Lake Forest council approves two-year Chamber of Commerce agreement totaling $88,461

The Lake Forest City Council on June 17 approved a two-year contractual services agreement with the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce to support business development events and marketing.

The agreement, which city staff said is not to exceed $88,461.45, would fund $42,735 of services in fiscal year 2025–26 and include a consumer price index adjustment for fiscal year 2026–27. Adrian Grijalva, the city’s economic development and housing manager, told the council the funding covers expenses associated with business events, seminars and marketing support.

"The agreement requires the Chamber to implement specific programs and events to assist with the City's business development and attraction goals," Grijalva said in his presentation to the council. He listed signature events covered by the scope of services, including a business appreciation luncheon, business seminar and expo, career fair, and the State of the City event. Grijalva also noted the Taste of Lake Forest will return on Friday, Aug. 15 at Heritage Hill Historical Park; staff said tickets will be $50 and go on sale in July.

Steve Smith, who identified himself as a local business owner and the Lake Forest Chamber board chairman, told the council the Chamber and city have maintained a strong relationship and said a two‑year agreement would give the Chamber more time to plan and align vendors within budget. "A 2 year contract will give us way more opportunities to plan and successfully schedule all of the events that are coming our way and give us an opportunity to find the right match in terms of vendors so that we can stay within our budget," Smith said.

Council members praised the Chamber’s work and staff recommended the agreement to align with the city's two‑year budget cycle. The motion to approve the contract passed unanimously.

Staff will return with any additional details related to the Taste of Lake Forest and other signature events as those plans develop.