Voting guide, wages, state budget, and new business opportunities.
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Chamber Joins Transportation Coalition in Washington, D.C.
The Chamber joined Mobility21, the regional transportation coalition, in advocating for transportation investments across the Los Angeles region. The coalition met with Senator Alex Padilla and Senator Adam Schiff, speaking on the importance of investing in critical infrastructure. In meetings with members of Congress, the delegation highlighted the support needed to modernize transportation infrastructure as the region prepares to host the Olympics.
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PaliBu Chamber Hosts Fire Recovery Expo
The Chamber joined the Malibu-Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce at their PaliBu Fire Recovery Expo, a community-driven event supporting residents and businesses impacted by the Palisades fire. Made possible in part by a grant through the L.A. Area Chamber Foundation, the expo gave attendees access to business recovery resources and the opportunity to connect directly with architects, contractors, and government agencies. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration and a strong business community in helping the Palisades area recover and rebuild.
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L.A. Jobs PAC Endorses Candidates in Los Angeles
To date, the Chamber’s nonpartisan L.A. Jobs PAC has endorsed several candidates across the City and County of Los Angeles. The PAC has a robust process for reviewing candidates for endorsement. Several races were reviewed in collaboration with other Los Angeles-area business PACs — including CCA, BizFed, VICA, the Hollywood Chamber, and BOMA LA. Each organization completed its own endorsement process before joining in a unified announcement, supporting candidates committed to economic growth, job creation, and a strong business climate for Los Angeles. See our endorsed candidates here.
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Voting Centers for Primary Election Open This Weekend
California voters can begin casting ballots on Saturday, May 23, as vote centers open for the upcoming Primary Election. Key dates include May 30 for statewide early voting locations and June 2, Election Day. Voters mailing ballots on Election Day should request a hand-stamped USPS postmark to ensure timely submission. The Secretary of State’s Promote the Vote California initiative website offers helpful voter education tools, including Elections Video Resources and a quick explainer on mail ballot postmarks.
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City Council Passes Compromise Wage Increase for Hotel and Airport Workers
After negotiations, the Los Angeles City Council voted to approve a compromise measure increasing minimum wages for hotel and airport workers. The final wage schedule — slightly modified from the original proposal — sets a new minimum of $24.50 per hour starting this July, rising to $25.50 in 2027, $27.50 in 2028, $28.50 in 2029, and $30.00 by 2030, with automatic inflation adjustments annually thereafter. Health benefits will also be indexed to healthcare cost trends beginning in 2027. A provision that would have allowed workers to take cash instead of employer health benefits was removed from the final version. Please review the Chamber’s statement here.
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Governor Newsom Releases Revised State Budget
Governor Gavin Newsom last week unveiled his updated 2026–27 state budget, designed to close California's projected deficit through 2028 without major cuts to core services. The plan trims general spending by $1.8 billion while preserving funding for public schools, child care, higher education, healthcare, housing, public safety, clean energy, and small business programs. The state would maintain healthy financial reserves. Some programs would see reductions — notably certain immigrant healthcare services — but the overall plan aims to protect working families and vulnerable residents from deeper cuts.
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Final Call: World Trade Week Centennial Celebration
Join us on Wednesday, May 27, to celebrate 100 years of global trade! Secure your spot before registration closes tomorrow, May 22. Register here.
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FIFA World Cup 26 Organizers Host Stakeholder Meeting
The Chamber attended this week’s FIFA World Cup 26 stakeholder meeting, where organizers shared several new updates, including the launch of the new Fan Experience Guide, a centralized resource designed to help residents and visitors discover watch parties, fan activations, community events, and activities taking place throughout the 39-day tournament. Additional updates included expanded Metro shuttle access to matches, the release of tickets for 10 official fan zones across Los Angeles, and new FIFA branding installations throughout the region.
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LA28 Procurement Series: Focus on Transportation
Join us for the second installment of the LA28 Procurement Series. This virtual session will focus on transportation procurement opportunities, including planned purchasing categories, anticipated timelines, and insights to help businesses prepare and position themselves for upcoming contracts connected to LA28 and future major events in Los Angeles. Register here.
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Los Angeles Clippers Small Business Partner Program
Join the Los Angeles Clippers Small Business Partner Program with Eleven Sports Media and connect your brand with one of LA’s most exciting sports teams. Gain exposure through branding, networking, and unique activation opportunities designed to help local businesses grow, build community presence, and elevate visibility alongside Clippers basketball. Register here.
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Get in the Game: Small Business Opportunity Portal
Stay informed on the latest small business procurement opportunities designed to help you grow and compete. Receive timely updates, resources, and access to contracts that match your business needs. Don’t miss out on valuable opportunities. Sign up today to stay connected and ready for what’s next.
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Honoring Memorial Day
As we observe Memorial Day, the Chamber reflects on the lives of those who gave everything in service to our country. Their sacrifice continues to inspire our communities. We wish you and your families a safe and meaningful holiday.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Summer Social
Wednesday, June 3, 6:00 p.m.
Audio Graph Brewery
Join us for the kickoff of the Chamber’s Summer Social, a series of gatherings bringing together leaders from across Los Angeles. Enjoy an evening of meaningful connections and time to connect over food, drinks, and great conversations at a local brewery.
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