11.4.20 GAC Newsletter - Beverly Hills

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TESTIMONIALS

'The Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce has given me wonderful access to the City Leaders and I have the utmost respect for all the individuals involved at the city planning level.'
John Bendheim – President - Bendheim Enterprises, Inc. More Testimonials

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MEMBERSHIP EVENTS RESOURCES

A monthly update from the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce

The past few weeks have been amongst the busiest in recent memory on the advocacy front and the Chamber team is working hard to support the local business community.

Election Results – Propositions 15 and 21, Beverly Hills Measure RP

As of Wednesday morning, Proposition 15 (Split Roll Property Tax Initiative), which the Chamber has opposed, was behind in votes but the race is still too close to call. Proposition 21 (Local Rent Control Initiative), which the Chamber has also opposed, appears headed for defeat. Beverly Hills Measure RP (Sales Tax Revenue Protection Measure), which the Chamber supports, appears headed to pass.

The Chamber will continue to monitor the election results and provide a further update at our next Government Affairs Committee meeting on November 12.

Chamber Recommends Second Entrance to Wilshire/Rodeo Subway Station on North Beverly Drive and Support for Proposed Settlement Agreement

The City of Beverly Hills is considering three potential options for a second entrance and exit to the Wilshire/Rodeo Subway Station (“North Portal”) being constructed as part of the LA Metro Purple Line Subway Extension.

The Chamber has recommended that the City proceed with a portal on North Beverly Drive which will be the most centralized location to access our business district. See the press release here.

The Chamber is also supportive of a proposed settlement agreement between the City and LA Metro which would have each party split the cost of a North Portal, provide restrooms at the Wilshire/Rodeo station, and permit work to continue expeditiously during the holidays while avoiding major impacts to businesses. Read the letter here.

The Beverly Hills City Council will be considering this issue at the next meeting on November 10 and encourage all interested stakeholders to participate.

Chamber Encourages Enactment of Mixed Use Housing Ordinance

The Beverly Hills City Council will be continuing the evaluation of a potential mixed use housing ordinance at the next meeting on November 10. The Chamber is supportive of creating such an ordinance and has recommended that the City permit increased height and density of such projects on key commercial corridors such as Wilshire Blvd., La Cienega Blvd., and N. Robertson Blvd where there are already buildings of similar height. Read the letter to the City here.

Chamber Asks City of Beverly Hills to Extend OpenBH Program on Longer Term Basis

OpenBH is the City’s program that allows businesses to temporarily expand their services to adjacent areas such as parking lots and the public right of way (sidewalks) through a Special Event Permit.

The Chamber is a strong supporter of this program which has been a great opportunity to help businesses during this difficult time. The Chamber recently asked the City of Beverly Hills to formally extend the program until at least December 31, 2021, which will encourage businesses to invest in outdoor infrastructure and provide a lively and engaging street scene for the City. Read the letter to the City here.

Chamber Members:
Attend the Next Government Affairs Committee Meeting via Zoom

Please attend the next Government Affairs Committee meeting on Thursday, November 12 at 4 PM via Zoom.

We have an action packed meeting lined up, including:

Key updates on Beverly Hills initiatives, including the Purple Line Subway, mixed use housing ordinance and commercial parking requirements in the City.
Analysis and wrap up of the November 2020 election
An update on laws regarding the sale of alligator/crocodile skins and fur in California.
Updates on important developments and laws at the local, state and federal levels.
Much more!

Attendance is complimentary for Chamber members. Click here to register.

Contact: Blair Schlecter, Vice President of Economic Development and Government Affairs; schlecter@beverlyhillschamber.com

Learn why you should attend the next Beverly Hills Chamber Government Affairs Committee Meeting from Vice President of Economic Development & Government Affairs Blair Schlecter and Director of Marketing & Events Alexandria Anderson. Click here to watch.