We have encouraging developments to share about the high-stakes Climate Action Plan. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is taking steps to clarify the proposed plan. The unanimous vote came down this afternoon after a cadre of diverse business leaders and community members testified in person about our shared affordability and sustainability concerns. BizFed members also called in with live testimony and submitted advocacy letters ahead of the meeting.
We're grateful to Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Supervisor Janice Hahn for leading the charge to add clarifying language ensuring the plan is only an aspirational framework. Supervisor Hilda Solis also spoke up today to amplify the business community's concerns. We want to thank all five supervisors for hearing our concerns and supporting BizFed's request to amend the draft plan with aspirational language.
We're hopeful this is a step toward improving the plan so it doesn't decimate jobs, exacerbate housing shortages, and stymie economic growth. But we still have work to do before the plan heads to a second reading by May 16. We'll alert you when the updated plan is available for review. We expect it to include the promised aspirational language – placed prominently to ensure legal clarity – following today's motion.
BizFed will continue working with county supervisors and planning staff to fine tune the aspirational plan so it doesn't inadvertently do more harm than good. Look for updates and next steps from our advocacy team. We invite you to share our testimony clips and social media posts to raise awareness about the Climate Action Plan's broad impacts on the future of regional development.
WATCH SARAH WILTFONG'S TESTIMONY
READ BIZFED'S LETTER
The BizFed leaders below – plus 10 community members – rallied today to testify before the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Thank you all for leaning in to amplify the voice of business.
Nayiri Baghdassarian - San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership
Omar Gonzales - LA Area Chamber
Ana Gormis - Building Industry Association, LA/Ventura
Rich Lambros - Southern California Leadership Council
John Musella - Santa Clarita Valley Chamber
Blake Perez - Building Owners & Managers Association
Daniel Sipprelle - Valley Industry & Commerce Association
Mihran Toumajan - Commercial Real Estate Development Association
Sarah Wiltfong - BizFed
Adam Wood - Building Industry Association, Southern California
Jerard Wright - Greater Los Angeles REALTORS
