Mayor Bass Advocates for Resources in D.C.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilmembers traveled to Washington, D.C. this week to advocate for key city resources, such as funding for homeless housing and services, increased public safety, and transit improvements. The delegation of city leaders met with senior members of the Biden administration and members of Congress to discuss additional federal support to tackle L.A.'s most significant challenges. During her meetings, the Mayor also shared innovative ways she plans to implement the $35 million in the proposed Congressional Fiscal Year 2024 appropriation bills.
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Chamber Launches Get in the Game Procurement Initiative
The Chamber hosted the OneLA Procurement Fair this week and launched the Get in the Game initiative, which convenes small businesses with industry leaders to encourage participation and preparation for contracting opportunities. The event provided small and diverse businesses with contracting opportunities with public and private organizations throughout the state, one-on-one meetings with service and goods buyers, and an exhibit hall. Keynote speaker Erikk Aldridge, Vice President of Impact for LA28, discussed the upcoming procurement opportunities for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in the Los Angeles region.
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Governor Signs Universal Health Care Bill
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 770 to build a framework for universal, single-payer health care in California. The bill requires the California Health and Human Services Agency to consult with stakeholders and the federal government, then deliver a report to the legislature and Governor on the finalized framework for a comprehensive package of medical, behavioral health, pharmaceutical, dental, and vision benefits. Opponents of SB 770 have expressed concerns that the funding framework under the new legislation will divert funds from Medicare, federal employees, and retired civil service and military personnel.
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Bill Supporting Advance Payments to Nonprofits Signed
Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 590, authorizing advance payments to nonprofits working on government contracts. The bill, which the Chamber strongly supported, will improve and expand the state's current advance payment practices for grants and contracts with nonprofit organizations. The bill will particularly benefit nonprofits in rural, low-income, and diverse communities who partner with the state government.
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Mayor Bass Hosts Business and Financial Empowerment Summit
The Chamber supported Mayor Karen Bass' Business and Financial Empowerment Summit at BMO Stadium last week. The Mayor convened hundreds of small business owners, financiers, and community-based organizations to share resources to help small businesses succeed. The Chamber met with many local stakeholders and the Mayor's staff to share information about our programming, policy and advocacy efforts, and strategies to advance the small business community and create pathways for economic mobility.
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Chamber Hosts Councilmember Raman to Discuss Housing, Homelessness
The Chamber's Ad Hoc Committee on Homelessness hosted Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman this week. Councilmember Raman, chair of the City Council Housing and Homelessness Committee, shared current challenges, policy solutions, and successes in the city's effort to address housing and homelessness. The conversation focused on updating land use policies and community plans, the need for more interim and permanent housing, streamlining housing construction, and the need for business community engagement to work towards effective long-term solutions together.
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Chamber Meets South Korean Delegation
The Chamber met with a South Korean delegation from the Jeollabuk-do Province. Kim Kwan-young, Governor of Jeollabuk-do Province, was accompanied by a delegation, which included Yoon Bang-seob, Chairman of Jeonju Chamber of Commerce, and Kim Dae-sik, Secretary General for Jeollabuk-do Center for International Affairs. The meeting explored the economic interests shared by Jeollabuk-do and the Los Angeles region as well as the possibilities for future collaboration between the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Jeonju Chamber of Commerce in South Korea.
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U.S.-Kenya Strategic Trade, Investment Partnership
The U.S. and Kenya engaged in a productive round of negotiations for the U.S.-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP) in Washington, D.C. earlier this month. Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Constance Hamilton led the U.S. delegation for discussions on trade in agriculture, anticorruption, and service regulation. The U.S. is a key trading partner of the East African nation, and California is a key component of this partnership. In 2022, California imported $65 million worth of goods from Kenya, according to CalChamber. Read about the STIP discussion here.
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Consulate General of India Business Forum
The Consulate General of India is hosting a Business Forum to enable a high-level delegation of Indian businesses to meet with industry representatives from the Los Angeles region on Oct. 30. The business forum will explore avenues of cooperation between Indian and local U.S. companies. More than 20 companies will represent the finance, IT, energy and textile sectors from Gujarat, India. The delegation will be led by J.P. Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, a senior officer of the Government of India. Those interested in attending the event should email here.
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South Bay Economic Forecast
Chamber partner and Board member California State University Dominguez Hills is hosting the South Bay Economic Forecast on Oct. 26. The event will provide in-depth economic information and analysis on the South Bay region of Los Angeles County. You are invited to join the event to explore emerging industries, disruptive technologies, and game-changing trends, alongside top leaders from the business, education, civic, and government sectors. Secure your seat today.
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IRS Again Postpones Tax Deadline
The IRS postponed tax deadlines for most California taxpayers until Nov. 16. In the wake of last winter's natural disasters, the normal spring due dates had previously been postponed to Oct. 16. These delays apply to individuals interested in applying for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and file their taxes. Find more information from the IRS here.
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Department of Energy Awards California $1.2 Billion for Hydrogen Hub
President Joe Biden and the U.S. Department of Energy announced an award of $1.2 billion to California for a regional clean hydrogen hub this week. The award will benefit the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES). Chamber member SoCalGas is a part of this important clean energy system. Read more here.
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Disney Kicks Off Centennial Celebration
Disney commemorates its 100th anniversary with special activations, tie-ins, and moments that highlight what has made this company so special to so many over the last 100 years. The Walt Disney Company, 'Good Morning America,' and the Make-A-Wish Foundation are also working together to help make 100 wishes come true for children. The months-long celebration will highlight Disney's commitment to making children's dreams come true. Congratulations to Disney for celebrating 100 years.
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Congratulations to Our Newest Centennial Club Member
Congratulations to EY on joining the Chamber's Centennial Club. We are proud to celebrate your 100th year as a member of the L.A. Area Chamber. We appreciate your commitment to the Los Angeles region. Here's to many more.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Cybersecurity & Data Privacy
Tuesday, October 24, 2:00 p.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Register for our next Innovation and Technology Council meeting to hear from cyber professionals Kaileigh McCrea, Charlie Lewis, and Ryan Trost. Speakers will share their experiences and knowledge in the field of cybersecurity and data privacy.
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Pancakes & Politics: California State Controller Malia M. Cohen
Friday, October 27, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
The Accenture Pancakes & Politics Speaker Series features leaders in elected office, business, as well as city and state administration, who are influencing important policy issues impacting the Los Angeles region.
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Education Summit
Wednesday, November 8, 9:00 a.m.
Don't miss the Chamber's Education Summit. Hear from industry experts on the paradigm shift happening to create a stronger partnership between business and education. The event will feature thought leaders from Los Angeles Community College District, Loyola Marymount University, UC Merced, Otis College of Art and Design, Bank of America and more.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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