City Council Study Session - September 22, 2026

The City Council of Laguna Beach held a study session on September 22, 2026, to discuss the scope of services and the request for proposals (RFP) for a comprehensive update to the city's general plan. Staff presented the project timeline, which spans approximately three years, with adoption targeted by the end of 2029. The update aims to modernize and unify the city's nine general plan elements, ensure compliance with evolving state laws—particularly the housing element due for certification by October 2029—and incorporate recent environmental and safety considerations such as wildfire and evacuation planning. The council discussed the formation of a General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) with 13 members representing various community interests and expertise areas, and considered strategies to broaden community participation, including potentially adding at-large seats and involving a high school student. Staff requested council direction on the RFP scope, mission statement confirmation, committee composition, and the establishment of an ad hoc council committee to oversee consultant selection and advisory committee appointments. Public comments emphasized transparency, inclusion of carrying capacity studies, and environmental stewardship. The council also deliberated on refining the mission statement to include resiliency as a key pillar. The next steps include circulating the RFP in October, conducting consultant interviews in December, and returning in January with a contract award recommendation.