TO:Andrew P. Powers, City Manager
FROM:Alexandra South, Director of Strategic Communications & Public Affairs
DATE:June 10, 2025
SUBJECT: Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce Services RECOMMENDATION:
1. Approve agreement with Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce for business-related services in a not-to-exceed amount of $258,300 for two years beginning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027.
2. Authorize expenditure in the amount of $126,000 for FY 2025-26 and $132,300 for FY 2026-27 from A/C #001-0810-612-5723 (General Fund, Contracted Services – Chamber of Commerce).
3. Find that this action is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act.
LEVINE ACT ITEM: Yes
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
No Additional Funding Requested. Budget is included in the Proposed FY 2025- 26 and FY 2026-27 General Fund Budget.
BACKGROUND:
For over 30 years, the City has contracted with the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) for business-related services within the community to supplement those provided by the City. The Chamber’s services have historically involved promoting Thousand Oaks as a desirable place to live and do business. The contract includes a requirement that the Chamber provide the City with specified business-related information, which the City may use for its own Economic Development program.
Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce Services
June 10, 2025
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DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
The current two-year agreement between the City and the Chamber will expire on June 30, 2025. In order to continue the beneficial relationship between the City and the Chamber, it is recommended City Council approve a new two-year agreement (Attachment #1) with the Chamber for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027.
As shown in Exhibit “A” of the attached agreement, the agreement enables the Chamber to continue supporting the City’s Economic Development program by providing valuable ongoing services to the local business community. These services include promoting the City’s business programs through the Chamber’s website and publications, hosting informational and educational events to support local small businesses, and conducting outreach programs to the business community.
The Chamber’s business assistance and advocacy during the last two fiscal years included:
Voiced business support for the adoption of 2045 General Plan, which provides an updated long-term blueprint for the City and its development. Expressed support for the Downtown project which seeks to address the community’s desire for a clear and more vibrant downtown. Worked with a coalition of major employers to express support for 761 new housing units in Thousand Oaks to address workforce housing needs. Endorsed the approval of a proposed new 216-room hotel at the Janss Marketplace to expand local accommodation options for business and leisure travelers, while also providing a new source of revenue to the City and enhancing general economic vibrancy.
Supported the extension of temporary outdoor dining permits to enable businesses and the City more time to update outdoor dining operations and standards.
Sponsored a Biotechnology Roundtable at California State University Channel Islands to identify issues and opportunities to support the continued expansion of the industry in the City and broader region.
Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce Services
June 10, 2025
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Supported the City’s efforts to construct a Navigation Center to better serve our unhoused residents.
Advocated at State (18 positions, 2024) and Federal (6 positions, 2024) levels on legislation that would impact the business community; annual delegation trips to Sacramento and Washington D.C.
The proposed cost of these services is $126,000 for FY 2025-26, and $132,300 for FY 2026-27. This represents an aggregate increase of $18,300 in the cost of the contract from the last two fiscal years.
The City’s contractual relationship with the Chamber serves to leverage the Chamber’s expertise to promote the City and support the local business community in a cost-effective way. The relationship also promotes healthy lines of communication between the City and business community stakeholders.
Leveraging the Chamber’s expertise increases the City’s capacity to attract and retain quality jobs in Thousand Oaks (a primary focus of the City’s Economic Development program and a City Council goal). This contract renewal aims to continue this relationship and the important work of supporting our local business community.
LEVINE ACT (California Government Code § 84308):
This item is subject to the Levine Act. City Councilmembers who have received a campaign contribution of more than $500 (aggregated) within the preceding 12 months from a party or their agent/representative, or a financially-interested participant involved in this proceeding may do either of the following: (1) disclose the contribution on the record and recuse themselves from this proceeding; or if applicable (2) return the portion of the contribution that exceeds $500 within 30 days from the time the official knew or should have known about the contribution, and participate in the proceeding.
All parties and their agents/representatives must disclose on the record of this proceeding any aggregated contribution of more than $500 made to any Councilmember within the preceding 12 months. Councilmembers are prohibited from accepting, soliciting, or directing a campaign contribution of more than $250 (aggregated) from a party, their agent/representative, or a financially-interested participant during a proceeding and for 12 months following the date a final decision is made. In addition, a party, their agent/representative, or a financially interested participant is prohibited from contributing more than $500 (aggregated) to a Councilmember during a proceeding and for 12 months following the date a final decision is made.
Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce Services
June 10, 2025
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COUNCIL GOAL COMPLIANCE:
Meets the following City Council goals:
H. Participate in public-private and multi-jurisdictional opportunities to ensure residents have access to high levels of parks, recreation, education and leisure programs and services.
I. Maintain a strong local employment base geared toward retaining high quality businesses; sustain a healthy business community; and, diversify the local economy, with a specific emphasis on small businesses and high technology/biomedical jobs.
PREPARED BY: Haider Alawami, Economic Development Manager Attachments:
Attachment #1 – Chamber Agreement
CMO:140-30\H:COMMON\Council Items\2025 Staff Reports\06 10 2025\Chamber Contract Renewal Staff Report.docx