[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 107 (Tuesday, July 5, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1028]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HOWARD L. CHAMBERS, LEGENDARY LAKEWOOD CITY MANAGER TO RETIRE

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                         HON. ALAN S. LOWENTHAL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 5, 2016

  Mr. LOWENTHAL. Mr. Speaker, Howard L. Chambers, who has served as the 
city manager of the City of Lakewood for four decades, is the 
California city manager with the longest tenure in the same city--this 
in a profession where the average length of service in California is 
about seven years.
   A lifelong member of the Lakewood community, Howard grew up near 
Mayfair Park, went to neighborhood schools, and worked at the YMCA.
   After earning his degree at Cal State Long Beach, Howard interned at 
the City of Lakewood for two years, handling youth services. He then 
went to work with the City of Rosemead as an assistant city manager.
   Howard returned to Lakewood in 1972 in the role of an executive 
assistant to the city manager. In 1976, he was named acting city 
administrator and shortly thereafter hired to permanently fill the 
position, which was later re-titled as city manager, by the city 
council.
   During his 40-year tenure as a city manager, Howard Chambers has 
become a respected leader among area city managers, always willing to 
take the time to share his professional experience with his colleagues 
on issues affecting Southern California, its residents, and its 
infrastructure.
   Howard has also worked tirelessly and effectively on ad hoc 
committees and coalitions to address federal, state, and local issues, 
and has never shied away from a principled battle. As a long-term 
member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), 
Chairman of the Southeast Los Angeles County Municipal Management 
Group, the California Contract Cities Association, and a member of the 
League of California Cities' City Managers Division, Howard has worked 
with elected and appointed city officials, legislators, regulators, the 
business community, residents, and others to achieve solutions to the 
critical issues affecting local governments.
   In addition to his public service, Howard Chambers has made 
community service a priority. His involvement includes the Lakewood 
Rotary Club, the Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA, Lakewood Special 
Olympics, the American Heart Association, Su Casa Ending Domestic 
Violence, Lakewood Regional Hospital, Kris Kringle Charity Golf 
Tournament, and Project Shepherd.
   For his sustained excellence, he has been recognized throughout his 
career by a variety of organizations including ICMA, Harvard University 
John F. Kennedy School of Government, California Jaycees, YMCA, 
Lakewood City Council, Lakewood City Employees Association, and Su Casa 
Ending Domestic Violence.
   During his tenure, Howard Chambers managed the city's largest public 
works project in its first 50 years: the $16 million improvement of the 
Lakewood Civic Center and construction of The Centre at Sycamore Plaza. 
He later oversaw the $21-million expansion and modernization of the 
Lakewood Sheriff's Station, the largest single project in the city's 
history. The sheriff's station expansion project was completed without 
a new tax, tax increase, or special assessment.
   Howard Chambers is considered a legend in the city management 
profession and is known for his ability to build working relationships 
with city staffers, civic leaders, and state legislators. He also is a 
role model for his peers. Known for his ``teachable moments,'' he has 
become a mentor and teacher to new city managers. He has been and will 
continue to be passionate about local government, and his involvement 
in community activities and achievements in public service have 
resulted in significant benefits to Lakewood and surrounding 
communities.
   During his four decades of service, Lakewood has deservedly earned 
many awards for the quality of its services, its commitment to 
responsive government, and its innovations.

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