Published on August 06, 2026
In our ongoing effort to inform and engage the community, I want to share some of the latest work underway by City staff as we begin the new fiscal year.
When I arrived in Culver City in December 2025, one of our immediate goals was to balance the budget while protecting core services and avoiding layoffs. We accomplished that mission, and the real work of implementation began July 1.
Here are a few highlights from the past month and a look at what’s ahead.
We have ambitious goals for the new fiscal year, including 70 capital projects. As these projects move forward, our goal is to keep the community informed about their progress from start to finish.
One major priority we heard from residents was the need to improve conditions at Bill Botts Fields. We heard you, included the project in the budget, and are now getting to work.
I am grateful to City staff for the urgency and focus they are bringing to this project. All four fields will receive renovation work. Excavation has started on Field 1, with work on Fields 2, 3, and 4 expected to begin in the coming weeks.
We will continue to share updates with the community as this important project moves forward.
Culver City continues to see progress in reducing the number of people experiencing homelessness on our streets.
The January Point-in-Time Count showed a decrease from 105 unsheltered individuals in 2025 to 74 in 2026, representing a 30% reduction.
This progress reflects the impact of sustained investment, focused outreach, and coordinated services. It also reminds us that our work is far from over.
We must continue helping people move from homelessness toward long-term stability while ensuring public resources are used efficiently and responsibly. By balancing immediate needs with sustainable, long-term solutions, we can maximize our impact, strengthen our community, and responsibly serve all Culver City residents.
The data from the homeless count is available on the City's website.
This summer, City staff has done tremendous work to bring people together through events, performances, and community celebrations.
From the Juneteenth Celebration, to the watch parties for the FIFA World Cup, as well as the Summer Sunset Music Series, Movies in the Park, Shakespeare-in-the-Park, and the upcoming Fiesta La Ballona, we have events and performances for all ages here in Culver City.
I am proud that we continue to create opportunities for residents and visitors from across the region to experience this incredible City.
I am also pleased to share that the Downtown Entertainment Zone pilot has helped support Downtown activity by allowing patrons to purchase “to-go” alcoholic beverages from participating local bars and restaurants within designated areas. Opportunities like this can support local businesses, encourage community gathering, and contribute to Culver City’s economic vitality.
As we close out summer, I encourage you to stay up to date with upcoming events by visiting the Culver City event calendar on the City’s website.
While we kicked off renovations at Bill Botts Fields in July, we will also begin much-needed sidewalk repair work in August.
During our Community Conversations, residents consistently raised sidewalks and streets as important priorities. As part of the City’s adopted Capital Improvement Program, the budget includes several investments focused on streets, sidewalks, accessibility, and neighborhood infrastructure:
This is part of our back-to-basics approach: making sure the foundational needs of our City are being addressed. Streets, sidewalks, and public infrastructure affect daily quality of life, accessibility, safety, and neighborhood pride.
We will continue to update the community as this work progresses.
This fall, we will re-engage the community through a new round of Community Conversations: “What’s Next, Culver City.”
These conversations will give us an opportunity to share updates on the work currently underway while also looking ahead to future opportunities and priorities for the City.
We will meet with neighborhood associations, civic leader groups, residents, businesses, and community partners as we begin setting goals beyond this fiscal year and prepare for the next budget cycle.
We will also share the report and next steps from our Civic Assembly work, which is focused on improving how the City connects with the community and incorporates public priorities into the budget process.
In the meantime, I encourage you to participate in City Council meetings and other public meetings. City meetings and agendas can be found on the City's website.
Thank you for your support, participation, and continued engagement. I look forward to what we will accomplish together as a community.
Odis Jones City Manager