Rebuild SoCal Partnership Releases Infrastructure Report
This week Rebuild SoCal Partnership released a new study, “The High Cost Of Underinvestment: Assessing the State of Infrastructure in Southern California.” The report highlights alarming trends and critical challenges faced by our communities as a result of underinvestment in infrastructure, and the urgent need of action to sustain economic growth. Additional report findings include: a 37% decline in infrastructure investments over the past decade, California is also losing over 84 million gallons of water daily due to regional water systems not meeting state standards, with investments California could create approximately 15,000 jobs per billion dollars of investment. The Chamber has signed on to a letter in support the report. You can read the full study here.
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Celebrating the Pasadena Tournament of Roses
This week the Pasadena Tournament of Roses celebrated its 135th Rose Parade. With a significant crowd in attendance the organization announced the 23 floats awarded official honors. These awards recognize excellence in a variety of categories and several Chamber member floats were among the trophy winners. Kaiser Permanente was the recipient of the President Award, OneLegacy received the Judges Award for most outstanding float design and dramatic impact, and Cal Poly Universities received the Crown City Innovator Award. Congratulations to all the winners and the Pasadena Tournament of Roses for another successful Rose Parade.
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Department of Water Resources Approves Delta Conveyance Project
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced that they approved the Delta Conveyance Project, selecting the “Bethany Reservoir Alignment” for further engineering, design and permitting. The Chamber has long engaged and supported the project which is a modernization of the infrastructure system which delivers water to millions of Californians. The Chamber will monitor the project and its progress.
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UCLA Acquires the Westside Pavilion
UCLA announced the acquisition of the former Westside Pavilion shopping mall, which the university will transform into the UCLA Research Park — bringing together scholars and industry experts from around the world to support innovations in immunology and quantum science. The new UCLA Research Park was made possible through an intended $500 million investment, along with $200 million already allocated from the state of California to establish and fund the immunology and immunotherapy institute at UCLA. Read the full press release here.
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AB 1757 Digital ADA Accessibility Bill
The state legislature is back in session and will begin to move forward reviewing various bills, including AB 1757, which features heightened standards for websites and mobile applications to be accessible to persons with disabilities. Businesses that fail to comply with the heightened accessibility standards could be subjected to statutory damages of $4,000 "per occurrence," attorneys' fees, and injunctive relief. The Chamber is closely following any changes and proposed amendments.
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Chamber Opposes Warehouse Bill AB 1000
On Wednesday, the California Legislature reconvened for the 2023-24 legislative session and marked the first day with several bill introductions. The Assembly and Senate introduced a total of 26 bills between the two houses. Next week, the Assembly Local Government Committee will consider a Chamber-opposed bill, AB 1000 Warehouse (Reyes). The bill, could lead to the elimination of jobs, dissolve critically needed housing developments in the region, increase vehicle miles traveled for heavy duty vehicles, and exacerbate supply chain issues. The Chamber joined a coalition outlining concerns with the bill and will testify in committee.
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Chamber Meets with China Electronics Chamber of Commerce
This week the Chamber, Global LA, and Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) met with senior officials of China Electronics Chamber of Commerce (CECC) including three of their members. In the meeting the groups discussed cross border trading and foreign investment for electronics with our region and China. CECC is an organization of electronic companies, and industry organizations engaging in the production, distribution, and research of electronic products.
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Consul General of Pakistan Discusses Trade with the Chamber
Consul General of Pakistan in Los Angeles, Asim Ali Khan, and Trade and Investment Counselor Quratulain Fatima met with Chamber President and CEO Maria S. Salinas to enhance the Consulate's ties with the organization and discuss the potential to foster mutually beneficial connections, with a focus on identifying opportunities to facilitate increased trade between small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in our region and Pakistan. The participants expressed a shared desire to foster economic collaboration and explore avenues for sustained growth.
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LA vs Hate
Let’s commit to making 2024 a year of unity for Los Angeles County residents against hate. Learn more here.
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Vaccinate All 58
Start the new year with a renewed commitment to public health and well-being. Get vaccinated today!
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Renew Your ITIN
We encourage everyone eligible to obtain or renew their Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). It's a vital step towards financial inclusion and access to essential services. The IRS issues ITINs to individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, a Social Security number.
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California Competes Tax Credits
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is now accepting applications for the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC). There is $164 million in tax credits available during this application period for businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in the state. The deadline to submit applications is Monday, January 22. The online application can be accessed here.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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2024 Inaugural: Bringing the World Within Reach
February 15, 2024
Skirball Cultural Center
The L.A. Area Chamber's 2024 Inaugural will celebrate business leaders who have immensely impacted our community. We will also welcome incoming Board Chair, Janet Lamkin of United Airlines. Become a sponsor today.
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ACCESS D.C. 2024
March 12 - 14, 2024
Join the Los Angeles delegation for ACCESS D.C. — the region's largest business advocacy trip to our nation’s capital. The program connects business and civic leaders with federal lawmakers and administration officials on issues of importance to the greater Los Angeles region. Sponsor today.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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