Council approves $400,000 multi‑year pledge to Auburn Chamber for naming rights

The Auburn City Council on April 7 approved a resolution to provide a $400,000 multi‑year pledge to the Auburn Chamber of Commerce to support a new Chamber building and secure naming rights for a 2,300‑square‑foot meeting hall.

Anna, president of the Chamber of Commerce, asked the council to consider the pledge as part of a $3.5 million fundraising campaign. "Our campaign goal is $3.5 million and in the private phase we’ve raised $1.4 million," Anna said, and requested the city’s commitment to the proposed multi‑year pledge. The Chamber said the pledge would secure naming rights for the meeting hall and help the project move from final design to construction.

Council moved and seconded the resolution. City staff noted the Chamber’s timeline for design submission and that the city’s first contribution would not be required before the city’s next fiscal year; the approved pledge is structured as annual $50,000 installments beginning no later than fiscal year 2029. The council recorded no opposition and the motion carried.

Why it matters: The Chamber said the new facility will host professional development, small‑business training and community gatherings and serve up to 300 people; the council’s commitment is intended to leverage private fundraising and naming‑opportunity pledges.

What was approved: The council passed a resolution authorizing the multi‑year pledge; specific payment timing is set in the approved pledge structure (installments of $50,000 per year, first installment no later than FY2029). The Chamber indicated plans to begin demolition and move to construction once plans are approved and remaining funds are secured.

What’s next: The Chamber will continue fundraising and proceed with final design and permitting. The resolution places the city’s pledge on record; the council did not appropriate the funds for the current fiscal year and staff said future appropriations will follow the city’s budgeting process.