The purpose of this agenda item is to authorize the City Administrator to execute an agreement with the Carmel Chamber of Commerce for Visitor Center operations and services for fiscal year 2023-2024. The Carmel Chamber of Commerce operates the Visitor Center located in the Carmel Plaza on Ocean Avenue between Junipero and Mission, which helps provide assistance and referrals to visitors regarding lodging, dining, retail and cultural and recreational activities. The Center is open seven days a week and closed on major holidays. According to the Chamber, the cost of operating the center is estimated a $135,500 a year. The proposed agreement with the Chamber will provide $60,000 to support the operating costs associated with the Center. The Carmel Municipal Code requires contracts of $60,000 or more be approved by Council resolution.

Staff supports a new annual agreement with the Carmel Chamber of Commerce based on the organization's 100 year expertise in promoting and understanding Carmel-by-the-Sea businesses and ensuring continuity and consistency of operations and services provided to locals and visitors alike.