Montclair City Council Workshop - June 3, 2026

The City of Montclair held a special City Council Workshop on June 3, 2026, focused primarily on the proposed commercial cannabis compliance program. The meeting included detailed presentations by city staff and external consultants on the development of a comprehensive regulatory framework for commercial cannabis businesses, including licensing, zoning, operating agreements, and enforcement procedures. Key procurement-related discussions involved the engagement of HDL, a municipal finance consulting firm, to assist in drafting the ordinance and conducting fiscal analyses projecting cannabis tax revenues between $1.5 million and $2.6 million annually. The council discussed the absence of a cap on the number of cannabis businesses, security and operational requirements, community benefits, and the potential impact on local crime and illicit cannabis markets. The proposed ordinance includes provisions for business licenses, background checks, security measures, and community engagement, with flexibility for future adjustments. The meeting concluded with direction for staff to refine the land use ordinance and zoning maps based on council and planning commission feedback before final adoption.