STAFF REPORT
City of Lancaster
CC 7
10/14/2025
TN
Date: October 14, 2025
To: Mayor Parris and City Council Members
From: Larissa De La Cruz, Assistant City Manager
Sydney Yeseta, Manager - Economic Development
Subject: First Amended and Restated Memorandum of Understanding with Antelope Valley Economic Development and Growth Enterprise
Recommendations:
1. Approve a First Amended and Restated Memorandum of Understanding with Antelope Valley Economic Development and Growth Enterprise (AV Edge) related to regional economic development initiatives.
2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to negotiate, finalize and execute all related documents in a form approved by the City Attorney.
G.C. Section 84308: No
Fiscal Impact:
$300,000.00 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Sufficient funds are available in Account No. 101.10300.5400. Upon mutual agreement, the Memorandum of Understanding can be extended annually up to two times, expiring no later than June 30, 2028.
Background:
In 2019, the Antelope Valley Board of Trade and the Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance (GAVEA) merged to create AV Edge. Since its inception, the organization has been a key strategic partner in advancing economic development initiatives for Lancaster and the broader Antelope Valley region.
The City Council previously approved a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on June 28, 2022, that expired on June 30, 2025. The proposed amended and restated MOU aims to continue the established partnership between Lancaster and AV Edge, which strengthens the region’s economic development efforts.
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Through this amended and restated MOU, AV Edge would provide a variety of services and deliverables, including but not limited to:
The continued publication of the annual Economic Roundtable Report, which highlights key economic and demographic information geared towards site selectors and development prospects;
Two forums per calendar year, providing regional development highlights, networking and an opportunity for City leadership to present and provide relevant updates; Hosting and maintenance of a community calendar that provides an overview of key events happening within the region;
Efforts to enhance regional marketing, relationships with brokers and site selectors, workforce development, and business retention;
And representation on both the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
To adequately and fairly support the economic development efforts of the region, the deliverables in the amended and restated MOU are consistent with a separate, but similar agreement between AV Edge and the City of Palmdale.
This partnership with AV Edge not only solidifies Lancaster’s commitment to strengthening economic development in the region, but continues to foster a business and development friendly city.
SY/hb
Attachment:
First Amended and Restated Memorandum of Understanding