Here’s what we decided on (October quick reads)

HERE'S WHAT BIZFED BOARD DECIDED IN OCTOBER Many thanks to our October Board Meeting host Cal State Northridge! Here's what we covered at the meeting: Sacramento Insider Update and Gubernatorial Election Outlook Ed Manning, KP Public Affairs The housing affordability crisis was a focus of legislature. Expect legislation in 2018 about data security given all the press about Equifax. The state is limited in its ability to respond to federal immigration policies. These were also the major legislative themes of the presentation:

 

Check out BizFed Central Valley Over 80 business leaders from Fresno to Bakersfield came to discuss the soon-to-launch BizFed Central Valley.  While the Central Valley feeds and fuels our nation, their poverty and crime rates remain stubbornly high.  When local leaders approached BizFed LA about franchising our unique model, we jumped at the chance to help the business community there get organized and strengthen their own voice.  If you know a business group or company that should be involved in BizFed Central Valley, please email lois.henry@bizfed.org. Protect Our Economy Through DACA Legalization

The Board supported prompt legalization for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients with a motion to acknowledge the positive benefit that DACA recipients have on our local, state and national economy. Without a permanent legislative solution before next March, approximately 800,000 DACA recipients will lose their ability to work and study legally. This will result in the loss of billions of dollars to our economy because all DACA recipients grew up in America, registered with our government, submitted to extensive background checks, and are diligently giving back to our communities and paying income taxes.

Renew, Reuse, and RECYCLE

Interstate 710 South (I-710) Corridor Project

The I-710 freeway has serious congestion and safety issues that need to be addressed. Caltrans has proposed 3 alternatives that aim to make the I-710 safer and easier to drive, improve public health, and improve the freeway’s design and traffic flow. Therefore, the Board supported Alternatives 5C and 7 and encouraged commentary at any public workshop or hearing. Alternative 5C is the modernization of the corridor and is projected to cost $6 billion to implement. Alternative 7 is the modernization and construction of a clean freight corridor and is projected to cost $11 billion. Both options would improve traffic along the corridor and there is approximately $1.1 billion in local Measure M dollars available to build the problem as this will be leveraged with State and Federal sources.

Leveraging through the Mobility Triangle Partnership Program

The Mobility Triangle Partnership Program is a partnership between major employers in the entertainment industry and transportation agencies to develop holistic mobility improvement strategies in the Burbank-Los Angeles Media District of Los Angeles County. It addresses mobility needs not currently included in any mobility funding program. This could provide the leverage needed to bring added transportation funding and added mobility improvements to our region to continue to grow and sustain a healthy and vibrant economy. Therefore, the Board supported public-private partnership in the Media District.