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Serving the San Fernando Valley cities of Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, San Fernando, and Santa Clarita
Valley Industry & Commerce Association || vica.com
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- VICA Hosts Wildfire Recovery Discussion with Special Guest Supervisor Lindsey Horvath
- VICA Advocates on Energy, Housing, and Environmental Policies this week
- Sponsoring a Committee
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"My priority and promise is to help people rebuild their homes and businesses as quickly and safely as possible. Our One-Stop Rebuilding Center is a key part of our emergency executive action to streamline and expedite how families can rebuild their homes and their lives."
Mayor Karen Bass
On New One-Stop Rebuilding Center for Palisades Homeowners and Businesses
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Collaborating on LA County Wildfire Recovery Strategies | |
LA County Assessor Jeff Prang | |
LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath | |
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On Tuesday, VICA hosted our Land Use Committee, where members discussed rebuilding and recovering efforts from the recent Los Angeles County wildfires. The meeting brought together local, state, and federal officials, community leaders, and industry experts to explore policies and initiatives supporting wildfire recovery and strengthening long-term resilience.
The discussion featured special remarks from Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and LA County Assessor Jeff Prang, who highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships and provided updates on property tax relief programs for fire-affected homeowners and businesses. Participants discussed key topics, including rebuilding infrastructure, supporting small businesses, and expediting building processes.
Representatives from agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration, Board of Public Works, LA Metro, and multiple state and federal legislative offices contributed insights on funding opportunities, regulatory adjustments, and programs to accelerate rebuilding.
VICA remains committed to advocating for policies that support economic recovery, rebuild vital infrastructure, and promote sustainable growth. We will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that Los Angeles emerges stronger and more resilient from this disaster.
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VICA in Action: Advancing Advocacy Efforts for Energy, Housing, and Environmental Policy | |
This week, VICA actively advocated for policies that promote energy reliability, housing stability, and balanced environmental regulations. Our efforts included supporting a critical energy modernization project, discussing air quality regulations, and opposing a harmful housing policy proposal. | |
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Supporting LADWP Scattergood Modernization Project – Alternative 4
VICA submitted a letter to the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) expressing strong support for the Scattergood Modernization Project – Alternative 4, as outlined in the Draft Environmental Impact Report. This project is critical for ensuring the long-term reliability of Los Angeles' power grid, supporting local economic growth, and advancing climate goals.
The modernization of Scattergood Generating Station Units 1 and 2 is essential to maintaining critical local generation capacity, protecting the power supply for businesses and key facilities such as LAX, the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant, and UCLA. Additionally, Alternative 4 will contribute to cleaner air by reducing harmful emissions through technology capable of using a minimum of 30% hydrogen, aligning with California’s ambitious climate targets.
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VICA Speaks Out at SCAQMD Working Group on Proposed Amended Rules 1111 & 1121
VICA participated in the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Working Group to provide public comment on proposed amendments to Rule 1111 (NOx Emissions from Residential Heaters) and Rule 1121 (Residential Water Heaters). VICA voiced concerns that these rules could impose compliance costs exceeding $20 billion, disproportionately affecting small businesses and homeowners.
VICA emphasized that while reducing emissions is crucial, it is essential to strike a balance that prevents economic harm to local businesses and homeowners. Additionally, VICA urged SCAQMD to consider the readiness of utilities like Southern California Edison to handle increased demand and whether contingency plans for grid reliability are in place if zero-emission targets are not feasible by 2029. VICA remains committed to ensuring environmental goals are met without undermining economic stability.
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Opposing LA City Council’s Broad Eviction Moratorium Proposal
VICA addressed the Los Angeles City Council’s Housing and Homelessness Committee, opposing the proposed 1-year eviction moratorium tied to wildfire recovery. VICA highlighted that the proposal, which includes a ban on no-fault evictions and rent increases, would repeat the harmful impacts of past pandemic-era policies, leading to:
- An unpaid rent crisis, with renters delaying payments and accumulating insurmountable debt.
