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L.A. BUSINESS THIS WEEK

February 26, 2026

With the Winter Games Concluded, All Eyes Turn to Los Angeles for LA28

With the closing ceremony for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, the global spotlight now shifts to Los Angeles as host of the 2028 Summer Games, LA28. Planning is well underway, and excitement is building for an event that promises to be a defining chapter for Los Angeles, with venues being finalized and operational plans taking shape across the region. LA28 is poised to deliver one of the largest Olympic Games in recent history, showcasing Los Angeles on the global stage.

 

Chamber Kicks Off 2026 Pancakes & Politics Series with World Cup Insights

This week, the Chamber was pleased to kick off this year’s Accenture Pancakes & Politics Series at the City Club. Our featured speakers, L.A. Tourism & Convention Board President & CEO Adam Burke and Deputy Mayor Dilpreet Sidhu, shared valuable insights into the thrilling fan activations and hospitality houses planned for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Our next session is on April 23, and we will host Los Angeles City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky. Register here.

 

G’Day USA: Bridges to Brisbane 2032

In partnership with the Australian Consulate-General in Los Angeles, the American Australian Association convened business and civic leaders for the 2026 G’Day USA Los Angeles Business Roundtable at Fox Studios. The discussion focused on the economic runway from the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles to the 2032 Summer Olympics in Brisbane, Australia, highlighting the shared opportunity to leverage global events for city-to-city learning and economic growth. President & CEO Maria S. Salinas joined the roundtable, spotlighting the Chamber’s Get in the Game LA initiative to ensure small businesses have opportunities to be included in this global event.

 

Chamber Supports Effort to Repeal L.A.’s Gross Receipts Tax

The Chamber joined the effort to repeal the City of Los Angeles Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) alongside a broad coalition. More than 79,000 signatures were submitted to the Los Angeles City Clerk to qualify the measure for the November 2026 ballot. The proposed measure would eliminate the tax on overall business revenues; a structure of higher operating costs compared to most cities in California. A repeal would provide meaningful relief to businesses of all sizes and strengthen Los Angeles’ economic competitiveness. If validated by the City Clerk, the measure will move to the November 2026 ballot.

 

POLICY & ADVOCACY

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Supreme Court Decision on IEEPA Tariffs Leaves Unanswered Questions

Last week’s U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down President Trump’s IEEPA tariffs has left businesses nationwide uncertain about recovering the unlawful charges paid since last summer. The ruling affirmed that the tariffs overstepped Congress’s taxing authority but did not clarify whether refunds would be issued or how that process would work. The Chamber is closely tracking this issue and encourages members to share their experiences and concerns with our policy team to help inform our federal advocacy efforts.

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Chamber Councils Explore AI’s Expanding Role in Health Care

Last week, the Chamber hosted a joint session between the Health Care Council (HCC) and the Innovation and Technology Council (ITC). The councils discussed the intersection of AI and health care as a tool to augment and reimagine care delivery, research, and system processes. The Chamber session hosted Cedars-Sinai’s Dr. Shaun Miller, Chief Health Informatics Officer, and Mouneer Odeh, Vice President and Chief Data and AI Officer, to share updates on their platform CS Connect. Additionally, the Chamber hosted Sanjit Mahanti, co-founder of Akido Labs, an AI-native health care practice dedicated to optimizing the delivery of care through technology.

GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

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Chamber Engages Ghana’s U.S. Ambassador on Trade and Investment

The Los Angeles Mayor’s Office and LAEDC, in partnership with the Chamber, organized an exclusive roundtable with His Excellency Victor Emmanuel Smith, Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to the United States, to discuss scaling innovation and investment opportunities. The event brought together high-level Government Officials and Business Leaders to explore avenues for expanded bilateral trade, sustained investment pathways, and institutional collaborations between Ghana and California.

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Chamber Welcomes New U.A.E. Consul General at Los Angeles Reception

The Chamber had the honor to participate in the welcome reception honoring Hessa Alshuwaihi, Consul General of the U.A.E. in Los Angeles, hosted by the U.A.E. Consulate General in Los Angeles, the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, and the Los Angeles World Affairs Council. The Chamber met with the Consul General of the U.A.E. back in December to explore mutual collaboration opportunities.

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION

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Get in the Game: Get Certified with California Department of General Services

Join us on March 4 at 8:30 a.m. with the Department of General Services for an in-person workshop designed to help small businesses access new opportunities, build connections, and strengthen growth strategies. Learn from experts, gain practical tools, and network with peers. Register here.

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Los Angeles County Emergency Rent Relief Program

The LA County Rent Relief Program is now open to eligible small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19. This program provides financial assistance to help cover unpaid rent and support business stability. Don’t miss this opportunity to reduce financial stress and keep your operations moving forward. Registration closes March 11 at 4:59 p.m.

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California Supplier Diversity Symposium

Join us on March 18 for the California Supplier Diversity Symposium and connect with experts, buyers, and diverse businesses from across the state. Gain practical tools and strategies through expert-led breakout sessions designed to support growth and success in public contracting. Explore the Resource Expo to discover programs, upcoming opportunities, and engage directly with organizations and suppliers. Register today to secure your spot here.

CHAMBER BUSINESS NEWS

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Free Tax Preparation & Resources at Intuit Community Tax Day

Individuals and families earning $85,000 or less are invited to Intuit Community Tax Day on Saturday, March 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. Attendees will receive free tax preparation, enjoy complimentary food from local vendors, and access a resource fair offering financial, housing, workforce, and mental‑health support. Learn more and register here.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

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Celebrating Black History Month

Troy Brown, Vice President and Director of Recruitment, Enrollment & Marketing at the University of West Los Angeles, oversees operations for the Schools of Business and Law and teaches courses on business, culture, and entrepreneurship. A Los Angeles native and Achievers Program mentor, he also serves on the L.A. Area Chamber Board. We proudly celebrate his leadership this Black History Month.

 

New Member

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Member Anniversaries

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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS

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ACCESS D.C.
March 15 - 17, 2026
Conrad Washington DC

Senator Adam Schiff has been confirmed for our program. Don't miss this opportunity to join with L.A.'s business leaders and engage directly with federal decision-makers. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here.

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World Trade Week Centennial Celebration
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
JW Marriott Los Angeles

Celebrate 100 years of global trade leadership with the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce! World Trade Week 2026 brings together business, civic, and international leaders to honor a century of trade and chart the path forward for Los Angeles as a global economic hub.

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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017

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