Mayor Bass Releases Budget Proposal
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released her 2024-2025 fiscal year budget proposal, outlining investments to continue addressing homelessness, public safety and government operations. Budget highlights include $950 million allocated to reducing the city's homeless population; maintaining current investment levels to recruit and retain LAPD officers; and continued prioritization of addressing climate change, which includes transportation electrification, water recycling and treatment. The Chamber commends Mayor Bass on a thoughtful and balanced approach. Read our full statement here. Watch the mayor's press conference here, or read the budget summary here.
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Fifth District Supervisor Barger Speaks with Chamber
The Chamber welcomed L.A. County Supervisor, Fifth District, Kathryn Barger to Accenture Pancakes & Politics this week. Supervisor Barger shared comments on public safety and its impact to residents of the county. Members were able to engage Supervisor Barger on several topics, including homelessness, adding more support for mental health services in addition to prioritizing safety and resources on L.A. Metro lines, particularly as the region prepares for global events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games.
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Los Angeles Convention Center Investment Supports Regional Growth
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce is continuing to advocate for the Los Angeles Convention Center Renovation and Expansion Project P3 Agreement, which would expand and modernize the facility. This venue is in dire need of modernization, standing in stark contrast to the rapidly-developing neighborhood surrounding L.A. Live. The agreement provides the city a unique opportunity to invest in long term regional economic development and growth, but the Los Angeles City Council must move quickly to ensure renovations can conclude before the 2028 Olympics. The window of opportunity is swiftly closing, and action must be taken now. The Chamber will continue to advocate for this project and inform its membership on any and all developments.
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GLAAACC Celebrates 30 Years of Regional Impact
Congratulations to the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC), on 30 years of impact in the region. The organization recently held its annual Economic Awards Dinner at L.A. Live. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass served as the event's keynote speaker, sharing remarks about her administration's plans to combat housing affordability and homelessness. L.A. Area Chamber President and CEO, Maria S. Salinas, was in attendance along with several Chamber Board members and partners. GLAAACC’s annual Economic Awards Dinner acknowledges individuals and companies for their commitment to advocating for the small business enterprise in the Los Angeles region.
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Chamber Reviews Upcoming Ballot Measures
The Government & Fiscal Affairs Policy Council hosted the first in a series of meetings to review and discuss statewide ballot measures ahead of the November general election. The session centered on two housing-related ballot measures with initiatives to 1) repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act and otherwise prohibit state limitations on local rent control (Justice for Renters Act), and 2) repeal Article 34 of the California Constitution, which requires development, construction, or acquisition of publicly funded low-rent housing projects to be approved by a majority of voters in a city or county (SCA 2). The Chamber will continue to monitor these ballot initiatives.
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Chamber Discusses Transportation Funding
This week, members of the Chamber's Transportation and Goods Movement Policy Council heard from Kiana Valentine, Executive Director for Transportation California, on the possibility of finding a sustainable replacement to the gas tax. The thoughtful conversation also shared the state's transportation funding outlook, the California Road Charge Program and other policy considerations. The session also discussed the importance of convening stakeholders and prioritizing public education to encourage greater innovation to address transportation funding models.
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World Trade Week U.S. Trade and Development Agency Speaker Announcement
The L.A. Area Chamber's Southern California's World Trade Week is the most extensive and unique program of its kind in the country, and it is only 1 week away. Join us on May 1 at the Westin Long Beach for our 98th World Trade Week celebration. We are excited to hear from U.S. Trade and Development Agency Director, Enoh T. Ebong. Space is limited - register today!
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Doing Business With: Caltrans
Join us for "Doing Business With" featuring a special guest from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) on May 2. This informative session will cover a variety of topics, including insights on how to do business with Caltrans and prepare for contract opportunities. Don't miss the chance to gain valuable knowledge and engage directly with experts. Reserve your spot!
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LAUSD Contractor Forum
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) invites contractors of all sizes to attend the May Day Industry Forum on May 1 at 9:00 a.m. Discover new bidding opportunities, learn about the pre-qualification process, network with fellow contractors, and find out how to increase bidder participation. This is also your chance to join their pool of qualified contractors. RSVP by April 26th.
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Yard Transformation Rebates
Discover how you can receive rebates for making water-efficient upgrades to your outdoor spaces. Learn about the qualifying improvements many California residents are eligible for through their local public water agency. Visit SaveOurWater.com today for more details and to apply for rebates.
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Chamber Welcomes San Jose Chamber for Study Mission
The San Jose Chamber of Commerce spent the week in Los Angeles on a Study Mission to learn about various industries. San Jose Chamber Board chair Nicholas Adams and President & CEO Leah Toeniskoetter visited the L.A. Area Chamber for a briefing with President & CEO Maria S. Salinas. The week’s events included a conversation between Mayor Karen Bass and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.
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Celebrating Armenian-American History & Heritage Month
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates Armenian-American History & Heritage Month along with the contributions and achievements of Armenian-Americans to our region.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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World Trade Week Southern California Kickoff Conference
Wednesday, May 1, 8:00 a.m.
Westin Hotel in Long Beach
The 98th World Trade Week is fast approaching. Join us for an engaging discussion about the significant influence of global trade in driving the regional economy. The event will feature a Keynote Fireside Chat with California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and a panel discussion on Shaping the Future Together: An Outlook on Global Trade and the Path to Get Us There.
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Energy, Water, & Environmental Sustainability Council
Wednesday, May 8, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join us to learn more about the burgeoning hydrogen economy in the Los Angeles region. The meeting will feature a panel discussion with professionals from Air Products, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Port of Long Beach, and Southern California Gas Company. They'll highlight local projects, opportunities and challenges, ARCHES participation, and the Clean Ports Program.
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Pancakes & Politics
Thursday, May 16, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join us for the next installment of the Accenture Pancakes & Politics on Thursday, May 16, featuring L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath (3rd District). Pancakes & Politics provides Chamber members with opportunities to network with business leaders and elected offices who influence policy issues important to the Los Angeles region.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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