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CC - CONSENT ITEM: Adoption of a Resolution for the Business for Democracy Pledge; (2) Direction to Staff to Transmit a Copy of this Resolution to All Businesses Holding a Current Business License or Business Tax Certificate within the City, Together with a Link to the Business for Democracy Pledge; (3) Direction to Staff to Make Information about the Business for Democracy Pledge Available on the City’s Communication Channels for 60 Days; and (4) Provide Other Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate.

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Meeting Date: October 26, 2026

Contact Person/Dept.: Shelly Wolfberg/City Manager’s Office

Phone Number:  (310) 253-6000

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

Attachments:   Yes [X]     No [ ]   

Public Notification:   (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (10/xx/2026)  

Department Approval: Carissa Smith, Chief Public Affairs and Public Engagement Officer  (XX10/XX20/2026)      _____________________________________________________________________

RECOMMENDATION

Staff has prepared the following per City Council direction (1) adopt the Resolution for the Business for Democracy Pledge; (2) direct staff to transmit a copy of this Resolution to all businesses holding a current business tax certificate within the City, together with a link to the Business for Democracy Pledge; (3) direct staff to make information about the Business for Democracy Pledge available on the City’s communication channels for 60 days; and (4) provide other direction to the City Manager as deemed appropriate.

BACKGROUND

At the October 13, 2026 City Council Meeting, Vice Mayor Fish received Council consensus to agendize the support for the National Business for Democracy Pledge. This Pledge is a voluntary public commitment inviting businesses to support democratic principles, including encouraging employee voter participation, publicly opposing obstacles to eligible voters casting ballots, and publicly opposing attempts to prevent the counting of votes or the seating of duly elected candidates. The Pledge recognizes that a thriving economy and a healthy democracy reinforce one another.

The proposed Resolution is generally consistent with the City's Legislative and Policy Platform (LPP), particularly its commitments to inclusive civic participation, government accountability, transparency, civil and human rights, and economic development. However, the Resolution also introduces a policy initiative that the LPP does not expressly address: asking private businesses to consider publicly endorsing a national pledge concerning democratic elections and directing City staff to distribute information about that pledge to businesses throughout Culver City.

DISCUSSION

If adopted the Resolution would:

•                     Affirm the City Council's support for free and democratic elections, including the right of eligible voters to cast their ballots and the accurate counting of lawful votes.

•                     Urge all Culver City businesses - from small locally owned businesses to major corporations - to sign the Business for Democracy Pledge.

•                     Direct City staff to transmit a copy of the Resolution and a link to <https://businessfordemocracypledge.org/> to all businesses holding a current business license, tax certificate, or equivalent authorization.

•                     Direct City staff to promote the Pledge for 60 days through existing channels, including the City website, economic-development communications, and business newsletters.

The resolution is not legislation in the conventional sense; it is a local policy resolution that expresses the Council's position and directs City staff to take specific actions. The Resolution expressly states that participation is voluntary and does not condition any business license, permit, contract, benefit, or governmental service upon whether a business signs or declines to sign the Pledge.

Potential Communications to Culver City Business Community

If the City Council adopts the Resolution, staff is considering similar language as what is shown below to communicate to all Culver City businesses with a Business Tax Certificate:

The City Council of the City of Culver City has adopted a resolution affirming the importance of free and democratic elections and encouraging businesses operating in Culver City to learn about the Business for Democracy Pledge. The Resolution recognizes the importance of eligible voters being able to cast their ballots, lawful votes being accurately counted, election results being respected, and duly elected representatives being seated. It also acknowledges the role businesses can play in supporting civic participation and democratic processes. The Business for Democracy Pledge invites businesses to consider actions such as sharing information about voter rights and civic participation with employees and publicly affirming support for free and fair elections. Participation is entirely voluntary. Businesses may review the pledge and decide independently whether to sign. A business's decision to sign or not sign will not affect its eligibility for City licenses, permits, contracts, benefits, or services. To learn more about the pledge and review its terms, visit: <https://businessfordemocracypledge.org/>

The City is sharing this information in accordance with the adopted Resolution to make local businesses aware of the initiative. Each business may determine whether participation is appropriate for its organization.

Thank you for your continued contributions to Culver City's business community.

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact. Outreach will be conducted through existing City communication channels at no additional cost.

ATTACHMENT

1.                     2026-10-26 - ATT Business for Democracy Pledge Resolution

recommended action

MOTION

That the City Council:

1.                     Adopt the Resolution for Democracy Pledge;

2.                     Direct City staff to transmit a copy of this Resolution to all businesses holding a current business license, business tax certificate, or equivalent authorization within the City, together with a link to the Business for Democracy Pledge;

3.                     Direct City staff to make information about the Business for Democracy Pledge available for 60 days through appropriate existing communication channels; and

4.                     Provide other direction to the City Manager as deemed appropriate.