PaliBu Chamber Recovery Expo brings community together to support fire recovery efforts

By Hayley Mattson · Sun May 24 2026

Hundreds attend Malibu event connecting residents with rebuilding resources, wellness support, businesses, and recovery experts

The Malibu-Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce welcomed residents, businesses, nonprofits, and recovery professionals to Malibu on Saturday, May 16, for the PaliBu Chamber Recovery Expo, a free community event focused on helping fire-affected communities continue rebuilding and recovering after the devastating Palisades Fire.

Held from noon to 4 p.m. at the Malibu Civic Center and Chili Cook-Off Grounds at 23575 Civic Center Way, the expo brought together approximately 75 exhibitors offering resources, guidance, and support services for residents navigating the long-term recovery process. Hundreds of attendees from Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and surrounding communities participated throughout the day.

The event served as a one-stop resource fair, connecting residents directly with contractors, architects, permitting experts, wellness practitioners, government agencies, nonprofits, and business support organizations. Organizers said the goal was not only to provide practical rebuilding information but also to create a space where community members could reconnect and support one another during an ongoing and often emotional recovery journey.

Attendees were able to meet exhibitors face-to-face, participate in “Ask the Experts” panel discussions, and gather information related to every stage of recovery and rebuilding. Admission to the expo was free and open to the public, with no tickets required.

The event highlighted four major areas of recovery support: rebuilding and construction services, wellness resources, business assistance, and government and nonprofit recovery programs.

Construction and rebuilding resources included architects, contractors, designers, and permitting specialists available to answer questions about rebuilding homes and businesses damaged or destroyed in the fires. Residents were able to receive guidance on permitting processes, insurance considerations, design planning, and construction timelines.

Wellness services focused on the mental, emotional, and physical impacts many residents continue to experience following months of displacement, stress, and uncertainty. Local wellness practitioners and support organizations offered resources aimed at helping individuals and families cope with the lingering effects of disaster recovery.

Business support services were also a central focus of the expo, as many local businesses continue working to recover economically following the fires. Entrepreneurs and business owners were able to connect with organizations offeringfinancial guidance, recovery tools, and information on available assistance programs.

Government agencies and nonprofit organizations provided updates on grants, relief programs, and other recovery initiatives currently available to residents and businesses. Representatives from various organizations answered questions and helped attendees better understand the resources available to them.

Several exhibitors shared their appreciation for the event and the opportunity to support residents during the rebuilding process.

Representatives from Unveil by Design said participating in the expo was especially meaningful because of the strong sense of unity throughout the event.

“We were so happy to be part of the very first Recovery Expo in Malibu with the Palibu Chamber,” the company shared. “It was incredibly meaningful to see so many people showing up to support rebuilding. We loved getting to volunteer and be surrounded by businesses and organizations all working toward something bigger than themselves. Community really is everything.”

All Weather Architectural Aluminum also reflected on the importance of being involved in the recovery effort and assisting homeowners planning to rebuild.

“Last weekend, All Weather Architectural Aluminum was honored to be part of the Palibu Chamber Recovery Expo in Malibu,” the company stated. “The community is rebuilding, and we were glad to be there. Thank you to the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce for organizing and to everyone who stopped by the booth. If you're planning a rebuild, we'd love to be part of it. Reach out to learn about the additional support we're offering those affected by the fires.”

The City of Malibu also participated in the expo, with staff members answering questions and providing information about rebuilding requirements and available resources.

“We had a great time connecting with the community at Saturday’s Palibu Chamber Fire Recovery Expo,” the city shared in a statement. “With a strong turnout, our team joined partner agencies to answer questions on rebuilding, including setbacks, coastal requirements, materials, ADUs, and temporary housing options. Thank you to everyone who stopped by — we’re here to support you every step of the way.”

Residents attending the event expressed appreciation for the opportunity to speak directly with experts and service providers in one location.

“It was great having so many vendors in one place to ask our questions to,” one resident shared during the expo.

The May 16 expo followed a similar recovery-focused event previously held in Pacific Palisades and is part of an ongoing series of quarterly resource fairs organized by the chamber. Organizers say the events are designed to evolve alongside the changing needs of residents and businesses as recovery efforts continue across the region.

The fires that swept through Malibu and Pacific Palisades in January 2025 caused widespread destruction, displaced families, and significantly impacted local businesses and infrastructure. While rebuilding efforts have steadily progressed, many residents continue facing complex permitting, financial, and emotional challenges more than a year later.

For additional information about future recovery expos and rebuilding resources, visit PaliBu Chamber of Commerce or Malibu Rebuilds.