CITY OF COMMERCE AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Miss Commerce and Young Man of the Year Proposal MEETING DATE: March 25, 2025
RECOMMENDATION
At the request of the City Council, the Department of Parks and Recreation is proposing an updated budget for a potential Miss Commerce and Young Man of the Year program to be conducted in March 2026 in the amount of $98,000 and consider the new recommendations to enhance the program.
BACKGROUND
The Miss Commerce Pageant is a long-standing and cherished tradition hosted by the City of Commerce, providing young residents with unique opportunities for personal and professional growth. Established in the 1960s, the pageant has fostered unforgettable memories, strengthened participants' resilience, and offered avenues for engagement in civic activities. Participants have also had the opportunity to travel and serve as ambassadors for the City of Commerce. Beyond being a competition, the pageant serves as a platform to build confidence and support participants in pursuing educational and professional aspirations.
In 1999, the program expanded to include the Young Man of the Year award, extending similar opportunities for personal development and community representation to young male participants.
ANALYSIS
On January 24, 2025, an agenda report was presented to Council to consider reinstating the Miss Commerce Pageant and the Young Man of the Year program. The proposal mirrored past programs with an estimated budget of $166,500.
After discussion, the Parks and Recreation Department was tasked to report back at a later date with alternatives to reduce the proposed budget and to inquire with surrounding communities who host similar pageants.
Given the task, Parks and Recreation staff explored ways to refine the Miss Commerce program to ensure its continued success while addressing budget considerations. As part of this effort, staff met with local city pageant/young ambassador program directors from Downey, South Gate, and Lynwood to compare operational structures, funding models, and program elements.
Through these discussions, it became evident that the City of Commerce’s Miss Commerce program (that includes the Young Man of the Year) is uniquely distinguished in its level of detail, presentation, and investment in the participants. The program incorporates a well-rounded experience that extends beyond the competition itself, including cultural excursions, professional development workshops, and both pre- and post-event activities that enhance participants' leadership skills and civic engagement.
Pageants have evolved beyond traditional beauty contests, focusing on leadership, community service, and personal growth. Many cities and organizations are shifting towards ambassador-style programs that emphasize civic engagement and advocacy. Updating the structure ensures relevance and continued interest from participants and the community.
To continue with the essence of the Miss Commerce Program, while modernizing and aligning the program with current trends and maintaining its prestige, staff has developed the following recommendations:
Age. Participants must be between the ages of 16-23 on the night of the event.
Participants must be residents of Commerce at the time of application and possess a current Resident Activity Card/Grandchild Activity Card. Miss Commerce, Young Man of the Year, and Ambassadors must keep their Resident Activity Card/Grandchild Activity Card updated throughout their reign.
Participants must never have held the title of Miss Commerce/Young Man of the Year. Returning court ambassadors may re-apply for the program in the following years, so long as they continue to meet the age eligibility.
The winner of the Miss Commerce event will be named “Miss Commerce”. The young ladies with the following 3 highest scores will be named as Ambassadors in no specific order.
The winner of the Young Man of the Year contest will be named “Young Man of the Year”. The young man with the next highest score will be named as Ambassador.
The title of "Ambassador" better reflects the role of all finalists in representing the City of Commerce. Each Ambassador will have a meaningful role. This trend reinforces that all titleholders contribute equally to promoting city programs and initiatives.
These changes ensure the program continues to be a source of pride for participants and the community. It creates a stronger foundation for the program’s long-term sustainability and appeal.
Below you will find an updated budget that reflects a decrease in funds and programs as compared to the first report that was given on Tuesday, January 24, 2025.
Budget
Category
Expense
Updated
Meal – participants only. No audience dinner.
$15,000
$3,000
Miss Commerce/Young Man of the Year Show
$12,000
$12,000
Entertainment
$13,000
$10,000
Video Production
$15,000
Monetary Awards (seeking sponsorships)
$8,000
$8,000
Royal Breakfast
$12,000
Cultural Excursions
$20,000
$10,000
Supplies – Yearlong program
$17,500
$15,000
Appearances, Meetings, Costumes
$12,000
$10,000
Official Photo Session
$7,000
$7,000
Day of Empowerment
$10,000
$10,000
Facilitators, Coaches, Meals
$8,000
$8,000
A Royal Evening Dinner
$4,000
Miscellaneous - Facilitators, Coaches
$5,000
$5,000
Flights, Meals, Miscellaneous, Lodging – Aguas Calientes $8,000
Total Budget
$166,500
$98,000
Staff requests that Council consider the new budget as well as considering the new program format.
ALTERNATIVES
Approve staff recommendation
Disapprove staff recommendation
Provide further direction to staff
FISCAL IMPACT
If the City Council approves staff’s recommendation, an appropriation of $98,000 needs to be approved to cover the program costs highlighted above. If the allocation is approved, staff will include the funding as part of the Parks and Recreation budget for FY 2025-26.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The agenda item relates to the 2016 Strategic Plan, Community Quality of Life Guiding Principle 4:
Support and evaluate community services, programs and events that promote healthy and quality of lifestyles for our residents. Enhance public safety and social services through innovative programs that meet the needs of the residential and business communities.
Respectfully submitted: Ernie Hernandez, City Manager
Recommended by: Greg Alaniz, Parks and Recreation Director Fiscal Impact reviewed by: Vilko Domic, Assistant City Manager Approved as to form by: Noel Tapia, City Attorney