This Week in Startups

The LA Fire's Cost and the U.S. Jobs Report | E2070

Jan 10, 2025

The discussion opens with the ongoing LA wildfires, diving into the costs and the complexities surrounding insurance for affected families. Insights into the government’s preparedness highlight systemic failures. The hosts also tackle the latest U.S. jobs report, exploring its economic implications and links to inflation while considering how tech team sizes are evolving. Innovative wildfire insurance solutions from startups like Stand Insurance come into focus, showcasing the need for resilient home designs in high-risk areas.

55:47

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Quick takeaways

The Los Angeles fire department's budget faced minimal cuts amidst significant federal aid and ongoing discussions about rebuilding after wildfires.

Innovative insurance offerings from startups like Stand Insurance are emerging to provide tailored coverage solutions for homeowners in wildfire-prone areas.

Despite low unemployment rates, businesses are experiencing challenges in labor force participation and are increasingly relying on automation and static team sizes.

Deep dives

Misconceptions About Fire Budget Cuts in LA

The controversy surrounding the Los Angeles fire department's budget cuts is highlighted. Initial reports suggested that there were significant reductions to the fire budget during a critical negotiation period; however, it's clarified that the official budget remained largely intact. Politico reported that while a $17.6 million cut was noted, the overall budget still amounts to approximately $820 million, representing merely a 2% reduction. Furthermore, an additional $50 million was actually allocated during negotiations, challenging the narrative that the department faced drastic financial shortfalls.

Intro

2min

The Slopes of Change

5min

Negotiations and Management Failures in Ski Patrol Wages

3min

Fires and Financial Futures

7min

Innovative Solutions for Wildfire Insurance and Home Resilience

5min

Navigating the Challenges of High-Risk Home Insurance in California

4min

California's Fire Policy and Budget Challenges

5min

Budget Cuts, Fire Safety, and Controversial DEI Discussions

3min

Navigating Economic Intersections

20min

10.

TikTok's Supreme Court Hearing and Reflections on Los Angeles Disaster

2min

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Today’s show: Jason and Alex cover the LA wildfires and their eventual total cost, as well as the U.S. jobs report and the rise of static team size in tech.

(0:00) Jason and Alex kick off the show. (1:45) Jason’s trip to Japan (3:09) Ski industry disputes and resolutions (9:51) Northwest Registered Agent. For just $39 plus state fees, Northwest will handle your complete business identity. Visit ⁠https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist⁠ today. (11:07) Ongoing fires in LA, federal aid, and insurance challenges (18:18) Startup Stand Insurance's wildfire risk simulation

(20:18) Atlassian. Head to Atlassian.com/Startups/TWiST to see if you qualify for 50 free seats for 12 months. (24:48) Could people sue the state of California over the wildfires? (29:32) Analysis of California government competence (29:37) LinkedIn Ads. To redeem a $100 LinkedIn ad credit and launch your first campaign, go to http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups (34:56) Economic impact of job report, inflation, and Trump administration policies (42:31) Inflation's psychological effects and tech industry responses (46:03) Static team size and its effect on the labor market (50:13) Impact of automation and AI on startups and the job market (54:08) TikTok's Supreme Court case begins

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Links to topics that were discussed on the show:

Iwanai Ski Resort: https://iwanairesort.com/

Stand Insurance: https://www.inc.com/bruce-crumley/how-a-startup-plans-to-offer-coverage-to-high-risk-homeowners-dropped-by-big-insurers/91067831

U.S. Jobs Report: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm

Salesforce Job Freeze: https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/story/this-big-tech-company-has-stopped-hiring-coders-due-to-boost-provided-by-ai-460260-2025-01-10

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(9:51) Northwest Registered Agent. For just $39 plus state fees, Northwest will handle your complete business identity. Visit ⁠https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today. (20:18) Atlassian. Head to Atlassian.com/Startups/TWiST to see if you qualify for 50 free seats for 12 months. (29:37) LinkedIn Ads. To redeem a $100 LinkedIn ad credit and launch your first campaign, go to http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

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