SCHEDULED ITEM
D-2
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
VIA: SERGIO GONZALEZ, CITY MANAGER
FROM: MIKI CARPENTER, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES
DATE: SEPTEMBER 21, 2026
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF LEASE AGREEMENT FOR 250 E.
FOOTHILL BOULEVARD TO CREATE A HOME FOR THE NATIONAL BOXING
HALL OF FAME AND YOUTH OPPORTUNITY CENTER
BACKGROUND:
Azusa has a longstanding connection to the sport of boxing. For generations, local boxing clubs, coaches, trainers, and mentors have provided opportunities for young people to develop discipline, confidence, and athletic skills, while contributing to a tradition that has produced accomplished competitors, champions, and Olympians. Collectively, these individuals and organizations have helped make boxing a meaningful part of Azusa's community identity.
The City's recreational programs have a similarly long history of providing youth sports and team-based activities. As the City continues to broaden its community services, there is also value in providing individual-sport opportunities for youth whose interests or strengths may not align with traditional league play. The Azusa Boxing Program currently provides a structured program centered on fitness, skill development, discipline, focus, and individualized coaching and mentorship. Adult programming is also offered. The program complements the broader local boxing community, including independent clubs and trainers that provide pathways for participants interested in competitive training.
The City is now advancing a shared vision for a National Boxing Hall of Fame and Youth Opportunity Center in Azusa. The proposed location at 250 E. Foothill Boulevard, directly across from City Hall and along historic Route 66, would provide a home for this effort while creating additional space for youth and community-serving activities.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council take the following action:
1) Approve the Lease Agreement with Rosa Munoz, Trustee of the Munoz 2001 Trust, for the property located at 250 E. Foothill Boulevard, subject to any non-substantive modifications in a Lease Agreement - National Boxing Hall of Fame and Youth Opportunity Center September 21, 2026
form acceptable to the City Attorney, and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the City.
ANALYSIS:
Approval of the lease represents an important step toward establishing the National Boxing Hall of Fame and Youth Opportunity Center in Azusa. The project would expand the range of positive after-school opportunities available to local youth, including an individual-sport option that emphasizes physical fitness, personal responsibility, commitment, and focused mentorship.
Boxing provides rigorous full-body conditioning while allowing participants to progress through individual effort and skill development within a supportive gym environment. The City intends to maintain a safety-focused approach to its boxing program, with instruction and participation conducted under appropriate protocols and best practices for participant safety.
The vision for the facility also includes administrative space for the National Boxing Hall of Fame and the Azusa Boxing Program, together with flexible space that may support youth leadership development, job readiness, community service, and other youth and family programming. The proposed facility would complement the City's existing community centers and satellite service model while extending community-serving activity adjacent to the civic center. This action is focused on approval of the lease.
Future agreements and actions related to facility operations, partnerships, programming, and improvements will be brought forward separately as appropriate.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact of this lease agreement for Fiscal Year 2026-27, will not exceed $10, and will be absorbed by the approved Community Resources budget under account 1025410000-6850. The costs associated with this lease over 5 years is $36,036.
Prepared by: Reviewed and Approved by:
Miki Carpenter Sergio Gonzalez
Director of Community Resources City Manager
Attachment:
1) Lease Agreement