TO: ADAM PIRRIE, CITY MANAGER
FROM: JAMIE EARL, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
DATE: JUNE 23, 2026
Reviewed by:
City Manager: AP
SUBJECT:
Title
AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CLAREMONT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR VISITOR CENTER AND BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES (FUNDING SOURCE: GENERAL FUND)
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SUMMARY
Staff is seeking approval of a two-year agreement with the Claremont Chamber of Commerce (“Chamber”) to continue providing visitor center and business support services on behalf of the City. The proposed agreement term is July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028, with compensation to the Chamber in the amount of $60,000 annually for the duration of the agreement. Through this partnership, the City and Chamber will continue collaborating to promote Claremont as a business, educational, residential, recreational, industrial, and cultural destination.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the City Council approve a two-year agreement with the Claremont Chamber of Commerce in the amount of $60,000 annually to provide visitor center and business support services on behalf of the City, for a term commencing July 1, 2026, and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
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ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there are the following alternatives:
A. Request additional information.
B. Reject staff’s recommendation.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Prior to the temporary elimination of funding during 2020-21 due to City budget constraints, the City provided annual financial support to the Chamber in the amount of $40,000. In recognition of the City’s longstanding partnership with the Chamber, the City Council restored funding in the amount of $60,000 annually as part of the adopted 2022-24 Operating Budget.
The restored funding level returned the City’s support to an amount generally consistent with funding levels prior to the Great Recession of 2007-2009. The annual allocation of $60,000 is included in the City’s adopted 2026-28 Operating Budget and is funded through the General Fund.
The staff cost to prepare this report and administer this contract is estimated at $1,000 and is included in the operating budget of the Administrative Services Department.
ANALYSIS
The City of Claremont and the former Redevelopment Agency provided funding to the Claremont Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) for over thirty years in exchange for visitor center and business support services. After the dissolution of the former Redevelopment Agency, the City provided funding from the General Fund for these services.
Funding for the Chamber to provide visitor center and business support services through an agreement with the City was eliminated in the 2020-21 budget due to the City’s financial constraints at the time. Despite the elimination of funding, the Chamber continued to provide services.
In recognition of the City’s longstanding partnership with the Chamber, the City Council restored funding in the amount of $60,000 annually as part of the adopted 2022-24 Operating Budget using one-time American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. With ARPA funding no longer available, the annual allocation of $60,000 for the proposed agreement is included in the City’s adopted 2026-28 Operating Budget and is funded through the General Fund.
The services the Chamber provides are intended to serve Claremont’s merchants, citizens, and visitors. These services are designed to enhance the operations of the Visitor’s Information Center (205 Yale Avenue) and provide a platform for both parties to work together on efforts benefiting the entire business community. Both the City and Chamber have continued to enjoy a positive, cooperative, and innovative relationship.
Below is an outline of the services proposed to be provided by the Chamber:
• Respond to requests for information on a variety of subjects, including but not limited to, business and business opportunities, City government services and procedures, City projects, visitor and new resident information, demographics, inquiries related to generating business in the City.
• Manage, update, and maintain the Chamber website.
• Produce and distribute City, visitor, and business information materials.
• Maintain a monthly and annual calendar which includes special events.
• Promote the City and its businesses.
• Develop events, entertainment or activities for the Village and other commercial areas with the assistance of the City and other business representatives.
In addition to the services above, the Chamber of Commerce is also required to submit an annual report that includes an accurate and complete record of the number and nature of public inquiries and progress on goals and business support services.
LEGAL REVIEW
The agreement has been reviewed and approved as to form by the City Attorney.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Staff has evaluated the agenda item in relationship to the City’s strategic and visioning documents and finds that it applies to the following City Planning Documents: Council Priorities, Sustainable City Plan, Economic Sustainability Plan, and the 2024-26 Budget.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Submitted by: Prepared by:
Jamie Earl Katie Wand
Assistant City Manager Deputy City Manager