City Council Meeting Summary, August 10, 2026

Published on August 20, 2026

Black Business Month Proclamation - August 2026.jpg

City Council Discusses CCARP Subsidy Program, Robotic Personal Delivery Devices, Autonomous Vehicle Fleet Services

Discusses Culver City Afterschool Recreation Program Subsidy Program

The Culver City Afterschool Recreation Program, provides afterschool care at four elementary school sites: El Marino, El Rincon, Farragut, and Linwood. On May 26, 2026, the City Council had voted to increase the fees for the program.

After staff evaluated the program over the past month, it was recommended that City Council pass a motion to temporarily maintain CCARP fees at their current levels and postpone registration for the October program while the City further evaluates potential subsidies, fees, and classification. This includes reviewing thresholds related to the subsidy program.

Staff will return to the City Council on September 14 for further discussion.

Approves Pilot Program for Robotic Personal Delivery Devices

The City Council approved the Mobility Subcommittee's recommendation for a one-year pilot program for robotic personal delivery devices and authorized finalization of implementation documents including a Service Operator User Agreement and Administrative Operating Regulations and Procedures.

The low-speed devices, typically under 5 miles per hour, operate within a 2-mile radius and are already active in neighboring cities including Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood. Representatives from Serve Robotics and Coco Robotics noted that their models focus on short trips under 1.5 miles, employs more than 150 staff in the LA region, and can reduce local delivery emissions by an average of 16%.

Mayor Freddy Puza, Vice Mayor Bubba Fish, and Council Member Yasmine-Imani McMorrin approved. Council Members Dan O'Brien and Albert Vera recused themselves from discussion of the item.

Debates Interim Urgency Ordinance for Autonomous Vehicle Fleet Services

The Council debated whether to impose a 45-day moratorium on building permits for autonomous vehicle (AV) fleet service facilities while staff developed formal zoning regulations. During the moratorium, Staff would continue stakeholder engagement.

Culver City's Zoning Code, last updated October 9, 2024, does not include definitions or standards specific to AV fleet operations, and the City has received multiple inquiries from AV operators about setting up facilities. Staff will consider mitigations in coordination with the AV industry to minimize issues experienced in Santa Monica, such as light and noise pollution.

The urgency ordinance did not pass, Vice Mayor Fish and Council Member McMorrin voted yes, Mayor Puza abstained, Council Member Vera voted no, and Council Member O’Brien recused, thereby failing to reach the required 4/5 supermajority.

An additional motion was stated and passed, to conduct outreach to all stakeholders, provide information for applications, and to bring back an urgency and regular ordinance for consideration at the September 14th meeting.

Discusses a Potential Residential Construction Minimum Wage Program

City Council directed staff to proceed with the recommended four-step plan to gather more information in regards to the potential Residential Construction Minimum Wage Program.

The four-step plan includes: 1) conducting an economic impact analysis, 2) engaging key stakeholders, 3) reviewing similar programs in other jurisdictions to identify best practices, and 4) returning to the City Council with a detailed proposal. The proposal could include recommended wage levels, exemptions, enforcement mechanisms, and an implementation timeline. Council could then direct staff to prepare a draft ordinance, if desired.

The Council first explored a residential construction minimum wage program for midsize residential construction projects of 10 units or fewer and less than 85 feet in height, including legal protections for undocumented workers, in April 2026. The program would establish a wage floor specific to workers employed on residential construction projects within City limits, ensuring that the economic benefits of development activity are shared more equitably with the workforce that makes such developments possible.

City Council directed staff to proceed with their four-step plan to be considered by either the Standing Affordability or Standing Housing Subcommittee. The motion was approved unanimously.

Receives Civic Assembly Recommendations Update

The City Council received a presentation from the Center for New Democratic Processes (CNDP) on the Culver City Civic Assembly on Increasing Public Participation in the Budget Process.

The assembly was conducted in two cohorts: May 14–16 and July 16–18, 2026. Each cohort included 30 randomly selected, demographically stratified Culver City residents, representing a combined investment of over 1,500 hours of participant time. The vast majority of participants had never previously attended a City budget meeting.

