L.A. Area Chamber Meets with Governor Newsom
Business leaders from The CEO Council, the Chamber's advisory group, met with Governor Gavin Newsom during the annual ACCESS Sacramento advocacy trip. Members discussed wildfire recovery and rebuilding efforts, with a focus on actionable solutions for housing and insurance challenges. The meeting comes at a pivotal moment for the Los Angeles region, as it works to accelerate recovery, prepare for upcoming global events, and build the workforce of the future. The Chamber looks forward to continued collaboration to benefit the region.
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L.A. Area Chamber Leads Delegation to State Capital for ACCESS Sacramento
The Chamber led a delegation of 50 business and civic leaders for its annual ACCESS Sacramento advocacy trip to meet with state leaders and legislators to discuss wildfire recovery, housing, and a robust Advocacy Agenda on behalf of the Los Angeles region. This engagement underscores the Chamber’s role in advancing regional priorities and building strong collaboration with state elected officials across sectors.
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Chamber Delegation Engages with State Leaders
During ACCESS Sacramento, the Chamber delegation engaged in key discussions with California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire. The delegation also heard insightful panel discussions featuring Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, who shared insights on workforce development and education; Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, who addressed opportunities in international trade and California's global competitiveness; and Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, who discussed wildfire coverage and insurance reform. These impactful conversations underscore the Chamber’s commitment to advancing policies that benefit the Los Angeles region.
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Mayor Bass Delivers 2025 State of the City Address
In her 2025 State of the City address, Mayor Karen Bass outlined fiscal strategies to address a deepening budget crisis, including the elimination of over 2,700 vacant positions. The Mayor also aims to secure state funding for wildfire recovery, waive permitting fees for infrastructure projects, and streamline permitting for the film and television industry. She highlighted a decrease in street homelessness over the past year and stressed the revival of downtown tourism as crucial to Los Angeles' economic recovery and long-term growth. As the Council debates the budget, the Chamber joined a coalition letter with fiscal recommendations.
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State Senate Forms 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics Special Committee
Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire announced the formation of a special committee focused on the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. The bipartisan committee will hold hearings in the coming months to ensure readiness in infrastructure, transportation, public safety, tourism, and hospitality industries to meet the demands and opportunities presented by these events. The committee will be chaired by Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) and vice-chaired by Senator Maria Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles).
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City of Los Angeles Executive Director of Major Events Meets with Chamber
Paul Krekorian, in his new role as Executive Director of the Office of Major Events for the City of Los Angeles, met with the Chamber to discuss his new role and the upcoming plans for the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Chamber will continue to work with Paul Krekorian and the Office of Major Events as plans evolve.
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World Trade Week is Next Week!
Kicking off World Trade Week with dynamic conversations and fresh insights into the future of global trade in Southern California. This year’s program features the panel, “AI Across Borders: Real-World Trade Innovation from Factory to Fulfillment,” and keynote remarks from L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and Paula Natoli, Head of Global Supply Chain Strategic Industries at Google. Space is limited, register today and be part of shaping the future of global trade!
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Restaurants Care: $5,000 Grants for Restaurants & $10,000 L.A. Fire Recovery Grants
The Restaurants Care Resilience Fund is now offering grants to support small, independent restaurant owners with equipment upgrades and assistance for unforeseen hardships. These grants are designed to strengthen business operations and build long-term resilience. Learn more and apply by visiting here.
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Port of Long Beach Seeks Qualified Firms for RFP
The Port of Long Beach is inviting qualified firms to submit proposals for On-Call Equipment Rental Services to support special events throughout the year. Services include equipment rentals, delivery, setup, takedown, and vendor coordination on an as-needed basis. Interested businesses must register on the Port’s Planet Bids portal to access the full RFP. Proposals are due by 3:00 PM on May 20. For more information visit here.
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Dine Latino Restaurant Week – Celebrating Latino Culinary Excellence
The Latino Restaurant Association invites restaurants to participate in Dine Latino Restaurant Week, a celebration of Latino culinary excellence aimed at attracting new customers to your business. Participation is free and provides valuable marketing exposure to a wide audience of food enthusiasts. Learn more here.
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Parking Spot Offer
L.A. Area Chamber members can access discounts at the Parking Spot by joining their free loyalty program. You will automatically receive 2 free days of parking and have immediate access to your corporate discount just for joining. Learn more and join here.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Transportation & Goods Movement Council
Thursday, May 6, 8:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Mark your calendar for the upcoming Transportation & Goods Movement Policy Council meeting, taking place at City Club Los Angeles on May 6. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and engage on key transportation and infrastructure topics.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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