City Council Meeting

Summary

This report from the Mayor requests the exemption of one Water Hyperion Reclamation Plant Manager (Class Code 4130) position from civil service. This exemption is sought under Charter Section 1001(b), which allows for a limited number of management, professional, scientific, or expert service positions to be exempt from civil service. This specific position is crucial for the executive-level oversight of the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant and three other water reclamation plants operated by the Bureau of Sanitation. The role requires specialized knowledge and experience to manage complex, highly regulated infrastructure essential for public health and safety. The prior incumbent retired in March 2024. This exemption will allow the Bureau to recruit the best candidate for this executive role, which reports to the LASAN Director and General Manager and oversees over 600 employees. The minimum qualifications include significant experience in wastewater treatment plant operations and maintenance, a relevant degree, and professional certifications.

Citizen Impact

This administrative exemption allows the city to hire a qualified manager for critical water reclamation plants. Residents are impacted by the reliable operation of these plants, which are essential for public health and safety through proper wastewater treatment.

Confidence

high

Summary

This motion authorizes the Department of Public Works to use the City Hall Tom Bradley Room for a Small Business Seminar and Luncheon on February 26, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is expected to host approximately 100 participants. The Department of Public Works has confirmed that there will be no additional costs to the City for this use.

Citizen Impact

Residents interested in small business development can attend a seminar and luncheon at City Hall on February 26, 2026. No direct cost to taxpayers is associated with this event.

Confidence

high

Summary

This motion seeks to amend a prior Council action from August 20, 2025, regarding oversize vehicle parking restrictions. The original action established these restrictions along specific segments of Torrance Boulevard, Normandie Avenue, and Vermont Avenue in the Harbor Gateway area. The proposed amendment, presented by Councilmembers McOsker and Lee, is to adopt a revised Resolution that modifies the previously agreed-upon restrictions. The attached documents indicate the original resolution, adopted on August 20, 2025, prohibited parking for vehicles over 22 feet in length or 7 feet in height between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on specified street segments. The motion to amend suggests a revision to this Resolution is necessary.

Citizen Impact

This amendment will modify existing parking restrictions for oversize vehicles in the Harbor Gateway area, potentially changing where and when these vehicles can park overnight. Residents should be aware of any changes to these specific street segments.

Confidence

high

Summary

This resolution designates specific locations within Council District 5 for enforcement against activities such as sitting, lying, sleeping, or storing personal property in the public right-of-way, as permitted by Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) Section 41.18. The designated areas are intended to address public safety concerns and ensure safe passage. Enforcement will commence after appropriate notices are posted at the listed locations.

Designated Locations:

• 10860 Santa Monica Blvd
• 6077 W. 3rd Street
• Drexel Avenue and San Vicente Boulevard
• 3rd Street and San Vicente Boulevard
• Robertson Boulevard and Alden Drive
• Sepulveda Boulevard and Sardis Avenue (Overpass)
• Sepulveda Boulevard and Richland Avenue (Overpass)
• Sepulveda Boulevard and National Boulevard (Overpass)

Citizen Impact

This resolution allows for increased enforcement against individuals experiencing homelessness or storing belongings in specific public areas within Council District 5. Residents may see a reduction in visible encampments or obstructions in these designated zones, but it also means individuals found in violation could face consequences.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance amends the Los Angeles Administrative Code (LAAC) to establish an ex parte communication disclosure requirement for members of the Charter Reform Commission. The ordinance defines an ex parte communication as any communication between a Charter Reform Commissioner and an elected City officer or their staff regarding a matter pending before the Commission. Communications occurring during official public meetings or with the City Attorney's office for legal counsel are excluded. Commissioners must disclose the time, date, participants, and a summary of the content of such communications at the next Commission meeting. Violations are subject to civil action, not criminal liability. The ordinance was requested by the City Council and drafted by the City Attorney's office, with the goal of increasing transparency and accountability in the charter reform process.

Citizen Impact

This measure aims to increase transparency in the charter reform process by requiring commissioners to publicly disclose private communications with elected officials and their staff, fostering greater accountability.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering actions to comply with California Assembly Bill 436 (AB 436), which prohibits local governments from regulating cruising. The City Attorney and the Department of Transportation (LADOT) have reported on the impact of this law. Recommendations include repealing Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 80.36.10, removing anti-cruising signs, and directing LADOT to explore the use of special event permits for regulated cruising and car show events. LADOT has also proposed a multi-phase community engagement strategy to inform and consult with the car and cruising community.

Citizen Impact

Residents may see changes in how cruising events are managed, with a move towards special event permits and increased community engagement, potentially impacting traffic and public space use.

Confidence

high

Summary

This motion, originally introduced by Councilmembers Nazarian and Hernandez, addresses proactive strategies for traffic control and storm preparation during inclement weather, particularly in Council District 2 where flooding on major thoroughfares like Vineland Avenue has caused significant issues. The motion was amended to include the Bureau of Sanitation and referred to the Transportation and Public Safety Committees. The Transportation Committee recommended approval of the motion's recommendations, as amended, on November 12, 2025. The resulting report to the City Council will detail street drainage preparation, identify critical flooding hotspots, outline protocols for pre-deployment of traffic control resources, propose rapid deployment of barricades, and include a public information campaign strategy.

Citizen Impact

Residents can expect improved traffic management and safety measures during severe weather events, with a focus on reducing traffic disruptions and hazards caused by flooding.

