City Council Study Session - June 9, 2026

The City Council of Laguna Beach held a study session on June 9, 2026, focusing primarily on community appointments and a detailed review of a recent community survey regarding the city's fiscal sustainability and potential revenue measures for the November 2026 ballot. The council unanimously reappointed members to various city committees, including the Planning Commission, Emergency Disaster Preparedness Committee, Housing and Human Services Committee, and Arts Commission. The main procurement-related discussion centered on potential tax measures to address budget shortfalls and fund critical city needs such as wildfire risk reduction, public safety, and infrastructure upgrades. The council reviewed polling data on possible sales tax, transient occupancy tax (TOT), and business license tax (BLT) increases, with particular attention to the impact on residents versus visitors. Public comments highlighted concerns about fiscal responsibility, tax impacts, and the need for transparency. Council members discussed the complexity of communicating tax proposals, especially the BLT, and expressed interest in further polling and outreach before finalizing ballot measures. The council directed staff to prepare draft measures for a TOT increase and a BLT adjustment focused on bars and restaurants, along with additional survey questions to better gauge voter support. They also emphasized the importance of linking any new revenue to public safety and wildfire mitigation efforts. The council planned to revisit these items in July with the goal of placing measures on the November ballot if appropriate.