- Hardships for small property owners who rely on rental income to cover mortgages and property costs.
- Barriers to owner move-ins, even for landlords displaced by the fires.
VICA emphasized that the city has already implemented emergency protections for wildfire victims, including rental assistance and a freeze on rent increases for displaced individuals. With over $650 million in donations and a $2.5 billion state relief package available, VICA urged the City Council to pursue a more targeted, documented approach to hardship claims, rather than a broad policy that undermines housing stability and investment.
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Are you interested in Sponsoring a VICA Committee or Board Meeting? | |
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We’re looking for sponsors to support our committees in 2025!
Committee sponsorship opportunities are a great way to support VICA’s mission while gaining valuable visibility among industry leaders. You can choose to share sponsorship with others or become the sole sponsor for exclusive recognition.
Use the button below to view the form and express your interest in becoming a sponsor!
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Government Affairs
February 19 | 12:00PM to 2:00PM
The VICA Office
RSVP
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VICA Thanks Our Renewing and New Members | | |
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President's Circle:
Silver Members:
Other Renewing Member:
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Federal Workforce Reduction Initiatives Intensify
The Trump administration is accelerating efforts to downsize the federal workforce. The Education Department recently dismissed several civil servants, focusing on probationary employees across various departments. This move aligns with President Trump's executive order to streamline government operations. Concurrently, Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), advocates for eliminating all federal agencies to enhance efficiency, suggesting that some may be unnecessary. Read More.
Governor Newsom Maintains 'Sanctuary' Law Stance
California Governor Gavin Newsom plans to veto Assembly Bill 15, which seeks to expand the state's "sanctuary" law to limit state prisons' cooperation with federal immigration agents. Newsom believes the current law appropriately balances community trust and the deportation of serious criminals. This decision comes amid federal efforts to increase deportations of undocumented individuals with criminal histories. Read More.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Confirmed as Health and Human Services Secretary
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the new Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Trump's administration. The confirmation vote was narrow, reflecting partisan divisions due to Kennedy's controversial views on vaccines and public health. Despite past criticisms, Kennedy has pledged to prioritize both physical and mental health initiatives. Read More.
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LA City Council Advances Tax Relief for Fire-Affected Businesses
The Los Angeles City Council has updated a proposal to provide tax relief for businesses impacted by the January wildfires. The ordinance aims to waive 2025 taxes for companies that were destroyed or experienced significant operational interruptions. Business owners will need to apply and demonstrate the impact to qualify. City officials estimate a potential loss of approximately $8 million in tax revenue due to this relief effort. Read More.
LA Council Prohibits Evictions of Tenants Sheltering Fire Survivors
The Los Angeles City Council has approved an ordinance temporarily preventing landlords from evicting tenants who have taken in individuals or pets displaced by the recent wildfires. This policy, effective for one year, also prohibits rent increases based solely on the presence of unauthorized occupants or pets. The measure aims to support residents who have offered shelter to those affected by the fires. Read More.
LA County Considers Increasing Price-Gouging Penalties
In response to reports of price gouging following the recent wildfires, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is considering a motion to raise the penalty for such offenses to a maximum of $50,000 per violation. The initiative seeks to protect vulnerable residents from exploitative practices during emergencies. The Board is also examining the role of rent-setting algorithms in exacerbating housing affordability issues. Read More.
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Get Your Message in VICA Weekly!
VICA members can promote their business, events and news in VICA Weekly. Member messages are available for $50 per week or $175 for four weeks. Messages are text-based and may not contain more than 70 words. A logo may be added for an additional $5 per week. For more information or to schedule your member message, contact yoko@vica.com or call (818) 817-0545.
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ABOUT VICA
Presenting the business perspective on behalf of employers in the
San Fernando Valley cities of Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Calabasas,
Hidden Hills, San Fernando and Santa Clarita.
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