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La Habra council receives report on possible Chamber membership; takes no membership vote
Summary
City staff recommended the city consider a basic La Habra Area Chamber of Commerce membership at $426 first‑year cost; council received and filed the report after public comment and a discussion that highlighted both support for business outreach and concerns about past conflicts and chamber finances.
The La Habra City Council on April 7 received and filed a staff report on whether the city should join the La Habra Area Chamber of Commerce, but took no vote to become a member.
The report, presented by Brianna Hurt, management analyst in the city administration department, recommended the city consider the chamber’s basic business membership if the council chose to apply. Hurt said the basic level’s first‑year cost is $396 annually plus a $30 one‑time application fee, “totaling $426 for the first year.”
The report matters because the city and chamber already partner on events and business outreach, but formal city membership would be a new relationship for La Habra. The basic membership level is focused on business promotion and networking rather than a government tier, staff said, and higher levels carry additional promotional benefits.
During public comment, chamber leaders and members urged the council to consider the membership as a way to support local businesses. Lynette Falcon, chair of the La Habra Chamber board, said, “Both La Habra City and the Chamber of Commerce work for the same goal and it's to help the businesses stay here in La Habra, come to La Habra and thrive in La Habra.”
Opponents questioned the chamber’s finances and independence. Resident Maria Maiacha, who said she reviewed the chamber’s tax filings, asked: “Why, if net income from fundraising is down, it's declining, and if why did the CEO give herself a raise?” Maiacha urged the council not to endorse continued funding or formal membership given what she described as declining membership and financial concerns.
Council discussion ranged from support for modeled partnerships with businesses to caution about potential conflicts of interest when a government body formally joins a private organization. One council member raised the possibility that formal membership could create legal or ethical conflicts if the chamber were to take public positions contrary to city policy.
After deliberation the council approved a motion to receive and file the staff report. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously.
