HomeMy WebLinkAboutD.1 - Staff Report - Azusa Chamber Proposal FY2025-26SCHEDULED ITEM
D-1
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
VIA: SERGIO GONZALEZ, CITY MANAGER
FROM: NICO DE ANDA-SCAIA, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER
DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2025
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF AZUSA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PARTNERSHIP
PROPOSAL FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26
BACKGROUND:
The Azusa Chamber of Commerce has been a longstanding partner in supporting the local business
community, attracting investment, and organizing community and fundraising events. Historically, the
City has provided financial assistance to the Chamber at varying levels to help sustain these initiatives,
with conditions for funding set forth in a joint City-Chamber Agreement. The most recent Agreement
between the City and Chamber expired on June 30, 2024.
The Chamber has submitted a proposal to the City for renewed financial support and a continued
partnership for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (Attachment 1). The Proposal outlines key Chamber priorities and
objectives for the year based in part on identified city strategic goals and local business needs.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council take the following action:
1)Consider and provide staff direction regarding the Azusa Chamber of Commerce Partnership
Proposal for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
ANALYSIS:
Traditionally, City-Chamber collaboration and funding have been established via a formalized partnership
agreement. Past agreements have outlined city funding levels, detailed expectations for the various
resources and services to be provided by the Chamber to the local business community, along with
financial and public reporting standards for the organization.
APPROVED
CITY COUNCIL
9/15/2025
Azusa Chamber of Commerce Partnership Proposal
September 15, 2025
Page 2
The most recent City-Chamber Agreement (Attachment 2) included city financial assistance to the
Chamber for a total annual amount of up to $44,493.00 (paid out in monthly installments), with a 5%
annual compounding reduction in city funding based on an expectation that the Chamber would work
toward full financial self-sufficiency through its operational revenues and other established fundraising
efforts. The 5% annual reduction was ultimately put on hold during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Over the past year, the Chamber of Commerce has undergone significant board leadership and staffing
changes, with a renewed stated purpose and focus on transparency, measurable outcomes, and a
commitment to bringing public value. Per the Chamber’s proposal, city funding would be “…exclusively
allocated to programs and services that provide a direct and tangible benefit to the business community.”
Such program areas shall include, but are not limited to the following:
-Business Support & Training (e.g. business development workshops, networking events, small
business recognition program)
- Event Coordination (e.g. ribbon cuttings, ‘Taste of the Town’, ‘Toast to Service’ luncheon, etc.)
-Business Outreach, Marketing & Promotion (e.g. civic engagement events, promotional
campaigns across digital platforms, chamber website/business database highlights)
The City Council has been asked to consider the Chamber’s funding proposal and provide direction
regarding whether to approve/deny the Chamber’s request, desired funding level, initial term length, and
any additional expectations concerning the scope of services. Should the Council approve the request in
full or in part, staff will prepare a funding agreement outlining deliverables, reporting expectations, and
timeline for disbursement, among other guidelines. A draft agreement would then be brought back to the
City Council for formal adoption.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item. However, Council may direct staff to return to Council
with an agreement to reestablish a formal partnership with the Chamber and funding level desired.
Prepared by: Reviewed and Approved by:
Nico De Anda-Scaia Sergio Gonzalez
Deputy City Manager City Manager
Attachments:
1) Azusa Chamber of Commerce Funding Proposal: FY2025-26
2)Prior City-Chamber Agreement - Expired (2021-2024)