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Business Community Responds to SCOTUS Affirmative Action Ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled this week that race-based affirmative action in college admissions is unconstitutional. While the ruling has no impact on existing or future hiring practices and does not affect existing or future diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the California business community has concerns. This ruling could threaten the business community’s commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives by creating future barriers to building a diverse and qualified workforce. Read the Chamber's statement in collaboration with the California business community here. |
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L.A. Homelessness Up from 2022
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority announced the results of January's point-in-time count of unhoused residents of Los Angeles and L.A. County. Their report, "2023 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count," revealed a 9% rise in homelessness in Los Angeles County and a 10% rise in the City of Los Angeles. This news is disappointing, it also reminds us of the urgency in addressing this humanitarian crisis. Read LAHSA's press release here. Read the Chamber's statement here. |
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CA Lawmakers Reach Budget Deal
Governor Gavin Newsom and state legislative leaders announced a budget deal for the 2023-24 fiscal year. The $310.8 billion spending plan protects funding for education, homelessness, and childcare while covering the expected budget deficit — without dipping into key reserves. Budget negotiations slowed when the Governor demanded an infrastructure proposal be included in the bills. While the agreement will provide the Governor with some budget allocation for speeding up infrastructure projects, the scope has been narrowed. |
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Small Business Summit Provides Resources For Entrepreneurs
The Chamber's Small Business Summit concluded this week and was an inspiring, eventful day. Hundreds of entrepreneurs and innovators, gathered at Los Angeles Trade Technical-College to hear from industry experts, connect to resources, and engage in hands-on breakout sessions. The event featured a welcome from Chamber Board Chair A.G. Spanos, President of Business Operations for the Los Angeles Chargers, a fireside chat with Lauryn Chun, Mother-in-Law's Kimchi, and Sakeenah Renee Sievwright, Soul Sweet Creations, and a closing keynote from Rachel Freeman, L.A. Deputy Mayor for Business and Economic Development. |
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| POLICY & ADVOCACY |
L.A. to Codify the Mayor’s Executive Directive No.1
This week, L.A. City Council approved a motion to codify Mayor Karen Bass’ Executive Directive 1, which expedites and decreases the cost of building zoning-compliant affordable and temporary housing projects. The directive requires the city to complete the approval process within 60 days for affordable housing. Once construction starts, the permit, utility and certificate of occupancy process will be completed in five days for 100% affordable housing and in no more than two days for temporary housing. By streamlining and eliminating red tape, these projects can move at a faster pace and lower cost, while providing more Angelenos with desperately needed affordable housing. Read our statement here. |
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Padilla Takes Early Lead in Council District 6 Race
Imelda Padilla took an early lead in the Los Angeles City Council District 6 race to fill a seat which has been open since last year. Padilla, endorsed by the L.A. Jobs PAC, currently leads by 1,588 votes after the first round of votes were counted on Tuesday night. Given the substantial lead, Council President Paul Krekorian introduced a motion to appoint her as the interim Councilmember for CD 6 until the election can be certified after summer recess. Follow the vote count here. |
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| GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT |
Empowering Women-Owned Business Event at City Hall
The Chamber attended the "Empowering Women-Owned Business for Global Expansion" luncheon and networking event hosted by Terri Batch, Director of the Global Diversity Export Initiative (GDEI) for the U.S. Commercial Service. The event was in collaboration with the Los Angeles Mayor's Office of Business and Economic Development & International Affairs. The event featured information about access to capital, digital transformation, and supply chain management from trade partners. |
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Chamber Meets with Poland Consulate
The Chamber met with Anna Debecka, the head of the Foreign Trade Office for the Polish Trade and Investment Agency as well as Mateusz Gmura, the Deputy Consul General of the Consulate of the Republic of Poland, Los Angeles. They discussed becoming active members of the Chamber, how to foster increased cross-border trade between the U.S. and Poland, and the upcoming Trade Minister of Poland's visit to Los Angeles in July. |
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| COMMUNITY COLLABORATION |
GLAAAC President Honored as Community Impact Partner
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation recognized Angela Gibson-Shaw, President of the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce, as a valued Community Impact Partner at this year's Small Business Summit for her partnership, and support for regional entrepreneurs. |
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Small Business Summit Breakout: Financial Literacy 2.0
Board member Kevin Keane of Directed Action moderated an incredibly insightful conversation about the future of financial literacy with Brett Mansfield, Citi, Bea Stotzer, NEWCapital and New Economics for Women, and Quentin Strode, Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation. They discussed how small businesses can access capital and leverage tech to improve and automate financial operations. |
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| CHAMBER BUSINESS NEWS |
Deputy Treasury Secretary Speaks at Latino Economic Summit
The U.S. Treasury Department hosted its first Summit on Investing in the Economic Future of Latino Communities in Washington, D.C. Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo spoke at the event and highlighted how the Hispanic community was hit particularly hard by the pandemic. Through the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act, Hispanics achieved record-low unemployment in September 2022 while median weekly earnings for Hispanic workers increased by 2.4% between 2019 and 2022 after accounting for inflation. |
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| MEMBER SPOTLIGHT |
Los Angeles Performing Arts Conservatory Ribbon Cutting
The Los Angeles Performing Arts Conservatory (LAPAC) hosted a VIP reception to recognize its 27th anniversary and celebrate becoming a Chamber member. The event featured a ribbon cutting to unveil the new seating for the Promenade Playhouse located in West Los Angeles. The event also included founder and CEO, Natalia Lazarus, and members of the executive management team. LAPAC provides valuable education and training in the performing arts but also rents its unique facilities for events or gatherings. |
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New Member
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Member Anniversaries
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| COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS |
Accenture Pancakes & Politics: Leading on Equity in L.A. County
Thursday, July 6, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
The Accenture Pancakes & Politics Speaker Series features leaders in elected office, business, as well as city and state administration, who are influencing important policy issues impacting the Los Angeles region. Each convening provides Chamber members and partners with access to these speakers to hear their insight and also to share our stakeholders' perspectives.
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State of Infrastructure
Thursday, July 27, 7:30 a.m.
COMMUNITY EVENT
Join us for the State of Infrastructure, where we're convening industry experts and thought leaders to discuss innovations in infrastructure with a focus on transportation, people movement, energy, and broadband.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017 |
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