Miguel Santana Highlights Recovery Efforts and Department of Angels
Miguel A. Santana, President & CEO of the California Community Foundation (CCF) was the featured speaker at the L.A. Area Chamber’s Pancakes & Politics speaker series this week. The CCF Wildfire Recovery Fund has been a vital resource for disaster relief, and has raised $75 million from 40,000 donors to support those affected by the January 2025 wildfires. Mr. Santana also highlighted The Department of Angels, a new initiative launched with Snap Inc. CEO Evan Spiegel to provide staffing and resources for communities to guide their own recovery from the Eaton and Palisades wildfires.
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California Policy Lab Hosts Inaugural Homeless Prevention Conference
The California Policy Lab at UCLA generates research insights for government impact and has been working with the regional homeless initiative, known as the Leadership Table. The policy lab held its inaugural Homeless Prevention Conference this week, and brought together leading researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to explore the growing evidence base solutions for homelessness prevention. Topics included exploring ways to innovate around prevention in Los Angeles, the role of philanthropic efforts, and a discussion on lessons learned from cities like Chicago and New York. The Chamber is part of the Leadership Table and continues to engage with this regional homeless initiative.
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California Lawmakers Introduce 2,350 Bills
The deadline for bill introductions in the California Legislature was Friday, February 21. In the first year under the new 35-bill limit per Assembly Member and Senator for the two-year session, a total of 2,350 bills were introduced—1,500 in the Assembly and 850 in the Senate. Of these, 390 are spot bills and 481 are intent bills, totaling 871 placeholder bills, which make up 37% of all introductions. The Chamber is analyzing priority legislation, including bills focused on Los Angeles disaster recovery.
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Governor Announces $245 Million Blueprint for Economic Growth
Chamber President and CEO Maria S. Salinas joined Governor Gavin Newsom, L.A. County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, California Labor & Workforce Development Agency Secretary Stewart Knox, and GO-Biz Director Dee Dee Myers at East Los Angeles College to announce a statewide economic growth plan, which includes $245 million for job creation, L.A.’s wildfire recovery, workforce development and a first-in-the-nation digital platform designed to help Californians shape the future of the state. Learn more here.
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SCAQMD Issues Draft Port Regulation
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has released the draft rule language and presentation for Proposed Rule 2304 – Commercial Marine Ports, also known as the Port ISR. The Chamber continues to oppose the adoption of the Port ISR and advocates for a collaborative approach to develop a comprehensive plan for permitting and building the necessary infrastructure to deploy zero-emission equipment at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
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Port of Long Beach Sets January Records
The Port of Long Beach reported its busiest January ever, handling 952,733 TEUs—an impressive 41.4% increase from last year—driven by retailers shipping ahead of potential tariff hikes. Imports surged 45%, exports rose 14%, and empty containers climbed 45.9%. This marks the Port’s eighth consecutive month of year-over-year cargo growth. Read more here.
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L.A. Region Small Business and Worker Relief Fund - Deadline March 2
Small businesses impacted by the January wildfires and other challenges should apply for the L.A. Region Small Business and Worker Relief Fund by March 2. Grants ranging from $2,000 to $25,000 are available for eligible businesses with annual revenues of up to $6 million and fewer than 100 employees. Apply today.
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FEMA Financial Assistance and SBA Loans - Deadline March 10
If you’ve experienced property damage due to recent disasters, there’s still time to apply for FEMA financial assistance and SBA loans for physical damage. FEMA offers grants to cover essential repairs, while the Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest loans to help rebuild and restore damaged property. Submit your application by March 10.
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Disaster Debris Removal Contract Applications -– Now Open
Contractors are invited to apply for Disaster Debris Removal Contracts with the State of California and Los Angeles County. These contracts are vital to recovery efforts, offering essential debris removal services in areas affected by recent disasters. Qualified businesses are encouraged to submit proposals to help restore impacted communities. Learn more and apply before the deadline at CalRecycle and County of Los Angeles.
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Para Los Niños Celebrates 45 Years with Annual Benefit Gala
Para Los Niños serves Los Angeles' most vulnerable children and families, with education at the heart of their mission. The upcoming gala will celebrate the organization’s 45-year legacy, honoring the achievements of the children, youth, and families it supports, as well as the individuals who have helped foster their transformative journeys. Learn more and register for the gala here.
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Celebrating Black History Month:
Stephanie Wiggins, Metro
Before rejoining Metro as CEO in June 2021, Stephanie Wiggins served as CEO of Metrolink for two and a half years, becoming the first woman and first African American to lead the 28-year-old organization. Stephanie is the founding president of the Inland Empire Chapter of Women’s Transportation Seminar and has received numerous accolades, including the 2020 National League of Railway Women’s - Woman of the Year Award. She also serves on the L.A. Area Chamber's Board of Governors.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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ACCESS D.C.
March 11 - 13, 2025
There's still time to join the L.A. Area Chamber delegation trip to Washington, D.C., to promote policies that drive job creation and cultivate a thriving regional economy.
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World Trade Week
Thursday, May 1, 8:00 a.m.
Join us for the 99th World Trade Week: A New Horizon - Reimagining Trade with Innovation. World Trade Week has been dedicated to educating the public about the vital role and benefits of global trade in local, state, and national economies.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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