The City Council voted unanimously to partner with the Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce and Local LA Farmers' Markets to establish a weekly farmers market on city property, with a target opening in April and a planned Sunday schedule.

Presenters Sean Sparks and Jennifer Greenbaum described a market model in which the Chamber would act as the market operator and Local LA would serve as market manager. They proposed an opening-year vendor target of about 32 businesses and projected revenue from vendor fees of approximately $124,000 in year one, rising in years two and three as the market grows.

Councilmembers asked about the proposed revenue split, vendor fees, and how the market would keep prices affordable for working families. Sparks said the model aims to keep vendor fees low so savings could be passed to customers; the initial split discussed was 10% to the chamber and 10% to the city as an administrative arrangement. The council also discussed expedited vendor licensing and permit streamlining to support market operations.

The council approved a motion authorizing the city manager to execute the necessary agreements and to implement the market operations in partnership with the Chamber and Local LA. Councilmembers praised the proposal as a community amenity and a potential economic boost for local restaurants and vendors.

Ending: Staff will proceed with contract work and operational setup; the market manager and Chamber will continue vendor recruitment and community outreach ahead of the planned spring launch.