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Meet Local Policymakers at ACCESS L.A.
Join the Chamber on Sept. 12 for ACCESS L.A. This special advocacy event will allow you to actively engage in meetings and a networking reception in Downtown L.A. with business and elected leaders. This is an opportunity to ensure your voice is heard and effectively help address key regional challenges and shape local policy. Register here. |
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Committee Meets on L.A. Charter Reform
The Ad Hoc Committee on City Governance Reform met this week to discuss the Chief Legislative Analyst’s (CLA) report on Independent Redistricting Charter Reform and the expansion of the City Council. The CLA’s report looked at the three organizations who presented recommendations to the committee earlier this month. They included reports from the L.A. Governance Reform Project, Common Cause, and OurLA. The committee discussed all recommendations presented. The CLA will have another report for the Sept. 18 committee meeting. |
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L.A. City Council Allocates ULA Funds
The L.A. City Council passed a $150-million spending plan for funds raised from Measure ULA this week. The money will be directed to six programs, including short-term emergency rental assistance, eviction defense, tenant outreach and education, direct cash assistance for low-income seniors and people with disabilities, tenant protections, and affordable housing production. This is the first money allocated as a part of the new "Mansion Tax, which passed in November 2022. Since April, the tax has raised $55 million. The measure is currently facing a legal challenge and a state ballot measure on the 2024 ballot. |
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Chamber Delivers New Coalition Letter Opposing AB 7
The Chamber delivered a new coalition letter to oppose Assembly Bill 7, authored by Assemblymember Laura Friedman. The bill was sent to the Suspense File earlier this week and is planned to receive a vote today. AB 7 would create more implementation criteria for transportation projects funded by specified local, state, and federal sources. |
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| POLICY & ADVOCACY |
Senate Begins Pro Tem Transition
Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins announced she was stepping down earlier this week. The Senate Democratic Caucus determined Senator Mike McGuire will be the new Pro Tem Designee. Senate Pro Tem Atkins has been in her role since 2018 when she made national headlines as the first woman and first openly gay Senate President Pro Tempore in California history. The Senate Pro Tem designee is from Healdsburg in the North Coast area. |
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2024 Homelessness Ballot Measures
The Chamber is closely monitoring two bills which may inform potential 2024 local ballot measures. Assembly Bill 1607, authored by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, would authorize the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA) to place funding measures on the ballot in the County of Los Angeles to raise and allocate funds to increase the supply of affordable housing. Assembly Bill 1679, authored by Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, would allow the County of Los Angeles to impose a sales tax up to 0.5% over the usual 2% limit to address and prevent homelessness. Both bills are set to be heard today on the Senate floor. |
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| GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT |
Thank You Letter From Assistant Secretary of Commerce
The Chamber was recently recognized by Arun Venkataraman, Assistant Secretary of Commerce, for our unwavering commitment to promoting the Commerce Department's export programs within the underserved communities of the Los Angeles region. These programs are vital to ensuring all businesses can compete globally. This commendation acknowledges our role in fostering stronger U.S. businesses, advancing environmental sustainability, and driving economic growth and job opportunities through strategic trade promotion. Read the letter here. |
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Export-Import Bank’s Annual Conference
The Export-Import Bank's 2023 Annual Conference is coming to Washington, D.C. The event, themed "Create Locally, Export Globally," will highlight the Make More in America Initiative and the importance of supporting U.S. manufacturing, supply chains, and American jobs. The conference brings together business and government leaders from around the globe for networking and education on trade financing tools. Register here and use code "LAChamber2023" for an additional 10% discount on early bird registration. |
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| COMMUNITY COLLABORATION |
Save Our Water
Let's take the lead in saving our water resources and inspire others to do the same. Together, we can create a thriving environmental stewardship. Save our water for a greener and more sustainable future. For more info, visit here. |
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Be Prepared With Earthquake Warnings
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is encouraging Californians to take the time to update their emergency plan, share any emergency preparedness lists with friends and family, and download free resources like the MyShake App. Many things in life may catch us off guard, but earthquakes don’t have to be one of them. For more information, visit here. |
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| CHAMBER BUSINESS NEWS |
Mayor Bass Announces LADOT GM Appointment
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass appointed Laura Rubio-Cornejo as the new General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) this week. Rubio-Cornejo brings over 20 years of municipal, regional and state transportation experience. She currently serves as the City of Pasadena’s Director of Transportation and previously held senior roles at LA Metro. Rubio-Cornejo will focus on making Los Angeles neighborhoods safer, more accessible and more livable. The City Council must approve Rubio-Cornejo's appointment. Read the Mayor's release here. |
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Port of Long Beach Exceeds Small Business Enterprise Goals
The Port of Long Beach again boosted small business contractor and vendor goals for the past fiscal year. The Port's Small Business Enterprise program allocated 48.9% of funds to buy services and materials, up from 40.8% in 2021. The Port's goal is 27% participation from “small business enterprises” and “very small business enterprises," but they have eclipsed their goal every year since 2018. Your small business can learn more about doing business with the Port here. Read the release here. |
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| MEMBER SPOTLIGHT |
Chamber Recognizes Newest Centennial Member, Millennium Biltmore Hotel
Congratulations to Millennium Biltmore Hotel for 100 years of Chamber membership. We thank you for your long-standing commitment to the Los Angeles business community. Being a Chamber member for a century speaks volumes about the hotel’s dedication to the growth and prosperity of our region. The Millennium Biltmore Hotel joins 19 other companies who are a part of the Chamber's centennial club. |
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New Member
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Member Anniversaries
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| COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS |
Advancing Career Outcomes for Students
Monday, September 11, 11:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the Education & Workforce Development Council (EWD) for a special session on how public-private partnerships can advance career outcomes for students. The EWD co-chairs will interview LAUSD Bond Oversight member Scott Pansky, who has an extensive record of generating and supporting innovative multisector pilots and sponsorships to support students with workforce development. Tune in for the latest legislative updates as well.
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Speed Networking Breakfast
Tuesday, September 19, 8:00 a.m.
COMMUNITY EVENT
Join us for an exciting speed networking breakfast to make valuable connections before your business day begins. You will meet and connect with professionals from various industries to build mutually beneficial relationships in a fast-paced, fun environment. Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your network and take your business to the next level!
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| VIEW FULL CALENDAR |
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017 |
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