Downey tightens reigns on Chamber, votes to give $33,000

DOWNEY – For the first time ever, the city has created a contract asking for specific services from the Downey Chamber of Commerce.

The contract was approved by the City Council on Tuesday.

The move comes after a January meeting where chamber officials were asking for money but were unsure of the organization’s budget. Members of the City Council at that time said they were willing to pay the chamber, but they also said they wanted a more specific outline of what was expected for the $33,000.

The city for years has subsidized the chamber with free use of a building near City Hall and an annual contribution of $33,000 in cash. Until this year, the money came from the city’s redevelopment agency. But redevelopment agencies across the state were abolished, and the city lost its funding source.

The City Council agreed to use general fund money to pay the chamber, but the council are asked the chamber to handle public relations, keep businesses updated on government changes, and develop business opportunities in the city.

The contract requires the chamber to provide liaisons for new businesses, to print maps and directories, and to put on annual chamber functions, such as the Street Faire and the Christmas Parade.

The chamber’s annual budget is about $311,000.