Land Use Element Proposal Could Exacerbate
Housing Shortage In Long Beach, Beacon Economics Reports
Tomorrow, Adam Fowler of Beacon Economics is addressing the Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DLBA) Board of Directors about his firm’s report, “Economic Analysis of the Future Housing Needs in the City of Long Beach 2040.” Beacon found that just over 75,000 new housing units will be needed to keep up with job growth in the city. The report also concluded that proposed revisions to the city’s Land Use Element would exacerbate the city’s housing shortage. The board meeting is open to the public, 8-9:45 a.m., 245 E. 3rd St.
First Quarter Survey Shows Record-High Small-Business Confidence
Released today, the CNBC/SurveyMonkey Small Business Survey recorded its highest ever Small Business Confidence Index indicator, which increased from 57 to 62 in the first quarter. This is the largest quarter-over-quarter increase since the survey began last year. Of those surveyed, 46% believed the new federal tax policy would have a positive impact on business, while 23% believed impacts would be negative. The largest confidence boost occurred in businesses with five to nine employees and with owners between the ages of 35-44 and 55-64.
Court Cases Defining The Line Between Employee And Independent Contractor
Two court cases stand to clarify the dividing line between employees and independent contractors, according the California Chamber of Commerce. In a recent blog post, the Chamber pointed out that the recent court case, Raef Lawson v. Grubhub Inc., upheld standard definitions of independent contractors. Another case, Dynamex Operations West Inc. v. Superior Court, has yet to be ruled on but could provide additional clarification about the differentiating criteria for employment type.
New Rule Would Extend Short-Term Health Insurance Coverage
The United States Departments of Health & Human Services, Labor and Treasury proposed a rule that would allow consumers to buy health insurance plans providing coverage for any period of less than 12 months. The goal is to provide more options for those who need temporary coverage or cannot afford to pay health care premiums. This initiative is a response to an executive order from President Trump last year directing the expansion of limited-duration insurance coverage.
The Toyota Grand Prix Of Long Beach Race Track Is Underway
Construction on the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach race track is underway in preparation for the April 13-15 event. The Grand Prix Association of Long Beach has begun mounting the safety system for the track, which is made up of more than 14 million pounds of concrete blocks, four miles of fencing and 17,000 tires fastened together. More than 2,400 concrete blocks will be placed around the track and 14 grandstands for spectators installed. Other preparations include installing six pedestrian bridges, eight boards for full-circuit TV coverage and 44 hospitality suites to accommodate the expected crowd of more than 180,000.