City Council Meeting Summary, May 26, 2026

Published on June 07, 2026

Miss Teen Culver City and Miss Culver City Commendation Photo

City Council Discusses Proposed Budget, Updates Citywide Fees, Introduces Fox Hills Specific Plan Ordinance

Discusses Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Proposed Budget

The City Council discussed City Manager Odis Jones’ proposed Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Budget and provided direction to the City Manager at its meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

Staff presented updates to the proposed budget, including increased funding for the Mobile Crisis Team, additional funding for the Forgivable Revolving Loan Fund with an emphasis on childcare centers and services, increased support for the Culver City Afterschool Recreation Program, and reallocation of a portion of Joint Powers Authority proceeds.

Council discussion focused on balancing investments across community priorities, including street and sidewalk repairs, alley repaving, right-of-way improvements, Safe Streets and Complete Streets projects, tree canopy enhancements, deferred parks maintenance, affordable housing, a potential Universal Basic Income pilot, and long-term capital improvements. Council Members also discussed the use of JPA financing to support infrastructure and deferred maintenance, the importance of coordinating street resurfacing with Complete Streets improvements, and the need to track data and community outcomes.

The motion to discuss the proposed budget and provide direction to the City Manager passed with Mayor Freddy Puza, Vice Mayor Bubba Fish, and Council Members Yasmine-Imani McMorrin and Dan O’Brien voting in favor. Council Member Albert Vera abstained.

The City Council is scheduled to consider final budget adoption on Monday, June 8, 2026.

Adopts Updated Citywide Fee Schedule

The City Council held a public hearing and adopted an updated Comprehensive Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2026–2027.

The updated fee schedule applies a 2.9% Consumer Price Index adjustment to applicable fees and includes additional changes intended to align fees with the City’s cost of service, improve cost recovery, and maintain equitable access to public services. Key updates include eliminating the block party permit fee, reducing commercial business fire inspection fees to reflect operational efficiencies, maintaining temporary film production fee subsidies, phasing in selected Planning and Development fee increases, and making administrative corrections.

Council discussion focused on balancing cost recovery with support for residents, small businesses, outdoor dining, special events, sidewalk vending, and film production. Council also requested additional information on City subsidies and opportunities to reduce costs through operational efficiencies.

Adopts Updated PRCS Comprehensive Fee Schedule

The City Council held a public hearing and unanimously adopted the updated Parks, Recreation and Community Services Comprehensive Fee Schedule.

The PRCS fee schedule is based on a separate cost-of-service review and a new methodology that groups programs by public purpose and community benefit. The framework establishes subsidy and cost-recovery targets across categories such as open access programs, community events, health and human services, recreational activities, specialized activities, out-of-school activities, rentals and reservations, and resales.

The adopted fee schedule includes a 10% resident discount across all PRCS programs and services, a 10% discount for nonprofits renting meeting space or fields, and a phased approach for program fee increases greater than 100% to reduce immediate impacts on participants. PRCS also plans to continue exploring future low-income scholarship options, grants, and donations to support access to programs.

Adopts Solid Waste Fee Schedule

The City Council held a public hearing and adopted a resolution confirming the assessment, levy, and collection of Solid Waste Fees effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031.

The approved rate schedule increases Solid Waste Fees by 9% in Fiscal Year 2026–2027, 8% in Fiscal Year 2027–2028, and 5% annually from Fiscal Year 2028–2029 through Fiscal Year 2030–2031. The adjustments are intended to balance the Refuse Fund, which operates as an enterprise fund and is supported by user fees rather than the General Fund.

The fee increases respond to rising costs for recycling, organics processing, transportation, landfill capacity, equipment, fuel, staffing, and needed Transfer Station improvements. Council discussion included questions about average residential trash fees, rate-setting requirements under Proposition 218, opportunities to reduce waste, and future consideration of a “Pay As You Throw” model.

Introduces Fox Hills Specific Plan Ordinance

The City Council introduced an ordinance approving the Fox Hills Specific Plan, Zoning Code Text Amendment, and Zoning Code Map Amendment, with the hotel incentive zone removed from the plan.

The Fox Hills Specific Plan is intended to guide future development in the neighborhood by establishing standards for public and private development, roadway improvements, mobility connections, parks, public amenities, paseos, and other community-serving features. The plan follows the adoption of the Culver City General Plan 2045, which identified Fox Hills as a special study area and redesignated certain commercial areas for mixed-use development.

Council discussion focused on neighborhood concerns about building height, the relationship between new development and existing residential areas, mobility improvements, public accessways, transit center planning, hotel development, and the impact of the 1990 citywide height ordinance. Council expressed support for the plan’s overall goals while removing the hotel incentive zone for further consideration.

As part of the action, Council also adopted an Addendum to the General Plan 2045 Environmental Impact Report under CEQA and directed staff to return with an agenda item on the 1990 citywide height ordinance, its impact on Fox Hills, and the potential hotel additional height zone.

The motion passed with Vice Mayor Fish and Council Members O’Brien and Vera voting in favor. Mayor Puza and Council Member McMorrin recused themselves.

Introduces Ordinance Updating Refuse Payment and Late Fee Rules

The City Council unanimously introduced an ordinance amending Culver City Municipal Code related to refuse service payments and delinquent accounts.

The proposed amendments modernize payment deadlines by allowing payments due on a weekend or City holiday to be considered on time if received the next business day. The ordinance also updates delinquent account provisions by reducing the late-payment penalty from 50% to 10%, aligning Culver City more closely with regional practices and industry standards.

Council discussion focused on streamlining the administrative process, improving customer service, reducing unnecessary penalties, and giving the City Council flexibility to set late fees by resolution rather than requiring future Code amendments. The changes apply primarily to commercial and temporary refuse accounts that pay the City directly.

Recognitions, Commendations & Proclamations

Theta Epsilon Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

The City Council commended the Theta Epsilon Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. on its 30th anniversary, recognizing three decades of service, leadership, and community engagement in Culver City.

Established in Culver City in 1996, the Chapter has supported the community through initiatives focused on education, health awareness, leadership development, financial education, and support for students and families. The City Council expressed appreciation for the Chapter’s continued commitment to strengthening the community and exemplifying the sorority’s motto, “Greater Service, Greater Progress.”

Scopely

The City Council commended Scopely on its 15th anniversary as a globally recognized video game and interactive entertainment company. Headquartered in Culver City since 2015, Scopely was recognized for its innovation, economic impact, support of local businesses, engagement with schools, and contributions to Culver City’s reputation as a hub for creativity, technology, and economic growth.

Miss Culver City Teen, Miss Culver City

The City Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to Julianne Rocke, Miss Culver City’s Teen, for her service, leadership, and commitment to community impact. Through her Community Service Initiative, “ROCKE Your Impact,” Rocke encourages civic engagement and inspires others to make meaningful contributions in their communities. The City Council also extended its best wishes as she competes in the Miss California Teen competition.

The City Council also presented a Certificate of Recognition to Love d’Encarnacao Bradley, Miss Culver City, for her civic engagement, leadership, and service to the community. Through her Community Service Initiative, “Love Leads the Way: A Call to Service,” Bradley promotes service, advocacy, wellness education, and compassion-driven action. The City Council extended its best wishes as she competes in the Miss California competition.

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 be held on Monday, June 8, 2026. Childcare is available for the meeting for families wanting to attend in person by emailing PRCS at prcs.department@culvercity.gov or calling (310) 253-5560.

 

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