Coalition Presents Proposed Reforms at ULA Ad Hoc Committee Meeting
The Affordable LA Coalition — which includes the LA Area Chamber of Commerce, labor, affordable housing developers, and others — is urging the City Council to reform, not repeal, Measure ULA. Since ULA took effect, multifamily housing construction has dropped 32%, property transactions have plummeted, and $589 million in collected funds sits largely unspent. A six-part reform package would exempt newly built properties for 15 years, cap rates, provide wildfire relief, and unlock bond financing for thousands of new affordable homes. Council action is urgent: without reform, a statewide ballot initiative could eliminate ULA entirely in November 2026.
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Adventist Health Joins A Paradigm Shift Initiative
The Chamber’s workforce initiative, A Paradigm Shift, continues to build momentum following its initial launch last month in collaboration with leaders from the healthcare and education sectors. Most recently, Daniel Fontoura, newly appointed President of Adventist Health White Memorial, joined the initiative by signing the MOU, marking a meaningful next step in strengthening regional workforce development.
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Key Updates on Ports Coordination and Goods Movement Infrastructure
The Transportation & Goods Movement and Energy, Water & Environmental Sustainability Policy Councils held a joint meeting featuring a panel on the Ports Cooperative Agreement and goods movement infrastructure development. Panelists included David Libatique, Deputy Executive Director, Stakeholder Engagement, Port of Los Angeles; Heather Tomley, Managing Director of Planning and Environmental Affairs, Port of Long Beach; and Thomas Jelenic, Vice President, PMSA. Karen Swift, Deputy Executive Officer, Local Government, LA Metro, also delivered a briefing on LA Metro's Ad Hoc Governance Committee.
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Employers Get Key Updates on Apprenticeships and Workforce Policy Changes
This week, the Education & Workforce Development Policy Council hosted a fireside chat with Ashley Gonzalez, Regional Apprenticeship Manager for the Los Angeles Regional Consortium (LARC). She highlighted the role of employers in advancing apprenticeship models that expand career technical education and build a skilled workforce aligned with industry needs. The Council also heard from Yaron Tilles of Michael Sullivan & Associates LLP on the impacts of SB 617, effective January 2026, on new notification requirements under the California WARN Act, and welcomed the Unite-LA team for a presentation on state engagement related to SB 1054.
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Chamber Weighs In on Port Workforce Mandates
The L.A. Area Chamber sent a letter to the Los Angeles City Council opposing proposals that would embed Workforce Impact Report and Public Access Investment Plan requirements into the City Charter — potentially via a November 2026 ballot measure. The Chamber argued that Charter codification is the wrong vehicle for these policies, that a proposed ban on public funding for automation could cost the Port federal infrastructure dollars and global competitiveness, and that any effort to extend similar mandates citywide would make Los Angeles a harder place to do business.
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Select LA Summit Highlights Global Investment and Trade Opportunities
The Chamber attended LAEDC’s 2026 Select LA Investment Summit, which highlighted that “LA is Open” for business, trade, cultural exchange, and global partnerships. Keynote speakers included Secretary of Transportation for the state of California Toks Omishakin and former U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai. The summit also provided a valuable opportunity to engage with members of the Los Angeles Consular Group.
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Get in the Game: Small Business Opportunity Portal
Stay informed on the latest small business procurement opportunities designed to help you grow and compete. Receive timely updates, resources, and access to contracts that match your business needs. Don’t miss out on valuable opportunities. Sign up today to stay connected and ready for what’s next.
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Expand Your Reach Through LASEC Business Connect
Connect your small business to opportunities through LASEC Business Connect. This program connects diverse local businesses with major sports and entertainment events, providing networking, mentorship, and contracting opportunities. Grow your visibility, build relationships with decision-makers, and position your business to compete for high-profile projects across Los Angeles. Register today to stay informed, build connections, and be ready for new opportunities ahead.
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Connecting Latino‑Owned Businesses to World Cup, Super Bowl, and LA28 Opportunities
With Los Angeles gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, contracting opportunities are expanding across sectors. This event invites Latino-owned businesses to explore how to access and compete for related contracts. Register today.
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More LA28 Tickets Available in August
LA28 will release a second round of Olympic tickets this August, with additional inventory across all sports and a range of price points. Registration for the Drop 2 ticket draw is open through July 22. Register now for a chance to secure tickets when your shopping window opens.
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Free Public Tours Offer Glimpse Inside the Tournament of Roses
Beginning May 7, the Tournament of Roses will offer free, guided public tours of the historic Wrigley Mansion every Thursday through August 27. Tours provide an inside look at the home of the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl traditions. Reservations are required and complimentary. Learn more and reserve your spot 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 for an exclusive Pints & Policy reception with Attorney General Rob Bonta, followed the next morning by a candid discussion with State Senator Ben Allen on the intersection of artificial intelligence and energy, plus housing updates from Assemblymember Buffy Wicks. Engage directly with lawmakers on the issues most affecting your business.
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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 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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