[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 117 (Wednesday, July 12, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E966-E967]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        THE RETIREMENT OF LAKEWOOD CITY MANAGER HOWARD CHAMBERS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALAN S. LOWENTHAL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 12, 2017

  Mr. LOWENTHAL. Mr. Speaker, Howard L. Chambers, who has served as the 
city manager of the City of Lakewood for more than four decades, has 
announced that he will be retiring from his role at the administrative 
helm of the city. Howard has served longer as city manager of the same 
city longer than any other city manager in California--this in a 
profession where the average length of service in California cities is 
about seven years.
   A true ``native son,'' Howard is a lifelong member of the Lakewood 
community, growing up near Mayfair Park, going to neighborhood schools, 
even working at the local 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, the same year he earned a 
Master of Arts degree in Planning and Administration from Pepperdine 
University, Howard was named acting city administrator and shortly 
thereafter hired to permanently fill the position. The city council 
later officially re-titled the position as city manager.
   Always looking to push his skill level further, he earned a Master 
of Public Administration

[[Page E967]]

degree from the University of Southern California in 1981 and was a 
Fellow of the Program for Senior Executives in State and Local 
Government at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government in 
1988. In 2005, he completed a rigorous evaluation process and became a 
Credentialed Manager under the auspices of the International City/
County Management Association.
   Howard eventually served 34 years as Lakewood City Manager, retiring 
in 2011. However, within a year, the city council asked him to return 
to the role. He returned in 2012 and remained until his retirement this 
year. In total, his 41 years as city manager represent nearly two-
thirds of the 63-year-old city's entire existence. It is safe to say 
that the vast majority of the city's 80,000 residents have known no one 
but Howard as city manager.
   During his tenure as Lakewood city manager, Howard 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.
   None of this has gone unnoticed and on his watch, Lakewood has 
deservedly earned many awards for the quality of its services, its 
commitment to responsive government, and its innovations.
   Over his record-setting 40 years behind the city manager's desk, 
Howard 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 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.
   Howard 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 an entire generation of 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.
   I have truly appreciated the time I have spent working with Howard. 
He has a great sense of humor and even when we have disagreed, he is 
respectful and thoughtful. I will miss Howard's leadership and his 
guidance.

                          ____________________