México's Hospitality House for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Announced
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Carlos González Gutiérrez, Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles, announced Casa México, Mexico’s official cultural hub for the FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles. Hosted at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, Casa México will be open to the public from June 11 to July 19, offering free watch parties, exhibitions, music, and community activations celebrating soccer and Mexico’s rich culture. The initiative is presented with media partner, Telemundo 52, the exclusive Spanish-language home of the FIFA World Cup. Learn more here.
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Port of Los Angeles Hosts 11th Annual State of the Port
Today marked the 11th Annual Los Angeles State of the Port, where Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka shared an update on port activity and future priorities. He announced that the Port moved 10.2 million container units in 2025, marking the third time it has surpassed 10 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). A member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Seroka outlined his “Build Bigger and Build Smarter” vision, highlighting projects such as the proposed Pier 500 terminal and a new world-class Cruise Center. He also emphasized the need for continued investments in innovative technologies to help partners better predict and manage cargo flow. Read the full press statement here.
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L.A. City Hall Seeks Higher Taxes to Plug Budget Shortfalls
The Chamber is closely monitoring a concerning push at Los Angeles City Hall to advance a slate of proposed new taxes aimed at addressing recurring budget deficits, rising costs, and growing service demands. L.A. City Council is considering whether to place measures on the June or November ballot that would ask voters to approve increases to sales, hotel occupancy, parking occupancy, and cannabis taxes. The Chamber will continue to track developments and encourages members to share their perspectives on these proposals with our policy team.
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Don’t Miss L.A.’s Premier Leadership Celebration
Don’t Miss the 2026 Inaugural Dinner! Join us Thursday, February 5, 2026, at The Ray Dolby Ballroom to celebrate outstanding leadership in Greater L.A. Honorees include George Kieffer (Civic Medal of Honor), Bank of America (Corporate Leadership Award), and Lewis Horne (Distinguished Business Leader). Hear from Maria S. Salinas, George L. Pla, and Andy Park, and connect with the region’s top business and civic leaders. Sponsor today.
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Chamber Urges City Council to Prioritize Small Business Tax Relief
This week, the L.A. Area Chamber sent a letter to City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson urging support for Council File 25-1474 – the Small Business Tax Exemption Thresholds Motion, which calls on the city to explore raising small business exemption thresholds. Under the current ordinance, small businesses can quickly face thousands of dollars in taxes due to multiple classification requirements. Committed to supporting LA’s small business community, the Chamber will continue advocating for meaningful tax relief.
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Chamber Makes the Economic Case for Child Care at Policy Conference
This week, the Chamber’s Chief of Policy, Carlos Singer, joined business leaders at the Child Care Resource Center’s policy conference to discuss the economic case for early childhood care. He shared the Chamber’s perspective that child care is not only a social good, but an essential economic infrastructure, supporting today’s workforce while strengthening the talent pipeline of the future. The Chamber looks forward to continuing its advocacy on this critical issue.
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Chamber Welcomes UAE Consul General Hessa Al Shuwaihi to Los Angeles
In October, a delegation from the Pacific Council on International Policy traveled to the United Arab Emirates. This week, members of that delegation reunited in Los Angeles to welcome Her Excellency Hessa Al Shuwaihi, Consul General of the United Arab Emirates, on her new diplomatic assignment. Prior to her posting in Los Angeles, Consul General Al Shuwaihi most recently served at the U.A.E. Embassy in Washington, D.C. The delegation included Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas and Dr. Peter Slavin, President & CEO of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Health System.
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Get in the Game: Rethinking Age at Work with AARP
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation invites you to our virtual workshop, Rethinking Age at Work, on February 11 at 10:00 a.m. This free, interactive session will help employers create age-inclusive teams and leverage demographic change as a competitive advantage. Register here.
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3rd Annual Business Pipeline Bootcamp: Build Your Construction Opportunities
PCL Construction’s multi-session capacity-building program helps small and diverse businesses secure their first contract or compete for larger construction projects. Participants gain direct access to PCL’s business pipeline, engage with the team, strengthen business readiness, and prepare for upcoming contracting opportunities. Register here.
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Join the 2026 LGBTQ+ Procurement Summit
Join the LGBTQ+ Procurement Forum on January 28, 2026, at Fiesta Hall, connecting LGBTQ-owned businesses with buyers and contracting resources. The two-day summit includes expert panels, certification guidance, contract pathways, and a Business Expo showcasing LGBTQ innovation across California. Register here.
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2026 Employment Law Updates Webinar
Join CalChamber on Thursday, Jan. 29, for a 90-minute overview of key 2026 California employment law updates. Topics include minimum wage changes, pay transparency rules, AI in the workplace, new leave requirements, and more. The session features a live Q&A and downloadable slides. Seats are limited—register today.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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ACCESS D.C.
March 15 - 17, 2026
Conrad Washington DC
Join the L.A. Area Chamber in Washington, D.C. to promote policies that will drive job creation and cultivate a thriving regional economy for all. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here.
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