LA28 opportunities, key election results, and policies impacting your bottom line.
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Chamber Convenes LA28 Procurement Session
At our recent Pathway to LA28 session, Erikk Aldridge, Vice President of Impact and Legacy at LA28, presented LA28’s newly launched small business procurement plan to an audience of small business owners. He also emphasized the importance of Rally LA, the Chamber's program connecting small businesses to indirect procurement opportunities, including events with LA28 corporate sponsors, sporting federations, and country houses. When the biggest stage in sports comes to Los Angeles, the Chamber is making sure local businesses have a seat at the table. For more information, visit our Get in the Game LA Resource Hub.
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Small Business Resources Highlighted at Pathway to LA28
Bringing the right people into the room is half the work. The Chamber brought together business leaders from PACE, Latino Chamber, GLAAC, and Next Street for a session built around one goal: getting LA small businesses ready for the economic opportunity ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Attendees left with a clearer picture of the procurement process, practical steps to becoming contract-ready, and the resources available at these partner organizations that are ready to support their growth. For more information, visit our Get in the Game LA Resource Hub.
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The Chamber Welcomes New MWD General Manager Shivaji Deshmukh
The Chamber hosted a special welcome reception for Shivaji Deshmukh, General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District, bringing together regional business and civic leaders for an engaging evening of connection. General Manager Deshmukh shared his priorities and insights into water management and infrastructure to strengthen partnerships that support the region's long-term sustainability and economic growth. The evening was hosted by Black & Veatch, Jacobs, Mott MacDonald, and Stantec.
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Chamber Board Takes Positions on 2026 Ballot Measures
The Chamber Board voted and took positions on three statewide ballot measures for the November general election, opposing the Billionaire Tax and supporting both the California Middle-Class Homeowner and Family Home Construction Act of 2026 and the Building an Affordable California Act (BACA). California voters will weigh in on these measures in the November 2026 general election.
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State Budget Approved, Negotiations Begin on Business Tax Impacts
The California Legislature passed a $356 billion state budget on Monday night, meeting the statutory deadline. The Legislature now begins negotiations - on healthcare cuts, education funding, homelessness, and more - with the Governor's office to reach a budget deal before the fiscal year begins on July 1st. Among the negotiations are tax-related provisions that would raise the cost of doing business by expanding the sales and use tax to digital prewritten software and Software-as-a-Service, and by limiting business tax credits, including a temporary refundable cap on the research-and-development tax credit.
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Court Blocks Trump's $100K H-1B Visa Fee
A federal judge has struck down the Trump administration's $100k fee on employers hiring foreign workers in specialized H-1B roles, ruling that it functioned as an unauthorized tax—one only Congress has the power to impose. The decision carries outsized weight for California, and Los Angeles in particular, which rank among the nation's heaviest users of high-skilled foreign talent. Had the fee taken effect, it would have fallen hardest on three pillars of the regional economy: the technology sector, universities and research institutions, and hospitals and health systems.
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Small Business, Big Stage: A Pathway to LA28 Success Story
Success starts with one step forward. As a participant in our Pathway to LA28 program, Robbin Turner, founder and CEO of Violet Botanical Skincare, turned opportunity into action, pursuing new procurement contracts and growing her business along the way. Her journey shows what's possible when small businesses get the right resources, the right connections, and the confidence to compete. This is exactly what Pathway to LA28 is built to do for our members. Your success story could be next. For more information, visit our Get in the Game LA Resource Hub.
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Get in the Game: Contracting with California State Government Tuesday, June 23, 10:00 a.m.
Ready to level up your state contracting strategy? Join this advanced workshop on June 23 to learn how California agencies buy, how to identify opportunities, and how to strengthen your competitive edge. Gain practical insights on bidding, pricing, and procurement requirements to help your business confidently pursue and win state contracts. Register here.
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Chamber COO & CFO Achieves IOM Designation
The Chamber proudly congratulates our COO & CFO, Martin K. Breidsprecher, IOM, on earning his Institute for Organization Management certification from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This nationally recognized program reflects a high level of expertise in nonprofit and chamber leadership. This achievement underscores Martin’s commitment to excellence and strengthens the Chamber’s ability to deliver value to our members.
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Celebrating Pride Month
This June, the L.A. Area Chamber joins communities across the country in celebrating Pride Month, honoring the history, contributions, and resilience of LGBTQ+ individuals who strengthen our businesses and enrich our region. We remain committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable economy where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive.
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State of L.A. Business Thursday, August 13, 8:30 a.m. InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown
State of L.A. Business returns this August. It brings together leaders from business, policy, and academia to explore the trends shaping our region. Join the Chamber for this premier annual event. Gain insights to help your organization plan for what’s next. Early bird rates are available. Secure your spot today.
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