State of L.A. Business

Thank you for joining the State of L.A. Business

The 2025 State of L.A. Business explored Los Angeles’ economic future through the lenses of infrastructure, sustainability, housing, and global engagement. This year’s program highlighted how unprecedented investments in energy and water resiliency, housing recovery, and the city’s global presence in tourism, entertainment, and sports are driving new opportunities for growth and innovation.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE DAY INCLUDED

Chamber President & CEO, Maria S. Salinas, opened the State of L.A. Business with an overview of the business landscape, spotlighting the Chamber’s work in coalition-building and small business recovery, and emphasized preparations for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. Board Chair George Pla welcomed attendees and stressed the importance of getting involved with the L.A. Area Chamber.

Lew Horne, President of CBRE’s Greater Los Angeles, Orange County, and Inland Empire region, shared a forward-looking keynote on building a stronger California—spotlighting innovation, economic growth, and community impact.

Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of LA Metro, joined Julia Barker of Mott MacDonald for a fireside chat on the future of mobility. Stephanie shared Metro’s commitment to building a more equitable and rider-focused transit system—a critical priority as Los Angeles prepares to host major global sporting events.

Panel: Securing L.A.’s Water and Energy Future
Moderated by Brissa Sotelo-Vargas (Valero Energy), this panel included Joone Kim-Lopez (Moulton Niguel Water District), Joy Langford (ARCHES H2 Hub), Maria Mehranian (Cordoba Corporation), and Janisse Quiñones (LADWP). Panelists explored innovation and collaboration to strengthen the region’s water and energy systems, ensuring sustainability and resiliency.

Panel: Addressing California’s Housing Crisis Through Fire Recovery Efforts
Led by moderator Phil Tate (Kilroy Realty Corporation) with panelists Raul Anaya (Bank of America), Kelly Farrell (Gensler), Devang Shah (Cityview), and Lew Horne (CBRE), this discussion focused on wildfire recovery, innovative housing solutions, and strategies to accelerate resilient community development.

Panel: L.A. on the World Stage — Tourism, Entertainment & Sports
Moderated by Adam Burke (Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board), panelists Christy Castillo Butcher (SoFi Stadium & Hollywood Park), Becky Colwell (Kia Forum & Intuit Dome), and Mónica Gil (NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises) highlighted Los Angeles’ global competitiveness and opportunities arising from major events, including the 2026 World Cup, NBA All Star Game at Intuit Dome, and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

THANK YOU

Thank you to all our sponsors for supporting this year. Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor and Diamond Investor, Mott MacDonald, and Board member Joel Farrier. We also thank Frank Mottek, host of Mottek on Money, for returning as our emcee.

Thank you to everyone who participated!