City staff recommended, and the Duarte City Council approved on June 24 a fiscal year 2025–26 service agreement with the Duarte Chamber of Commerce in the amount of $73,600. The agreement’s revised scope emphasizes business promotion, member outreach and monthly reporting to staff, and it allows for an optional second year at the same rate if both parties agree.

Andres Rangel, assistant to the city manager, summarized the agreement and said the Chamber will implement a business-marketing initiative, host trainings and workshops, serve as an ombudsman between city and businesses, coordinate with regional partners and provide monthly income/expense and progress reports. With the Chamber were interim executive director Kamna Shah and Chamber board president Dr. Gregory Edelman.

Councilmembers pressed the Chamber and staff about measurable deliverables, staffing capacity and whether the contract would produce a tangible increase in membership and exposure for Duarte businesses. Chamber interim executive director Kamna Shah outlined proposed tactics—"business of the week" promotion, SBA certification trainings and tailored events for business segments—and said the Chamber is coordinating with city staff to gather data on business types.

Several councilmembers urged stronger metrics and a midyear council review; staff said the contract requires monthly reporting to the city and an annual presentation to council and that the revised scope narrows the Chamber’s focus toward business promotion. Despite concerns and a 6–1 recorded vote (one councilmember opposed), council members who supported the agreement described the coming year as a "do-or-die" opportunity to refocus the Chamber’s work. The motion passed with recorded votes in favor by Councilmembers Calderon, Lewis, King, Finley, Mayor Pro Tem Martin Del Campo and Mayor Garcia; one councilmember voted no.