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L.A. City Council Approves $13.1 Billion Budget
The Los Angeles City Council approved its amended version of Mayor Karen Bass’ proposed 2023-24 budget. Following weeks of examination by the Budget, Finance, and Innovation Committee, as well as extensive public hearings, the amended budget now heads to Mayor Bass’ desk to be signed. The budget contains an unprecedented $1.3 billion to address the homelessness crisis in the city. |
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City Council Committee Passes Tourism Wage Increase
The Los Angeles City Council Economic and Community Development Committee passed the “Tourism Wage Increase” motion from committee this week. Maria S. Salinas, Chamber President & CEO, testified to highlight the concerns from the Chamber-led L.A. Tourism & Jobs Coalition. The Coalition is concerned with the proposed 40% increase to the minimum wage in a single year. We were grateful to Councilmember Traci Park who proposed amendments to include an independent economic study. |
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Gov. Newsom Releases May Revised Budget
Governor Gavin Newsom released his revised May budget proposal, which now goes to the legislature for review. The Chamber's advocacy netted several wins, such as expanded funding and technical assistance for small businesses as well as the allocation of funds for the Los Angeles Community College District Small Business Entrepreneurship Center, of which the Chamber are co-sponsors. The budget also increases Medi-Cal reimbursement rates and funds distressed hospital loans, while previously implemented cuts to specific workforce programs have been reversed. |
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New Housing Solutions Agency Holds First Meeting
The L.A. County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA) held its inaugural meeting this week. The newly established agency represents a new, regional approach to address the issues of affordable housing and homelessness. The agency features leaders from all local government levels as well as housing experts. L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, and Miguel Santana, President & CEO of the Weingart Foundation, were elected as officers of the new agency. The Chamber provided opening remarks. Learn more here. |
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| POLICY & ADVOCACY |
LAUSD Releases “Nation’s Report Card” Data
The "Nation's Report Card" data for 2022 indicates modest improvements for Los Angeles students over the years. In terms of reading skills, 67% of grade 8 students performed at or above the basic level in 2022, marking a nine-point increase from 2019. In math, 49% of grade 8 students performed at or above the basic level in 2022, representing a two-point increase from 2019. |
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Public Health Council Hearing
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has reviewed a motion proposing amendments to the definition of public health councils. The motion would extend the anti-retaliation provisions beyond the conclusion of the COVID-19 local emergency and broaden the public health council's scope to include educating and informing workers about public health protections and emergencies. The Board will revisit this motion for further discussions on June 27. |
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| GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT |
Biden Special Envoy Visits Annenberg Center
Ambassador Mike Hammer, President Biden’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, visited the USC Center on Public Diplomacy and discussed key issues, such as peacebuilding, democracy, and the rule of law. The Chamber's Global team joined members of the State Department and other dignitaries, including Mame Toucouleur Mbaye, Honorary Consul of Senegal, at the event. |
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Round Three of Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Negotiations
The U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) participated in the third round of negotiations for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) in Singapore last week. The U.S. delegation successfully led in-depth discussions with IPEF partners on Pillars I (Trade), II (Supply Chains), III (Clean Economy), and IV (Fair Economy). |
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| COMMUNITY COLLABORATION |
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Get Resources and Advising to Grow Your Business
The L.A. Area Chamber Foundation is offering free advising to help you gain access to capital, improve your digital marketing, and access resources for growth and resiliency. Sign up for free personalized one-on-one support through our Resilient Business Advising program. |
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Small Business Strong: Access to Capital
Entrepreneurs are invited to join our Small Business Strong event on May 24 at 10:00 a.m. 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. Register here. |
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| CHAMBER BUSINESS NEWS |
Los Angeles Urban League Awards Dinner
The Los Angeles Urban League hosted its 2023 Whitney M. Young, Jr. Awards Dinner at the Beverly Hilton Hotel this week, celebrating 100 years of supporting communities in South Los Angeles and beyond as well as those who have had a powerful impact. This year's Whitney M. Young Award Honoree is Paula Madison, CEO of Madison Media Management. |
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| IN MEMORIAM |
Honorable Gloria Molina
The Chamber was saddened to hear about the passing of former Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina. She was a political pioneer and community advocate who was the first Latina to serve on the State Assembly, the Los Angeles City Council, and the L.A. County Board of Supervisors. She leaves a deep legacy of service as a formidable elected leader who fought for her constituents and all Angelenos. Read our statement here. |
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| ASIAN AMERICAN & PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH |
Amanda Ma
We are highlighting Amanda Ma, founder of Innovate Marketing Group, as we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Island members of our community this month. Amanda is the head of a nationally acclaimed corporate event management agency, an accomplished author, and a featured speaker. She has won several event planning and entrepreneurial awards and has been named a Top 10 Women of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners. |
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New Member
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Member Anniversaries
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| COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS |
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 Kelly Gonez, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board Member. Gonez will speak about and answer questions about her recent experience as LAUSD Board President and share her thoughts on aligning education outcomes with future business needs and innovating educational processes.
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Lessons Learned Concerning Workforce Investment
Thursday, June 8, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
The L.A. Area Chamber welcomes Denise Juneau, Chief Government and Community Affairs Officer for Bozeman Health, to share her expertise and experience in workforce investment, including building workforce housing for health care workers, addressing unexpected challenges, and preparing for future opportunities to mitigate the cost of housing pressures impacting their employees.
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2023 Small Business Summit
Wednesday, June 28 at 9:00 a.m.
COMMUNITY EVENT
Register for our Small Business Summit: Entrepreneurs, Innovators & Creators. This event supports the small business community and features partners from throughout the region. The Small Business Summit is a great opportunity to support the work of the Chamber Foundation and we invite you to also review sponsorship opportunities. If you have any questions regarding sponsorship, please contact Andrea Nunn here.
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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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