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MAYOR VILLARAIGOSA ON IMMIGRATION REFORM
On Thursday, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa outlined his ideas on immigration reform at the Chamber's Government & Fiscal Affairs Council. Comprehensive immigration reform, a pathway to citizenship, keeping families together, expanding the H1 Visa program and smart border enforcement were among the points he outlined. "We're going to ACCESS Washington, D.C. again this year and one of our points has to be immigration reform. We have to fix a broken system and we need business to join us — L.A. businesses in particular," Villaraigosa said. Contact Ruben Gonzalez, 213.580.7568.
City has plan for Economic Development Department and new nonprofit
 On Tuesday, L.A. City Chief Administrative Officer Miguel Santana briefed the Chamber on the recently released report by HR&A advisors outlining the structure of a new Economic Development Department and a new Citywide Economic Development Nonprofit. These two entities would serve to fill the void left by the demise of the Community Redevelopment Agency. The report outlines five key characteristics to high performing cities and where L.A. needs to improve, a proposed delivery model, estimated budget and leadership structure. "It will allow for a level of continuity no matter the elected leadership," Santana said. The report will be presented to the City Council soon. Contact Jessica Duboff, 213.580.7558.
L.A. creates largest feed-in tariff solar program in the nation
 Last week the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power approved a 100 megawatt feed-in-tariff solar program designed to increase local solar power and spur job growth. The program, which will be expanded to 150 megawatts at full scale, is the largest in the nation. The Chamber was an early supporter of the program and worked with the CLEAN L.A. Solar Program to successfully advocate for it. The program will begin as soon as Feb. 1 and continue through the end of 2016. Contact Frank Lopez, 213.580.7573.
Business coalition successfully delays action on proposed storm water fee
 The Chamber, in partnership with a coalition of business organizations, successfully delayed action on L.A. County's proposed Clean Water, Clean Beaches ballot measure, which would levy a parcel fee on all L.A. County property owners to treat storm water runoff. The measure, which lacked the proper process for public input and critical transparency and accounting standards, is tentatively scheduled to be reconsidered on March 12. The Chamber will continue to work with the County to ensure that the concerns of property owners are adequately addressed. Contact Frank Lopez, 213.580.7573.
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Walmart to hire veterans
 Beginning Memorial Day, Walmart Stores, Inc. will offer a job to any honorably discharged veteran in his or her first 12 months off active duty. Most of these jobs will be in Walmart stores and clubs, and some will be in distribution centers and the home office. "Hiring a veteran can be one of the best business decisions you make," said President and CEO Bill Simon. "There is a seriousness and sense of purpose that the military instills, and we need it today more than ever." Read more.
Chamber member partners with businesses to provide computers
 The Los Angeles Opportunities Industrialization Center (LAOIC) is partnering with organizations including several Chamber member businesses — Ralphs Grocery Company, Anschutz Entertainment Group , American Honda Motor Co., Inc., City National Bank, Goldline International, Lowe Enterprises, Inc. , Automobile Club of Southern California , University of Southern California, Warner Bros. Entertainment — to refurbish donated computers, monitors and accessories. LAOIC then provides these items to residents in underserved communities throughout L.A. County. Read more.
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