Their work resulted in 42 resident-developed recommendations that are now being reviewed by the City. The City has committed to a public response outlining how the recommendations can be acted upon. The agenda item is tentatively scheduled for the September 28, 2026 City Council meeting. The full list of recommendations can be reviewed in the Civic Assembly Participants’ Report.

Adopts Resolution Related to Tax Measure & Charter Amendment

The City Council passed a resolution approving the 2026 November ballot arguments in favor of the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) measure and the Charter Amendment.

The TOT measure would raise Culver City's hotel/motel tax from 14% to 15% beginning March 1, 2027, and then to 16% beginning March 1, 2028, generating up to approximately $2,000,000 annually until ended by voters. The motion passed with three in favor, Council Member Vera abstained and Council Member O’Brien was recused.

The City Council also passed a resolution approving the arguments in favor of amending the City Charter to allow Culver City residents aged 16 and 17 to vote on City and School District candidates and ballot measures. The motion passed with three in favor, Council Member O’Brien and Council Member Vera voted no.

Proclamations & Awards

Black Business Month Proclamation

The City Council proclaimed August 2026 as Black Business Month in Culver City, encouraging residents, families, friends, and visitors to celebrate, promote, support, and shop at Black-owned businesses.

The proclamation recognized the achievements, resilience, and lasting contributions of Black entrepreneurs, as well as the important role Black-owned businesses play in strengthening local economies, creating jobs, and enriching communities. It also reaffirmed the City’s commitment to equity, fairness, and supporting a robust local business community.

Fiesta La Ballona - 75th Anniversary Proclamation

The City Council proclaimed the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Fiesta La Ballona, recognizing one of Culver City’s most cherished civic traditions and its role in bringing together generations of residents, families, businesses, community organizations, and visitors.

Established in 1951 through a partnership between the City of Culver City and the Culver City Chamber of Commerce, Fiesta La Ballona was created to honor the heritage of Rancho La Ballona and has grown into one of the City’s signature annual celebrations. The proclamation recognized the volunteers, City staff, elected officials, community leaders, local businesses, performers, and residents whose dedication has helped sustain the festival across generations.

The City Council expressed appreciation for all who have contributed to Fiesta La Ballona’s legacy and celebrated the festival as an enduring symbol of Culver City’s history, community spirit, and vibrant future.

Andrew Lachman Commendation

The City Council commended Andrew Lachman for his service on the Culver City Finance Advisory Committee and for his dedication, hard work, and contributions to the Culver City community.

Lachman served on the Finance Advisory Committee since 2019 and served as Chair for five fiscal years, from Fiscal Year 2020–2021 through Fiscal Year 2025–2026. During his tenure, he supported the implementation of the City’s annual Innovation Awards, helped develop the Distinguished Speakers Series on Affordable Housing, and provided valuable input on City fees, business license tax, sales tax, cannabis tax, real property transfer tax, and other revenue sources.

2026 FAC Innovation Awards: Award Recipients

Best Innovation: Solar Residential Streamline Permitting

The project streamlines the permit process for residential solar permits by automating the plan check process providing instant feedback and, in some cases, instant issuance.

Project Staff:

Planning & Development Department: Tim Koutsouros, Lisa Pangelinan, Gabriela Silva
Fire Department: Dave Montgomery
Information Technology: Timothy Pelayo, Greg LaManna, Patricia Perez

Impact Award: Teen Center Mental Health Expo

Teen Mental Health Week was a weeklong event for Culver City teens to engage in conversations about mental health. City and outside vendors spoke with the teens and created interactive lessons on mental health, the dangers of drugs/alcohol and peer pressure.

Project Staff:

Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department: Ingrid Lopez

Efficiency Award: Culver City World Cup Games Enhanced Transit Service (GETS)

(GETS) was a coordinated mobility ecosystem that integrated public transit, hotel partnerships, park-and-ride, shared micromobility, public safety, and private sector collaboration into a single customer focused program to provide a seamless, affordable, and enjoyable transportation option for visitors attending FIFA World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium.

