Town Hall Meeting - February 19, 2026

The City of Laguna Beach held a town hall meeting on February 19, 2026, to discuss the city's budget challenges, service provisions, and potential revenue options. City officials detailed the city's full-service operations, including police, fire, marine safety, public works, and transit services, highlighting rising costs driven by labor, insurance, and wildfire preparedness efforts such as fuel modification zones. The city faces a budget gap with expenditures outpacing revenues, prompting discussions on cost reductions, service realignments, and the possibility of new voter-approved taxes, including a sales tax increase or transient occupancy (hotel) tax to support the general fund. Community members expressed concerns about visitor impacts, parking management, and the balance between maintaining services and fiscal responsibility. The city is also exploring infrastructure maintenance needs and potential asset sales, such as the St. Catherine's property, while emphasizing the importance of community engagement and careful consideration before implementing major changes.