Proposition 50 Passes as Cost-of-Living Concerns Shape Election Outcomes Nationwide
Tuesday’s special election delivered a decisive victory for supporters of Proposition 50, which will temporarily redraw California’s congressional maps in response to the President’s unprecedented efforts to alter district boundaries ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. As the federal shutdown persists, Democrats secured double-digit wins in key gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, as well as several legislative and judicial contests. The cost of living emerged as a dominant issue across the ballot, with voters expressing concern over the ongoing housing crisis, rising healthcare expenses, and tariffs that continue to act as taxes on consumers and businesses, a trend that shows no sign of easing soon.
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Chamber Co-Hosts California-Mexico Business Forum
In partnership with AEM (Asociación de Empresarios Mexicanos) and the Consul General of Mexico, Amb. Carlos González Gutiérrez, the Chamber hosted the California–Mexico Business Forum. Leaders and experts from both sides of the border convened for a bi-national dialogue on trade, workforce development, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. Mayor Karen Bass opened the forum with welcoming remarks, and Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas led a conversation on bi-national leadership and emerging opportunities for collaboration.
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Chamber Hosts Second 2025 Procurement Fair, Connecting Local Businesses with Major Buyers
The Chamber hosted its second Procurement Fair of 2025 on November 6 at The Proud Bird in Los Angeles, connecting small and local businesses with public and private buyers supporting regional infrastructure and major global events. Attendees were encouraged to “Get in the Game” through workshops, panels, and one-on-one sessions covering supplier diversity, certification, and navigating procurement processes. Matchmaking sessions offered direct access to key decision-makers. Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor U.S. Bank, Gold Sponsor ADP, and Bronze Sponsors Comerica, Black & Veatch, LADWP, DGS, and Boston Consulting Group.
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Southern California Edison Announces Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program
Southern California Edison announced the launch of its Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program, an initiative designed to provide expedited financial relief to victims of the Eaton Fire. The program offers a voluntary claims process to ensure that eligible individuals and businesses receive payments quickly and fairly, which will help the community recover and rebuild more efficiently. Compensation will be available for total or partial structure loss, commercial property damage, business interruption, smoke and ash impacts, physical injury, and fatalities. For more information, visit the program website here.
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Chamber Advocates for Strong U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Ties
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce joined a coalition of business and advocacy organizations to reaffirm support for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), emphasizing its role in strengthening economic ties with Canada and Mexico. Supporting more than 13 million American jobs and reducing trade barriers for the majority of U.S. exports, the USMCA is set to be renewed in the coming year. The Chamber will continue to monitor its progress and advocate for preserving the substantial economic benefits the agreement provides.
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Energy, Water & Environmental Council Explores Port Collaboration on Sustainability
This week, the L.A. Area Chamber’s Energy, Water, and Environmental Sustainability (EWE) Policy Council hosted Thomas Jelenic, Vice President of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA), and Lisa Wunder, Director of Environmental Management at the Port of Los Angeles (POLA). They discussed the Cooperative Agreement reached between the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and the Ports, which establishes a framework for developing Zero Emission infrastructure, ensures enforceability, and temporarily suspends the Indirect Source Rule (ISR) for five years. The Chamber supports the Cooperative Agreement, encouraging stronger collaboration among all parties involved.
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U.S. Lowers Chinese Tariffs, Continues Reciprocal Suspension Through 2026
The U.S. will cut tariffs on Chinese imports by 10 percentage points starting November 10 and will continue the suspension of heightened reciprocal tariffs through November 10, 2026. While a formal agreement is reportedly forthcoming, the White House has released a Fact Sheet outlining the negotiated actions. The measures aim to ease trade tensions while maintaining efforts to combat fentanyl flows. Learn more here.
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Chamber Joins Delegation to the United Arab Emirates
President & CEO Maria S. Salinas joined a delegation to the United Arab Emirates, visiting Abu Dhabi and Dubai, two cities at the forefront of innovation and global collaboration. Since its founding in 1971, the UAE has rapidly diversified its economy and made significant investments in education, health care, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence. Meetings with government and business leaders underscored the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding in strengthening international partnerships. Experiencing the UAE’s commitment to innovation and its vision for the future offered valuable insights into how global cooperation fuels opportunity both at home and abroad. The delegation was hosted by the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C.
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LA DEO: Immigration Resources for L.A. County Businesses and Workers
Discover free resources for immigrant-owned and immigrant-serving businesses from the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity and the Office of Immigrant Affairs, including legal assistance, workplace-rights guidance, the Small Business Resiliency Fund, and one-on-one advising. Visit here or call 844-777-2059 to learn how your business can access support, recover from disruption, and thrive in L.A. County.
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PACE Small Business Grant Program (District 1)
Apply now for the PACE Business Development Center Small Business Grant. Eligible businesses in unincorporated areas of LA County’s 1st District can receive $5,000 or $10,000 to support payroll, rent, working capital, or inventory. The grant is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant, administered under Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. Learn more and apply here.
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CalOSBA: CA Small Business Community Tools and Training
Learn how to confidently manage employees in California with CalOSBA’s free Labor & Employment Training series. Small business owners can access easy-to-understand webinars on hiring, wage and hour rules, payroll, classifications, leave laws, workplace safety, and more. Strengthen your HR knowledge and stay compliant as your business grows. Explore sessions and register here.
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Join Top Regional Leaders at the Chamber's Business & Education Innovation Summit
Discover strategies to align education with workforce needs and drive growth in key industries. Connect with decision-makers shaping the future of education and business. Don’t miss this opportunity to influence programs and policies that prepare tomorrow’s workforce. Register today to secure your spot!
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Congratulations to the Los Angeles Dodgers on World Series Win
The Chamber congratulates its member, the Los Angeles Dodgers, on winning the 2025 World Series championship! After a season marked by dedication, teamwork, and resilience, the Dodgers brought home the title, adding another remarkable chapter to the team’s storied history. They exemplify the spirit of excellence, perseverance, and community engagement that we champion across Los Angeles. This achievement is not only a win for the team but also a moment of pride for the entire city.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Innovation and Technology Policy Council
Wednesday, November 12, 2:00 p.m.
MEMBER-ONLY EVENT
Join the Innovation & Technology Policy Council for the last meeting of the year on technology and legislative updates impacting the business community.
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Pancakes & Politics
Thursday, November 13, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER-ONLY EVENT
Register today for the next Pancakes & Politics session with featured speaker, Hon. Traci Park, Los Angeles City Councilmember, District 11, hosted at Accenture Los Angeles.
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Ad Hoc on Homelessness Committee
Monday, November 17, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER-ONLY EVENT
Join the upcoming Ad Hoc on Homelessness Committee to hear from featured speaker Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, LA County Board of Supervisors, 3rd District.
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