ISSUE NO. 35 | May 4, 2026

Key Insights: Business-Driven Policy News

#1 Conejo Chamber-Backed ADA Reform Gains Momentum in Sacramento

SB 84, a bipartisan bill co-authored by local legislators, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and Sens. Ben Allen and Henry Stern, seeks to curb predatory ADA lawsuits by providing small businesses with a 120-day right to cure minor technical violations. This pragmatic legislation aims to shift the focus from costly legal settlements toward actual accessibility improvements, ensuring the economic vitality in the Conejo Valley that has been hampered by frivolous lawsuits.


The Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce has supported this legislation since 2025 and thanks our local legislators for their activism on behalf of the business community.



The Acorn Newspaper News Article 



#2 Join the Downtown Thousand Oaks Business Coalition

The Downtown Thousand Oaks project represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the Thousand Oaks Boulevard corridor into a dynamic, walkable, and economically vibrant destination that serves as the true heart of the city. As this vision heads to City Hall for crucial approvals on May18th, a unified voice from our business community is essential to ensure we secure a thriving future for local retail, innovation, and residents alike.


If your business or organization is in the Conejo Valley, please join our official Downtown Thousand Oaks Business Coalition and help demonstrate the overwhelming backing of our local business leaders. 


Join the Downtown Thousand Oaks Business Coalition


Downtown Thousand Oaks Website



#3  Fiber-Optic Investment Coming to Agoura Hills and Westlake Village

The Las Virgenes-Malibu Council of Governments has officially begun construction on a 38-mile underground fiber-optic network that will provide Agoura Hills and Westlake Village with ultra-fast, high-capacity broadband. This critical infrastructure project is designed to enhance public safety through real-time traffic signal coordination and emergency response, while ultimately providing a competitively priced high-speed internet alternative for local residents and businesses.



The Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce applauds this investment in our digital infrastructure, which will bolster economic competitiveness and support the modern needs of our workforce. 



The Acorn Newspaper News Article



#4  Groundbreaking for $466-Million Advanced Water Purification Project

The Las Virgenes-Triunfo Joint Powers Authority has officially begun construction on a state-of-the-art purification plant that will reduce the region’s reliance on imported water by 30% while creating a sustainable, local supply for the future. As part of this vital infrastructure project, a possible brine line pipeline is also proposed through Thousand Oaks, which would offer local biotech firms a streamlined waste-disposal solution and enhancing long-term drought resilience for the entire Conejo Valley.


The Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce has proudly supported the Pure Water Project and applauds this forward-thinking investment in our regional water security. We thank the JPA and regional water authorities for their collaborative efforts to ensure our community remains a premier place to live, work, and innovate.


The Acorn Newspaper News Article



#5  U.S. Chamber Guide: How Importers Can Claim IEEPA Tariff Refunds

Following a landmark Supreme Court decision striking down IEEPA-imposed tariffs, U.S. Customs has launched the "CAPE" portal to facilitate electronic refunds for affected small businesses and importers. The below comprehensive guide outlines critical preparatory steps, including updating importer records and enrolling in the Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) to ensure eligible businesses receive their duty refunds directly and efficiently.


We thank our federal advocates for their work in securing this victory for the business community and ensuring a streamlined path to financial recovery.


US Chamber of Commerce Tariff Refunds Guide and FAQ


U.S. Customs IEEPA Duty Refunds


If you have questions regarding Capitol Connection,

contact Josh Gray, Director of Government Affairs & Tourism at

805-370-0035 or jgray@conejochamber.org for more information.

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