Project Departments:

Transportation Department
Police Department

Sustainability Award: Resurfacing Streets with Recycled Materials

This project removed and replaced deteriorated asphalt concrete with new Rubberized Asphalt Concrete (RAC). RAC is made by blending ground tire rubber with asphalt binder and then mixing the blended materials with conventional materials and roads made with RAC last 50% longer.

Project Staff:

Public Works Department: Mate Gaspar, Diana Szymanski

Best Overall Award: SoFi Express Timetable Builder

Using the Timetable Builder, a full set of schedules for an event service can be created in 10-15 minutes by any Transportation Department employee. The tool uses real traffic data from previous gamedays ensuring an effective service and prevents the service delays experienced before using the tool.

Project Staff:

Transportation Department: Ryan Hund

Spotlight Award: Qminder Queue Management System Implementation

Qminder is an online visitor management platform that replaced a manual, paper-based check-in process. Customers can monitor their place in line and receive text notifications when it’s their turn. Staff gain real-time visibility into waiting times, service demand, and customer flow, enabling smarter staffing decisions and a significantly improved customer experience.

Project Staff:

Planning & Development Department: Tim Koutsouros, Lisa Pangelinan
Information Technology: Justin Nunez

Additional Council Decisions

Additional items approved by the City Council include:

Approved cash disbursements for July 18 to July 31, 2026.
Approved minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held on July 27, 2026.
Ratified approval of consent calendar items C-1 through C-9 and Action Item A-1 on the July 27, 2026 City Council Meeting Agenda.
Received and filed the Biannual Written Reports submitted by Culver City's Commissions, Boards, and Committees.
Approved a one-year general service agreement with Throne Labs Inc. in an amount not to exceed $135,558 for deployment and operation of two Throne Units at Culver City Park.
Approved the certification and submission of the Section 8 Management Assessment Program.
Approved amendment No. 5 to the existing general services agreement with Technology Artists for sound and lighting services for City events, for an additional amount of $22,448.88, for an aggregate annual not-to-exceed amount of $155,000.
Approved final plans and specifications and authorization to publish a notice inviting bids for the annual Street Pavement and Concrete Rehabilitation Project.
Awarded an in-kind off-cycle Special Event Grant in the amount of $1,000 to BioScience LA for "BioScience LA Week 2026" and designation of the event as City Sponsored.
Approval of a Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Culver City and the Cities of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Inglewood, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, County of Los Angeles, and LA County Flood Control District regarding the Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Program (CIMP) and Watershed Management Program (WMP) for the Ballona Creek Watershed
Awarded a construction contract to Toro Enterprises, Inc. in the amount of $4,402,836 for the Citywide Bioretention Basin Project.
Approved three-year professional services agreement with Recreate Waste Collaborative LLC for educational outreach for Public Works Environmental Programs & Operations Initiatives in an annual amount not-to-exceed $75,000.
Approved a residential parking license agreement for use of the City-owned Watseka Parking Structure at 3535 Watseka Avenue with Rethink LLC, to support the mixed-use project at 9814 Washington Boulevard.
Adopted resolutions approving assignment and assumption agreements between the City of Culver City, the Culver City Housing Authority, and the Culver City Public Finance Authority related to the Jubilo Village Affordable Housing Project.
Approved an amendment to the professional services agreement with Ernst & Young U.S. LLP for the development of a Comprehensive Financial Plan and analysis of the City's reserves in an amount not-to-exceed $665,000.
Approved an amendment to the existing professional services agreement with PFM Financial Advisors LLC for consulting services related to the City's Five-Year Financial Plan in an amount not-to-exceed $223,650.

Future Council Meeting Information

The next City Council Meeting will occur on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 7 PM at Mike Balkman Council Chambers, 9770 Culver Blvd., Culver City. Validated parking is available in the parking structure under City Hall, accessible from Duquesne Avenue.

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