L.A. Area Chamber Sounds Alarm Over Port Workforce Mandates
The L.A. City Council is moving toward a November 2026 ballot measure that would embed Workforce Impact Report requirements and a ban on public funding for job-displacing automation directly into the City Charter — applicable to Port of Los Angeles lease approvals. The Chamber submitted a letter urging the Council to reject Charter codification, warning that locking these requirements into the City's foundational governing document would hurt Port competitiveness and limit its ability to modernize. The Chamber also cautioned against extending similar mandates citywide.
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LA28 Procurement Plan Advances Opportunities for Small Businesses
This week, the Chamber voiced strong support for LA28's Procurement Plan. Citing years of partnership with LA28 and the City of Los Angeles, the Chamber highlighted its small business capacity-building programs, including navigation of the RAMP system, and the 2022 launch of Get in the Game LA. The Chamber urged the City Council to adopt the Plan, calling it a clear pathway to small-business readiness, and cautioned against introducing new requirements at this critical juncture.
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National Chamber Convening Highlights Federal Policy Priorities for Business
The L.A. Area Chamber joined the U.S. Chamber’s Committee of 100 Chamber of Commerce, CCC100. U.S. Chamber President & CEO Suzanne Clark and Board Chair Ross Perot Jr. welcomed top chambers nationwide. Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas joined colleagues from across the country, alongside a strong California delegation featuring the CEOs from the Long Beach Area Chamber, the Orange County Business Council, the San Diego Regional Chamber, and the Sacramento Metro Chamber. The gathering included presentations on the economy, workforce, education, immigration, and the upcoming federal elections.
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Chamber Joins USA Track & Field Visit to Los Angeles
As the Games return to Los Angeles in 2028, Max Siegel, CEO of USA Track & Field, held a gathering in Los Angeles with business and industry leaders to discuss the next era of track and field. The event provided an opportunity to exchange ideas, share perspectives, and build connections in the lead-up to the 2028 Games. Meeting attendees included U.S. Chamber Senior Vice President of Strategic Alliances & Outreach, Rick C. Wade, and U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee Board Chair and Goldman Sachs Managing Director, Gene Sykes.
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LAUSD Averts Historic Three-Union Strike
A potentially historic walkout at the Los Angeles Unified School District was averted in the early hours of Tuesday, April 14, after all three unions — United Teachers Los Angeles, SEIU Local 99, and the Associated Administrators of Los Angeles — reached agreements with the district, keeping schools open. SEIU Local 99's deal, announced around 2 a.m., raises members' wages by 24% and rescinds recent layoff notices for hundreds of IT workers. Had the strike proceeded, more than 390,000 students would have been impacted. All agreements are pending ratification.
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Global Healthcare Connections Create New Opportunities for LA Businesses
The Chamber played a key role during the LA-Netherlands Life Sciences & Healthcare Business Forum, highlighting approaches to workforce development, innovation, and cross‑border collaboration. The forum was hosted by LAEDC and WTLCA, in partnership with the Netherlands Business Support Office Los Angeles (NSB LA) and the Consulate General of the Netherlands in San Francisco.
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Learn to Use AI Tools to Save Time and Grow Your Business
Join an upcoming workshop on April 22 at 10 a.m. featuring The Acceleration Project to help small businesses use AI more effectively. This beginner‑friendly session will cover practical applications such as inventory tracking, social media content creation, and data insights, along with guidance on chatbots and prompt writing. Register here to gain tools that can improve efficiency and support growth.
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Time‑Sensitive Contracts and Grants Available for Small Businesses
Eligible small businesses can access active procurement and funding opportunities, many with approaching deadlines. Our Get in the Game: Small Business Opportunity Portal connects you to verified contracts and grants from public and private partners. Sign up to explore current opportunities, track deadlines, and position your business to compete before these opportunities close. Learn more and register here.
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Los Angeles Convention Center Modernization Procurement Opportunity Update
To work on the Los Angeles Convention Center Modernization project, you may need to prequalify with PCL or Webcor. Learn how to complete this process now to ensure you are eligible to receive invitations to bid. Learn where to register and see the specific opportunities arriving in Wave 4, scheduled for release on April 20, 2026. Find full details here.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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ACCESS Sacramento
May 11 - 12, 2026
Join our annual delegation trip to Sacramento to elevate the voice of the Los Angeles area business community on key issues impacting job creation, economic competitiveness, and quality of life. This year’s program will feature discussions with State Senator Ben Allen and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, offering members direct insight into state priorities and policy developments. View sponsorship opportunities here.
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World Trade Week Centennial Celebration
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
JW Marriott Los Angeles
Join this once‑in‑a‑century World Trade Week Centennial event celebrating 100 years of global trade leadership. Business and civic leaders from the ports, airports, and the City of Los Angeles will share insights on navigating crises, disruptions, and growth. Attendees will gain practical lessons on resilience, decision‑making, and preparing Los Angeles for the future of global trade.
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