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Access Washington, D.C.

The L.A. Area Chamber, in partnership with local government officials, leading business groups and chambers of commerce leads an annual delegation of more than 200 business leaders and public officials to Washington, D.C., to advocate for Southern California.  Participants meet with members of Congress and the president's administration on key issues. The trip includes a welcome reception, two breakfasts with high ranking Congressional leaders and two marquee evening receptions.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ON THE HILL - ACCESS WASHINGTON, D.C. 2009 - MARCH 9-12



With a new President, new Congress and new opportunities for Southern California, planning is underway for the March 9-12, 2009 trip to the nation's capital (March 12 is an optional day focused on transportation and infrastructure hosted by Mobility 21. Separate registration required).

JUST ANNOUNCED: Lawrence H. Summers, Director of the National Economic Council and Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, will be the keynote speaker at the breakfast briefing on Wednesday, March 11

PLUS: Senator Dianne Feinstein will be the keynote speaker at the breakfast briefing on Tuesday, March 10.
The Canadian Ambassador to the United States will be hosting our delegation for a special evening reception at the Canadian Embassy on Tuesday, March 10.

Stay tuned for updates on confirmed keynote speakers including Congressional leaders and senior Administration officials (including cabinet secretaries).  View a list of confirmed participants, which includes:

  • L.A. Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa
  • Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard
  • Santa Monica Mayor Ken Genser
  • Manhattan Beach Mayor Portia Cohen
  • Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet
  • San Gabriel Mayor Harry L. Baldwin
  • L.A. City Council President Eric Garcetti
  • L.A. City Council Pro Tempore Wendy Greuel
  • L.A. City Councilmember Janice Hahn
  • L.A. City Councilmember Jose Huizar
  • L.A. Police Chief William Bratton
  • LAUSD School Board President Monica Garcia

*List as of March 3.

For more information, contact Public Policy Assistant Janine Glass, 213.580.7565 or click here to send a message.

Have your organization in front of legislators, become a trip sponsor. Contact Lee Ligons, 213.580.7523 or click here to send a message.

If you are interested in becoming a partnering organization, contact VP of Public Policy Samuel Garrison, 213.580.7568 or click here to send a message.

Access Washington, D.C. 2008



More than 200 bipartisan business and civic leaders including U.S. Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Santa Monica Mayor Herb Katz, City of Huntington Beach Mayor Debbie Cook, City of San Gabriel Mayor Harry Baldwin and Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent David L. Brewer III came together to urge investment in Southern California infrastructure during the region’s premier advocacy trip to Washington, D.C. View the photo gallery.


Access Washington, D.C. participants headed to Capitol Hill in 14 different policy teams. Click here for a full update on the trip and the issues that were discussed with federal legislators.

PAST SUCCESSES

Previous trips have resulted in a stronger investment in Southern California and greater outcomes for business. 

The Access Washington, D.C. trip included the following successes:

  • Largest ever Southern California delegation of business and civic leaders took the Capitol by storm.
  • Secured additional Customs agents to reduce wait times for international travelers at LAX
  • Prompted Congress to hold a legislative hearing on threats to local water supplies from invasive species
  • Layed the groundwork to secure far greater federal investment in Southern California's roads, mass transit and goods movement ahead of next year's federal transportation reauthorization bill.
  • ...continued advocacy through small group trips to Washington, D.C. throughout the year.

ACCESS WASHINGTON, D.C., IN THE NEWS