Port of Long Beach and LA Metro Welcomes Pete Buttigieg Secretary of Transportation
This week the Port of Long Beach and LA Metro hosted U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to celebrate investments from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recently announced that LA Metro will be receiving $77.5 million in Low or No Emission Grant Program funds from the FTA for the Los Angeles Metro Zero-Emission Bus and Charging Infrastructure Project. At the Port of Long Beach, Secretary Buttigieg was joined by federal, state, and local leaders at the historic groundbreaking of the Pier B Project, the centerpiece of the Port’s railroad system and a major investment into the American supply chains.
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Announcing CA Secretary of Transportation Omishakin as State of L.A. Business Keynote
The L.A. Area Chamber is hosting the State of L.A. Business on August 8 at California State University, Dominguez Hills. The conference will convene the region’s leading voices in business, policy and academia, to understand the essential infrastructure required to shape the future. We are pleased to announce Toks Omishakin, California Secretary of Transportation as our keynote speaker. As Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CALSTA), Omishakin has oversight of 8 State Departments, Boards and Commissions with a budget that exceeds $30 billion annually. With significant state investment in infrastructure, the event will focus on the opportunities for businesses. Register here.
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Chamber Joins UnidosUS Conference
Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas attended UnidosUS Conference, where national community, civic, and business leaders gathered for discussions on issues of importance to the Latino community. U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services Xavier Becerra and Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su provided keynote remarks. Briefings included sessions on the economy, housing, education and access to capital. Several Chamber members were on hand to share their programs and initiatives which help to foster economic growth in the Latino community.
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L.A. County Approves Tenant Right to Counsel Ordinance
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Tenant Right to Counsel Ordinance, which will provide free legal representation to eligible tenants facing eviction in unincorporated Los Angeles County beginning January 2025. The Chamber urged Supervisors to include an amendment requiring annual reporting to inform of strategic planning and how funding will be effectively allocated. The county estimates it will cost $24.5 million to launch the program which will be funded using federal pandemic relief funds.
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Commission Releases Report on California Retail Theft
The Little Hoover Commission has released its report on retail theft in California, which noted an increase in occurrences since 2019, but remains at roughly the same level it was during the 2010s, and lower than in earlier decades. Any increase in retail theft has real-world impacts on businesses, consumers and others, and can be underreported which is extremely difficult to measure. The report recommends that the California Department of Justice collect detailed data to better understand the complexities involved in the causes and effects of retail crime to develop evidence-based solutions. Read the full report.
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President Biden Signs Pro-Nuclear ADVANCE Act
President Joe Biden signed legislation which aims to deploy advanced nuclear reactors more quickly, to encourage companies feverishly working to carve out a larger niche for nuclear technology as a zero-carbon source of electricity. The ADVANCE Act, aims to further streamline permitting for new reactor designs, give the Nuclear Regulatory Commission more resources, and promote deployment across the globe.
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Port of Los Angeles Awarded $8 Million
The Port of Los Angeles’ Port Optimizer™ technology data portal will receive a series of enhancements, funded by an $8 million grant from the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). The grant will enable interoperability with the Port of Long Beach allowing bay-wide coverage for a new universal truck appointment system that will improve the ease of identifying, moving and managing containers across the entire San Pedro Bay port complex. Learn more here.
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Navigating RAMP: A Guide to the Regional Alliance Marketplace for Procurement
RAMP (Regional Alliance Marketplace for Procurement) is a one-stop hub for small businesses to efficiently find and pursue contracting opportunities across Southern California. Sign-up for a free monthly webinar to discover how to become certified, locate opportunities that align with your business capabilities and gain insights on how to apply. Register today and review our FAQs in advance of the webinar.
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Empower Your Community with Spark Good Local Grants
Walmart's Spark Good Local Grants program is here to empower the small business community by providing essential funding for local initiatives. These grants support nonprofit organizations and local government agencies working to create positive change in their communities. Whether it’s education, hunger relief, health and wellness, or other vital services, Spark Good Local Grants can help bring your project to life. Take advantage of this opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. Learn more about the program guidelines and apply today.
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Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Community Wellness Fair
Children's Hospital Los Angeles is holding their Community Wellness Fair on August 3. The event will feature interactive family-friendly activities, wellness information and resources, fresh produce, school supply distribution, and more! Learn more here.
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Los Angeles Business Council Sustainability Summit
The Los Angeles Business Council is holding its 18th Annual Sustainability Summit on September 6 at the University of Southern California (USC). This year’s summit will focus on local, state, and federal clean energy goals and development, advancing clean transportation and managing water resources. Learn more and register here.
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Excel Healthcare Innovation Panel Discussion
Excel Healthcare Plans is hosting an informative panel discussion about the trends from employers in using direct primary care, Al's influence in healthcare, and how payments are moving to bundles. Register today to learn how the most innovative employers are lowering healthcare costs and using richer benefits to support their employees.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Pancakes & Politics
Wednesday, July 24, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Don't miss the next Pancakes & Politics, featuring Traci Park, Los Angeles City Councilmember for District 11.
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Travel, Tourism & Sports Council
Wednesday, July 24, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the Travel, Tourism, and Sports Policy Council for an engaging conversation with guest speaker Matt Szabo, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Los Angeles, who will share information about the L.A. Convention Center Expansion Project.
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State of L.A. Business
Thursday, August 8, 8:30 a.m.
COMMUNITY EVENT
Join us at the State of L.A. Business to explore how businesses and infrastructure collaborate to drive growth in the L.A. region. The program will address business needs and the essential infrastructure required to shape the future.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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