City Council Meeting Summary, April 13, 2026

Published on April 24, 2026

City Council Earth Day and Arbor Day Proclamations.jpg

City Council Approves Joint Powers Authority Resolutions, Downtown Entertainment Zone for Special Events, Ends Fiscal Emergency Declaration

Approves Formation of Culver City Public Finance Authority

The City Council unanimously approved resolutions authorizing the formation of the Culver City Public Finance Authority through a Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement between the City and the Housing Authority.

The JPA will be used as a financing mechanism to support public projects, including reimbursing the City for the Jubilo Village Project loan, as well as funding additional affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and other City priorities.

As part of the action, the City will utilize lease revenue bonds issued by the JPA, with City-owned parking structures serving as leased assets. The structure allows the City to make lease payments over time from the General Fund while the JPA issues the bonds as a separate public entity.

Staff will proceed with finalizing the JPA formation and return to City Council for consideration of bond issuance and related financing actions.

Declares End to Fiscal Emergency

The City Council unanimously approved a resolution declaring an end to the fiscal emergency originally declared in April 2025. The fiscal emergency had been enacted due to projected structural deficits and concerns about maintaining critical City services. Following voter approval of a 1/4 cent Transactions and Use Tax increase in August 2025, known as Measure CL, the City implemented additional revenue measures to stabilize finances. With the tax now in place, the City Council determined the conditions that prompted the declaration have been addressed.

Receives Financial Reports, Audit Findings, and Approves Agreements and Policy Update

The City Council received and filed multiple financial reports, including the Fiscal Year 2023–2024 Year-End Report, Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), and Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFR), along with audit findings and communications from the City’s independent auditor.

The reports identified a delay in filing the Fiscal Year 2023–2024 audit, resulting in a finding related to timeliness in financial reporting. Staff reported corrective actions have been implemented, including adjusted internal timelines, system improvements, and additional staffing support, with the Fiscal Year 2024–2025 audit submitted on time.

To strengthen financial reporting and internal controls, the City Council approved agreements for additional consulting and audit support, including assistance with improving month-end close processes and expanding audit scope. Council also adopted an update to the City’s Financial Policies requiring the ACFR to be presented to City Council by March 31 each year to improve transparency and accountability.

Discusses Updates to Special Events Grant Program Policy and Directs Next Steps

The City Council discussed proposed modifications to the Special Events Grant Program Policy and directed staff to return with a resolution for formal consideration.

Proposed updates include allowing multi-year funding for large “Signature” events, expanding eligibility for direct cash funding, simplifying the grant tier structure, and establishing clearer insurance and marketing requirements to streamline event planning and permitting.

Council expressed general support for the proposed changes and discussed additional considerations, including standardizing public safety fees, improving the process for off-cycle funding requests, and enhancing outreach to better inform applicants about the annual grant cycle. Staff will return with a formal resolution incorporating Council’s direction.

Introduces Ordinance Establishing Downtown Entertainment Zone

The City Council received and reviewed the Downtown Culver City Entertainment Zone Management Plan and unanimously introduced an ordinance to establish an entertainment zone during special events in Downtown Culver City.

The proposed program, developed in partnership with the Downtown Business Association (DBA), would allow patrons to purchase alcoholic beverages from participating businesses and consume them within a designated area during permitted special events. The Entertainment Zone is intended to support economic activity, increase foot traffic, and enhance the overall visitor experience in Downtown Culver City.

Council expressed general support for the pilot program and discussed key considerations including public safety, traffic interactions, operational costs, and the importance of ongoing evaluation as the program is implemented. The ordinance includes amendments to the Municipal Code to allow controlled alcohol consumption within the zone boundaries during approved events, while maintaining existing laws related to public safety and alcohol service.

The program will be implemented through a management plan outlining roles, responsibilities, and operational requirements for the City, the DBA, and participating businesses, with adjustments expected as the pilot progresses.

Reduces Security Staffing at City Council Meetings and Directs Future Contract Review

The City Council discussed the City’s agreement with Good Guard Security, Inc. for security services at City Council meetings and potential alternative uses for the allocated funding.

Following discussion, Council approved reducing the number of security guards assigned to City Council meetings from four to three, consistent with recommendations from the Culver City Police Department to maintain a balanced and effective security presence. Council also directed that the existing contract with Good Guard Security be allowed to expire at the end of its current term and instructed staff to issue a Request for Proposals for future security services.

Council discussion included considerations of public safety, cost effectiveness, community perception, and comparisons to security practices in neighboring jurisdictions. Staff will return with a competitive procurement process to evaluate future security service options.

Mayor Freddy Puza, Vice Mayor Bubba Fish, and Council Members Albert Vera and Dan O’Brien voted in favor. Council Member Yasmine-Imani McMorrin abstained.

Recognition, Commendation & Proclamations

Recognition for Judith Boling-Bazar

The City Council presented a certificate of recognition to Judith Boling-Bazar for 59 years of service to the Culver City community through her work with several dentists over the years and most recently Kay Nakamura Family Dentistry. Beginning her career while still a student at Culver City High School, she has devoted decades of care, commitment, and professionalism to the health and well-being of countless residents. Her continued service stands as a testament to herremarkable work ethic and her deep connection with the Culver City community. The City Council honored her for her extraordinary service, community commitment, and lifelong contributions to the people of Culver City.

Commendation for No Limits for Deaf Children & Families

The City Council also commended No Limits for Deaf Children & Families on its 30th anniversary, recognizing the organization’s longstanding commitment to empowering deaf children and their families through innovative, no-cost programs.

For three decades, No Limits has provided afterschool programming, educational support, and nationally recognized theater programs that help children who are deaf or hard of hearing build communication skills, confidence, and self-esteem. The organization also emphasizes the vital role of families by offering resources and support to parents and caregivers.

Through its work, No Limits has created an inclusive community that fosters connection, opportunity, and achievement for children and families regardless of economic status. The City Council expressed appreciation for the organization’s impact and its continued dedication to advancing equity, access, and opportunity within the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Proclamation for Earth Day

The City Council proclaimed April 22, 2026, as Earth Day in Culver City, recognizing the importance of environmental stewardship and collective action to address climate change and protect natural resources.

Earth Day marked its 56th anniversary in 2026 with the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” highlighting the role individuals, families, and communities play in advancing environmental progress through everyday actions.

The City encouraged residents, businesses, and organizations to participate in activities such as clean-ups, sustainability efforts, and other “Acts of Green,” and to commit to protecting the environment and supporting a more sustainable and equitable future.

Proclamation for Arbor Day

The City Council also proclaimed April 24, 2026, as Arbor Day in Culver City, recognizing the importance of trees in supporting environmental health, economic vitality, and overall quality of life.

Culver City has been recognized as a Tree City USA since 2017, reflecting its ongoing commitment to maintaining and enhancing its urban forest through initiatives such as the Urban Forest Master Plan.

Trees provide numerous benefits, including improving air quality, reducing temperatures, supporting wildlife, and enhancing the beauty and livability of the community. The City encourages residents to celebrate Arbor Day and support efforts to protect and grow the urban forest for current and future generations.

Additional Council Decisions 

Additional items approved by the City Council include:

Additional Information

Additional information about each of the topics heard at the City Council meeting can be found in the staff reports and backup attachments for the items, which are posted along with the agenda to the City’s website. The video of the City Council meeting is available on the City’s website for viewing.

The next City Council meeting will take place on Monday, April 27, 2026. The meeting agenda is available on the City's website. Childcare is available for the meeting for families wanting to attend in person by emailing PRCS at prcs.department@culvercity.gov.

 

Tagged as:
Back to top