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CC - CONSENT ITEM: Adoption of Resolution Modifying the Special Events Grant Program Policy 2502.

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Meeting Date: September 14, 2026

Contact Person/Dept.:  Edgar Varela, Office of Economic and Cultural Development

Phone Number:  (310) 253-5752

Fiscal Impact:  Yes []    No [x]                                          General Fund:  Yes []     No [x]

Attachments:   Yes [X]     No []   

Public Notification:   (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - GovDelivery (09/10/2026)  

Department Approval: Adam Troy, Assistant City Manager (08/26/2026)      _____________________________________________________________________

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution modifying the Special Events Grant Program Policy 2502 (Attachment 1).

BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION

Modifications to the Off Cycle Sponsorship Requests

On July 13, 2026, the City Council requested that staff propose modifications to the existing special event policy to streamline agendizing off-cycle sponsorship requests without City Council consensus. The proposed policy changes were considered by Economic Development Subcommittee on August 26, 2026.

In an effort to streamline the current special event grant process,  staff recommends eliminating the existing requirement to request City Council consensus to agendize an off-cycle special event grant prior to bringing the item for consideration/approval. This modification would apply only for events requesting in-kind marketing support or sponsorship of $5,000 or less.  Events exceeding this threshold, or involving street closures or use of City property, would be required to seek recommendation from the Special Event Grant Ad Hoc Subcommittee prior to being placed on the agenda.

Modifications Previously Discussed on April 13, 2026

The proposed modified Policy also includes the changes that were previously directed by the City Council at the April 13, 2026, City Council meeting.

All of the proposed changes to the Policy are reflected in track changes in Attachment 2. 

Annual Special Event Grant and City Sponsorship Review

The Ad Hoc Special Events Grant Subcommittee created each fiscal year will continue to oversee the annual sponsorship review and annual recommendation process which will begin in March 2027.  It is anticipated that recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2027/2028 Special Event Grants will be brought to the full City Council for consideration in May 2027.

FISCAL ANALYSIS

There is no fiscal impact relative to this policy change.

ATTACHMENTS

1.                     2026-09-14_ATT 1_Resolution Modifying Special Events Grant Program Policy 2502

2.                     2026-09-14_ATT 2_CC Policy 2502_Special Events Grant Program_track changes

recommended action

MOTION(S)

That the City Council:

1.                     Adopt a resolution modifying the Special Events Grant Program Policy 2502; and,

2.                     Provide direction to the City Manager as deemed appropriate.