Mayor Bass Highlights Unity, Recovery Efforts in State of the City Address
Earlier this week, Mayor Karen Bass delivered her State of the City speech, placing emphasis on uniting Los Angeles to welcome global sporting events and addressing her progress on wildfire recovery and homelessness. In her speech, Mayor Bass announced that she will travel to Sacramento next week with Councilmember Traci Park alongside residents of the Pacific Palisades to collectively ask the Governor and legislature for additional resources and support.
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City Hall Mulls Set of Tax Increases
The Chamber is following a concerning push in Los Angeles City Hall for a raft of proposed new taxes in a misguided effort to address recurring deficits, rising costs, and service demands. The Council is considering whether to place measures on the June or November ballot that would have voters decide whether to impose increases in hotel occupancy, parking occupancy, and cannabis taxes. The City will also study whether to add taxes on food delivery, vacancy, rideshare services, and major events. We urge members to share their perspectives on these proposals with our policy team.
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Chamber and LA28 Expand Access to Olympic Contracting Opportunities
The LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce are working continuously to expand small business access to Games-related opportunities. Together, we keep the community informed, clarify how contracting works, and reduce barriers so more local and diverse firms can compete. Competitive opportunities are posted only on RAMPLA.org, while Chamber partners help strengthen the supplier pipeline and readiness through outreach, guidance, and certification support.
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U.S. Bank Grantees Discuss Wildfire Recovery Efforts
US Bank gathered ten grantees who had supported fire relief victims with housing or small business grants. The Chamber, a grantee, participated in the forum at Pasadena Community College. Executives from U.S. Bank were on hand to hear the stories of the impact and outcomes. It was a moment to deepen discussion on the state of recovery for small businesses, the capital that is still needed, and the outlook for year 2 of the recovery journey. The Chamber is grateful for U.S. Bank’s support of the Small Business Disaster Recovery Grant program.
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Chamber Supports National Science Foundation Funding
The Chamber joined a coalition letter to sustain funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF), advocating for continued investments in foundational research and opposing cuts to federal research programs. On January 23, 2026, NSF was among the few federal agencies whose annual funding was enacted. Instead of the 56% reduction proposed in the President’s FY 2026 budget request, NSF received $8.75 billion, a 3% decrease from the previous year, helping preserve research funding that supports the nation’s global scientific competitiveness and the development of a skilled workforce in higher education. View the full coalition letter here.
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Chamber Comments at City Hall Regarding Proposed Cashless Retail Ban
On Wednesday, the Chamber provided public comment at City Hall regarding a proposed ban on cashless retail. Many businesses adopted cashless systems in response to Department of Public Health guidance during COVID, and requiring them to reverse course would undermine those investments. The Chamber emphasized that cashless systems could reduce theft, improve operational efficiency, and enhance public safety, particularly in high-crime or high-volume environments. The Chamber urged the Council to work collaboratively with the business community to advance solutions that promote inclusion without compromising public safety or economic vitality.
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Legal Uncertainty Around Tariffs Is Freezing Business Decisions
This week, businesses are closely watching a pending U.S. Supreme Court case that could reshape or invalidate parts of the tariff regime. Many companies are delaying shipments, hiring, and long-term contracts until there’s clarity, while some firms are preparing claims for potential tariff refunds. When companies “wait and see,” our ports feel it first as they see sudden swings in cargo volume and short-term slowdowns followed by abrupt surges.
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Get in the Game: Rethinking Age at Work Virtual Workshop
Join us for the Rethinking Age at Work virtual workshop with AARP on February 11 at 10:00 a.m. This free training helps small businesses address talent shortages by understanding workforce demographics, reducing age bias, and learning practical strategies to recruit, retain, and support experienced workers, strengthening intergenerational teams, improving retention, and staying competitive in today’s labor market. Register here.
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NBA All-Star Weekend: Pitch Competition Finals
We are one week away from the NBA Foundation’s All-Star Pitch Competition Finals! Join us at the Kia Forum on February 12th for a special celebration of community and innovation, where 7 LA-based entrepreneurs will put their visions in the spotlight with $200k in total cash prizes up for grabs. Tickets are FREE here.
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Businesses Invited to Join LA County’s Sidewalk Vending Cart Program
LA County small businesses and aspiring vendors are invited to join the Sidewalk Vending Cart Program. Get support to start or grow your street vending business, including guidance on permits, equipment, and compliance. This program helps vendors operate legally, safely, and confidently while expanding income opportunities across local neighborhoods. Sign up today to get started with county support here.
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2026 Tournament of Roses Foundation Grants Open
Pasadena-area nonprofits can now apply for 2026 grants through February 20. Funding tiers range from $10,000 to $35,000 for programs in arts, education, and recreation across 11 San Gabriel Valley communities. Eligible 501(c)(3)s can begin the application process on the Tournament of Roses Foundation website, with awards announced in April. Learn more here.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Joint: Tourism, Entertainment & Sports/Energy, Water & Environmental Sustainability Policy Councils
Thursday, February 11, 2:00 p.m.
MEMBER-ONLY EVENT
Join us for a joint Council meeting on legislative updates impacting global sporting events coming to the region.
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Pancakes & Politics
Thursday, February 19, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER-ONLY EVENT
Join the L.A. Area Chamber for our next Pancakes & Politics Speaker Series, where we will discuss FIFA World Cup 2026 Activations with L.A. Tourism CEO Adam Burke and City of Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Dilpreet Sidhu.
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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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