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CC - CONSENT ITEM: Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chamber of Commerce Regarding Joint Cooperation in Certain Events, Projects and Economic Development Related Activities in the City
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Meeting Date: June 26, 2023
Contact Person/Dept.: Elizabeth Garcia, Office of Economic and Cultural Development
Phone Number: 310-253-5708
Fiscal Impact: Yes [x] No [] General Fund: Yes [x] No []
Attachments: Yes [x] No []
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [x] Date:
Commission Name:
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (06/22/2023)
Department Approval: Jesse Mays, Assistant City Manager (06/14/2023)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Culver City Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) regarding joint cooperation in certain events, projects and economic development related activities in the City.
BACKGROUND
In May 2009, the City Council approved an MOU with the Chamber of Commerce to define the organizational relationship with the City and denote the mutual interest in enhancing the City’s economic and business environment. The MOU outlines specific duties and responsibilities regarding community events and/or activities that align with the City’s economic development efforts.
The most recent MOU expired in December 2020. As market conditions have shifted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a new MOU was developed to address current and future opportunities to elevate economic development for all Culver City businesses.
DISCUSSION
The Chamber and the City discussed the current state of business in Culver City and identified methods for accomplishing mutual objectives. The proposed changes to the MOU redefine the City’s level of participation to participate, sponsor and promote additional events and projects that will benefit the business community. These include:
Programs
Business Welcome Program *
Ribbon Cutting Business Program**
Discover Culver City Tourism Program**
Workshops and Cluster Events
Business Educational Events *
Creative Economy Events *
Industry Cluster Meetings/Events *
Events
Business Expo**
Culver City Economic Forum**
Women In Business**
Discover Culver Award Luncheon**
Mayor’s Luncheon**
Public Safety Luncheon**
State of the City**
*City-Initiated **Chamber-Initiated
Similarly, the Chamber will promote certain events and projects to their membership to increase awareness of City programs and resources.
The proposed MOU will expire on June 30, 2024 and may be administratively extended for an additional one-year term, pursuant to the terms of the MOU. The MOU may also be amended as needed to reflect the current needs of the community and the economy.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
In the Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024, staff has allocated approximately $4,350 in Account #10110500.514100 (Economic Development - Departmental Special Supplies) to produce workshop and economic clusters, as well as $2,500 in Account #10110500.610200 (Economic Development - Marketing Services) for Business Welcome Packets, as outlined in the MOU. City sponsored event contributions may take the form of staff time, materials, and/or fee waivers. Requests for permit fee waivers may be approved by the City Manager, or deferred to the City Council for consideration, at the City Manager’s discretion.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Culver City Chamber of Commerce Memorandum of Understanding
MOTIONS
That the City Council:
1. Approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the Culver City Chamber of Commerce regarding cooperation in certain joint events, projects and economic development-related activities through June 30, 2024, which may be administratively extended for one additional year pursuant to the terms of the MOU; and
2. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.