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L.A. BUSINESS THIS WEEK

October 17, 2025

Mayor Bass Marks 1,000-Day Countdown to LA28 with Executive Directive

Last Friday, Mayor Karen Bass marked the 1,000-day countdown to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games with a special celebration at Venice Beach, where she signed an Executive Directive to streamline processes related to the delivery of the Games. Venice Beach is slated to host several competitions during LA28, including the triathlon. Councilmember Traci Park joined the celebration and highlighted that the first medals of the Games will be awarded in Venice Beach. The Chamber issued the following statement.

 

Chamber Supports Small Businesses at LA Procurement Summit

The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce served as a resource partner at the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Procurement Summit at the Los Angeles Convention Center, hosted by the Mayor’s Office of Business & Economic Development. Our team connected local suppliers with training, matchmaking, and technical assistance to help them compete for contracts tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games. We’re proud to support the City of Los Angeles in creating opportunities for small businesses across the region.

 

Education & Workforce Council Focuses on Youth Diversion and Age-Inclusive Employment

This week, the Education & Workforce Development Policy Council welcomed David Carroll, Director of the LA County Department of Youth Development, who shared insights on the County’s youth diversion programs and talent pipeline initiatives. He highlighted ways business partners can support pathways connecting young people to career opportunities. The council also received an update from Sophia Jimenez on the AdvantAGE LA implementation plan through the City of Los Angeles Workforce Development Board, emphasizing strategies to expand workforce access for older adults and foster a more age-inclusive regional economy.

 

CalChamber Files Ballot Initiative to Streamline CEQA

This week, the California Chamber of Commerce filed the "Building an Affordable California" ballot initiative, aimed at modernizing the 55-year-old California Environmental Quality Act, which governs the environmental review of the state’s essential infrastructure projects. The measure would establish deadlines for local and state agencies to evaluate projects and gather public feedback, while continuing to protect the environment. CalChamber plans to lead a coalition of business leaders from the clean energy, housing, and transportation sectors to qualify the initiative for next fall’s statewide ballot. Read CalChamber’s official statement here.

 

POLICY & ADVOCACY

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Chamber Backs LA City Council Initiative to Combat Metal and Wire Theft

This week, the Los Angeles City Council approved a Wire and Metal Theft Rewards Program. The program offers residents $1,000–$5,000 for tips that lead to the identification, apprehension, and conviction of individuals responsible for theft from city property. Metal and wire theft has been a persistent issue at both the city and state levels, resulting in costly damage to utilities and telecommunications infrastructure and causing significant repair delays. The Chamber supported the motion and provided public comment.

GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

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Port of Long Beach Sees September Cargo Dip

Cargo volumes at the Port of Long Beach fell 3.9% in September amid rising prices and shifting trade policies. Imports declined 6.9%, exports fell 3.6%, and empty containers rose slightly. Despite the dip, the Port recorded its second-busiest quarter ever. Officials expect stable volumes in October, with a modest decline in November due to weather and vessel scheduling. Learn more here.

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION

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Ready to Grow Your Business? Join the Procurement Fair!

Register now for the Get in the Game Procurement Fair on November 6! This is your chance to connect with buyers, network with suppliers, and explore valuable contracting opportunities. Gain insights from industry experts during engaging panel sessions and discover strategies to help your business grow. Reminder: Supplier matchmaking participants are required to attend one Zoom training between October 20–29 at 6:00 p.m. Register for the training here.

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LA28 Procurement Series: Food and Beverage

Join LA28’s Procurement Series for a Food & Beverage “sneak peek.” Inviting all small business ecosystem providers to preview an early-2026 Procurement Plan for the 2028 Games, outline purchases and timelines, and gather input to share industry-specific updates post-release. Virtual event: November 5 at 11:00 a.m. Register here. For questions, please email here.

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LA DEO: Fire Recovery & Resilience Workforce Program

The Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program offers hiring and training support for workers affected by the January 2025 windstorms and wildfires. In partnership with DEO and America’s Job Centers of California, the program helps impacted individuals gain financial stability, explore new career pathways, and participate in rebuilding fire-affected communities. Complete the interest form to learn more here.

CHAMBER BUSINESS NEWS

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Connect, Influence, and Grow with the Chamber

Explore the Chamber’s interactive Membership Directory—your gateway to 1,000+ businesses shaping L.A.’s future. Now’s the time to build strategic connections, influence smart policy, and grow your impact. Discover trusted partners, celebrate member achievements, and join our shared vision: A Thriving Region for All. Learn more and become a member today.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

 

New Member

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Member Anniversaries

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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS

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Global Initiatives Council
Tuesday, October 28, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER-ONLY EVENT

Join the Global Initiatives Council for Insights in Navigating Uncertain Waters: Trade, Tariffs, and California Business, with our guests, Sharmistha Das, Partner at Crowell & Moring LLP, Former Deputy Chief of Staff and Deputy General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Vince Iacopella, Executive Vice President of Growth and Strategy at ALBA Wheels Up International Inc.

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Tourism, Entertainment, & Sports Policy Council
Wednesday, October 29, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER-ONLY EVENT

Please join the upcoming Tourism, Entertainment and Sports council meeting for a special session on legislative updates impacting the business community.

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Pancakes & Politics
Thursday, October 30, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER-ONLY EVENT

Don't miss the L.A. Area Chamber Pancakes & Politics Speaker Series featuring the Hon. Monica Rodriguez, Los Angeles City Councilmember, District 7, hosted at the City Club Los Angeles.

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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017

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