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Thursday, Mar 28, 2024

New Year Holds Legislative Challenges for the Business Community

During a time of year that is steeped in tradition, VICA is beginning its own. Started last year with VICA’s 11 Legislative Priorities for 2011, the ritual will continue with our 12 Legislative Priorities for 2012. The priorities are a list of public policy issues that will receive special attention from VICA during the upcoming year. The list was vetted by VICA’s board of directors and general membership. Six of the items included in the list have significant implications for local business leaders, especially those in the San Fernando Valley. The first item that will receive VICA’s advocacy focus in 2012 was introduced in last month’s Local Update column (‘Ax the Tax movement finally gaining momentum’). VICA is committed to leading the effort for business tax reform in the City of Los Angeles, including the elimination of the gross receipts tax. This is an ongoing battle for VICA, and the business community is closer to a business tax-free city than it ever has been. VICA has even formed a coalition and launched a website dedicated to this issue, www.axthetaxlos- angeles.com. Anyone who has done any driving in the Valley is aware of our transportation problems. Congestion is constant and rush-hour extends throughout the day. The city’s traffic issues are no secret, and it is important to address the congestion that continues to cost business owners in lost productivity. This is why three of VICA’s 12 legislative priorities are dedicated to transportation issues. VICA plans to play a key role in: • Renovating key sections of the 101 and 405 freeways to relieve bottlenecks, increase roadway safety and enable quicker, more efficient transportation between the San Fernando Valley, downtown Los Angeles and the Westside. • Advocate for a faster investment timeline for the $40 billion secured through Measure R to speed up construction of major transportation projects in the greater San Fernando Valley. • Assist with the planning process for the $1 billion in funding for 405 Corridor Mass Transit project through the Sepulveda Pass as part of America’s Fast Forward. This is one of the most congested sections of freeway in the nation, and improvements must be made to improve quality of life and commerce across the county. L.A.’s confusing and outdated zoning code must be revised to take contemporary issues into consideration. This is why VICA will support the City of Los Angeles Planning Department’s efforts to consolidate the city zoning code and other long overdue reforms to make the system work. Improving efficiency when it comes to development is a vital part of improving the city’s relationship with the business community. One of the first things many visitors see when they come to Los Angeles is Los Angeles International Airport. With tourism playing such an important role in our local economy, it is critical for each encounter to reflect excellence. In order to support tourism across our city and especially in the Valley, VICA will lead the call for the modernization of the Los Angeles International Airport’s terminals, airfield and passenger amenities to create a more pleasant travel experience. While a major undertaking, these important business issues must be addressed. VICA has been a leader in many of these areas for years, making it imperative that the organization continue to keep pressure on our elected officials to address the issues raised by VICA’s 12 Legislative Priorities for 2012. What local issues should the business community focus on in 2012? Are you optimistic about what the new year holds for your business? Email your responses or thoughts about the column to [email protected].

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