Mayor Bass to join Valley leaders at annual economic forum

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and San Fernando Valley councilmembers will meet with more than 250 business and civic leaders on Aug. 13 at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City. The annual luncheon will focus on housing, public safety, infrastructure, the city budget, climate change and Olympic preparations.

Why it matters: - The State of the Valley Luncheon is a rare Valley-wide forum for business leaders to hear directly from Los Angeles officials shaping the region’s economic future. - The discussion comes as the Valley weighs housing, homelessness, public safety and infrastructure pressures alongside preparations for the Olympic Games.

What happened: - Mayor Karen Bass and San Fernando Valley City Councilmembers will appear at the 13th Annual State of the Valley Luncheon on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. - The event is set for 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, 555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, CA 91608. - More than 250 business and civic leaders are expected to attend. - Bass will deliver welcoming remarks. - The panel will include Councilmember Adrin Nazarian (CD2), Councilmember Bob Blumenfield (CD3), Councilmember Imelda Padilla (CD6) and Councilmember Monica Rodriguez (CD7). - Sara Sadwani, PhD, assistant professor of politics at Pomona College, will moderate.

The details: - The Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce is presenting the event. - The chamber says the luncheon is the only Valley-wide forum where all six Los Angeles City Councilmembers representing the San Fernando Valley appear together on one stage. - The agenda will cover housing and homelessness, public safety, business retention and attraction, transportation and infrastructure, the city budget, climate change and the Olympics. - Doors open at 10:45 a.m. for media setup. - Photo and video opportunities include Bass’s address, the councilmembers on stage, networking among attendees and interviews before and after the program. - Media can RSVP with Nancy Hoffman Vanyek at nancy@sanfernandovalleychamber.com or 818-989-0300. - The chamber was established in 1911 and describes itself as a business organization focused on economic development, community growth and a pro-business climate. - The chamber’s social media pages are available on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Between the lines: - The lineup signals a public push to align city leadership and business interests around the Valley’s growth challenges. - The mix of policy topics suggests the region’s business community sees city services, safety and transportation as closely tied to investment and retention decisions.

What's next: - Mayor Bass, the councilmembers and regional business leaders are expected to use the luncheon to outline priorities heading into the next phase of city planning and Olympic preparation. - Media interviews will be available before and after the program.

The bottom line: - The luncheon puts the Valley’s top elected officials in front of the business community for a single, broad look at the issues most likely to shape the region’s economy and livability.**