Thank you to Board Member, Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, for the invitation to this special occasion.
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L.A. Jobs PAC Convenes Business and Civic Leaders
The L.A. Area Chamber convened business and civic leaders for a successful L.A. Jobs PAC fundraiser, reinforcing our shared commitment to advancing a strong economy. The event brought together leaders from across industries who recognize that sustained economic opportunity requires strategic investment, thoughtful policy, and consistent advocacy at every level of government. Support for L.A. Jobs PAC ensures that the business community can speak with a unified, influential voice in shaping policies that drive job creation, economic competitiveness, and long-term prosperity for Los Angeles.
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Mayor Bass Launches Solar Street Light Initiative
Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Monica Rodriguez announced a major Street Lights Initiative to repair and replace up to 60,000 streetlights over the next two years. This will be the largest upgrade in Los Angeles history. The City is partnering with LADWP and the Bureau of Street Lighting to clear a backlog of more than 32,000 service requests and deploy solar-powered, theft‑resistant technology. The program prioritizes neighborhoods most affected by outages. It improves safety, enhances reliability, and supports the city’s goal of achieving 100 percent clean energy by 2035. Read the full press release here.
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City of Los Angeles May Adopt a 2-Year Budget Cycle
City Administrative Officer Matthew W. Szabo has recommended that the City move to a two-year budget cycle, which would require voter-approved amendments to multiple City Charter sections. The proposed timeline envisions placing the amendments on the November 2026 ballot, with a transition period running through 2029-30. Safeguards would include mid-term reviews, department performance evaluations, and periodic financial status reports. The Chamber applauds this step toward strategic, long-range financial governance.
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National AI Framework Draft Proposal Introduced by Senator Blackburn
Senator Marsha Blackburn (TN) introduced a sweeping draft discussion bill, called the TRUMP AMERICA AI Act, outlining a national AI framework, following the President’s earlier executive order. The draft framework incorporates requirements for AI chatbot developers to “exercise reasonable care” to prevent harm to users. The proposal includes several pieces of legislation, including but not limited to Senator Graham’s proposal to sunset liability protections for online platforms; Senator Coon’s and Senator Welch’s pieces of legislation protecting creators and artists with a right to license their voice and likeness, as well as allowing copyright protections from AI.
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Port of LA Advances Global Trade Priorities During ACCESS D.C.
During our ACCESS D.C. trip, Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, played a significant leadership role in advocating for global trade, transportation, and distribution networks. Beyond his active participation in our program, he engaged in key advocacy discussions with federal stakeholders, including the Department of Commerce and the White House, reinforcing the Port’s critical role in global supply chains.
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Explore Procurement Opportunities with Councilwoman Rodriguez on April 2
Join Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, LA28, and the Valley's business community on April 2 at 4:30 p.m. at LA Mission College to explore upcoming procurement opportunities for small and local businesses. Learn how to prepare, connect with partners, and position your business for contracts tied to major initiatives. Don't miss this valuable networking and information session in the region. Learn more here.
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EY Skills Labs: Elevate Your Impact Enterprise or Nonprofit Workshops
Join EY's upcoming workshop series running from March 24 to April 2. Inspired by EY Skills Lab, these interactive sessions are designed to build practical skills, foster collaboration, and support organizational growth through expert-led training, peer discussion, and real-world strategies for sustainable impact and long-term success. Learn more.
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EMI: Launch Grant Deadline March 31
Apply for the LA County Small Business Microgrant Program, offering financial support to eligible small businesses impacted by economic challenges. This opportunity helps stabilize operations, retain jobs, and strengthen long-term resilience. Don’t miss out, applications are open now, with a deadline to apply by March 31, 2026, at 11 p.m. Apply here.
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Port of Long Beach Awards $1.17 Million to Local Nonprofits
The Port of Long Beach has awarded $1.17 million in community sponsorships to 364 nonprofit organizations—its largest round to date. Funding will support programs focused on education, the environment, social justice, the arts, and historic preservation. The Port continues to expand opportunities for community partnerships, with the next sponsorship application window opening May 1–29. Learn more here.
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Celebrating Women’s History Month
This week, we honor Lupita Sanchez Cornejo, newly named Regional Assistant Vice President of External & Legislative Affairs for AT&T in Southern California. A Chamber Board member and civic leader, Lupita oversees AT&T’s regional external affairs strategy, advancing connectivity, public safety, and broadband investment while building strong partnerships across government, business, and community organizations.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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ACCESS Sacramento
May 11 - 12, 2026
Save the date for our annual delegation trip to Sacramento to amplify the voice of the L.A. area business community on issues that directly affect job creation, economic competitiveness, and quality of life across the region.
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World Trade Week Centennial Celebration
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
JW Marriott Los Angeles
Celebrate 100 years of global trade leadership with the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce! World Trade Week 2026 brings together business, civic, and international leaders to honor a century of trade and chart the path forward for Los Angeles as a global economic hub.
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