Confidence

high

Summary

The Board of Fire Commissioners has approved a report recommending the adoption of the 2026 Los Angeles Fire Code (LAFC). This update is required every three years to align with the latest California Fire Code (CFC), which was updated in January 2025. The City must adopt these changes by January 1, 2026, to ensure continued enforceability and provide consistent fire protection tailored to Los Angeles's specific conditions. The Department has budgeted for the necessary editing, publication, and purchase of the amendment package.

Citizen Impact

Residents will be subject to updated fire and life safety regulations under the 2026 Los Angeles Fire Code, ensuring consistent protection for local conditions.

Confidence

high

Summary

The Board of Police Commissioners has approved a request to pay a $50,000 reward related to a hit-and-run case (DR No. 2303-13540). The incident on July 13, 2023, involved a suspect striking two pedestrians, resulting in one fatality and severe injuries. The claimant provided crucial information that led to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the suspect for Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated and Felony Hit and Run. The suspect was sentenced to four years in state prison.

Citizen Impact

This action authorizes payment of a reward to a citizen whose information helped solve a fatal hit-and-run case, potentially encouraging future public cooperation in solving crimes.

Confidence

high

Summary

The Board of Police Commissioners is submitting the Second Quarterly Report (April-June 2025) for the Supplemental Police Account (SPA) to the City Council. This report details three expenditures totaling $2,100.00 related to the seizure of narcotics and contraband, resulting in one arrest and the confiscation of $44,467.00 in currency and 26,274.57 grams of narcotics (primarily marijuana and methamphetamine). The SPA fund is now depleted with a zero balance, and this report marks the closing of the account.

Citizen Impact

This report is administrative and details past police activity and fund usage; it has no direct impact on residents as the account is closed.

Confidence

high

Summary

The Municipal Facilities Committee is recommending approval of a lease amendment for Kevin Kim, dba Express News & Lotto, for the retail space at 155-A South Main Street. This amendment corrects an inconsistency identified after the initial lease assignment approval on August 29, 2025. The correction clarifies that the 3% annual rental escalation applies only to the two five-year extension options, not the initial term which expires March 31, 2027. The base rent remains $939.60 per month during the initial term. The previous operators are retiring due to health reasons, and Kevin Kim has demonstrated the capacity to manage the newsstand.

Citizen Impact

This item concerns a business operating within a city-owned building. There is no direct financial impact or change in services for residents as it is a lease assignment and amendment for a commercial tenant.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City of Los Angeles is facing significant financial challenges, including recurring deficits, escalating service demands (e.g., $350 million annually for homelessness), and substantial costs from disaster recovery and major international events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games. To address this, the City Administrative Officer (CAO) and Office of Finance recommend placing several general revenue tax measures on the June or November 2026 ballots.

Proposed measures for immediate consideration include:

• A 0.5% increase to the Sales (Transaction and Use) Tax, projected to generate $327 million annually.
• A permanent 2.0% increase to the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and a temporary 2.0% supplementary charge (Jan 2027-Dec 2028), estimated to bring in $89.3 million annually during the temporary period and $45.3 million permanently. This also includes codifying online travel company surcharges and requiring home-sharing platforms to collect TOT.
• A 5.0% increase to the Parking Occupancy Tax (POT), expected to generate $67.3 million annually.
• A Cannabis Business Tax Parity measure to tax unlicensed businesses, with an estimated annual revenue of $60-80 million.

Additional revenue options, such as a Major Event Tax, Vacancy Tax, Shared Ride Tax, and Retail Delivery Fee, are recommended for further study for future elections. The report also suggests updating the Vacation Rental Ordinance (C.F. 18-1246) to increase caps and implement application fees, and rescinding a prior action to redirect Metro Transportation Communications Network (TCN) revenue to Council discretionary funds, instead using it for citywide transportation projects.

Citizen Impact

Residents could see increased costs on purchases, hotel stays, and parking if these tax measures are approved. However, these new revenues are intended to protect and invest in core city services like public safety, sanitation, and homelessness initiatives, and fund critical infrastructure projects, potentially improving daily life and addressing the city's significant financial shortfalls.

Confidence

high

Summary

This motion instructs the Department of General Services (GSD), with assistance from the City Attorney, to negotiate a lease for office space located at 2922 Crenshaw Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016. This space will serve as a new field office for Council District Ten to better serve constituents in the Crenshaw District. Council District Ten will collaborate with GSD and the City Administrative Officer to identify necessary tenant improvements and secure funding for them.

Citizen Impact

This action will establish a new field office for Council District Ten in the Crenshaw area, potentially improving accessibility to city services and representation for residents in that district.

Confidence

high

Summary

This motion requests the City Attorney to prepare ballot measure language for the June 2, 2026 ballot to amend the existing Measure ULA ordinance. Measure ULA, passed in November 2022, imposes a tax on real property conveyances over certain thresholds to fund affordable housing and tenant protection programs. Since its inception, it has raised over $1 billion. The proposed amendments aim to address challenges to Measure ULA, including potential statewide initiatives and its impact on housing production. Key changes include:

• Commercial/Multifamily & Palisades Exemptions:
  • A 15-year exemption for newly constructed multifamily, commercial, or mixed-use properties transferred within 15 years of receiving a certificate of occupancy.
  • A three-year exemption for properties impacted by natural disasters (retroactive to January 7, 2025, for residential properties in fire-impacted areas) upon a showing of undue hardship.
• Affordable Housing Production Technical Changes:
  • Expanding eligibility for affordable housing development to include certain non-profit and limited partnership structures.
  • Clarifying that Measure ULA tax does not apply to transfers by foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, and replacing resale requirements with a first right of refusal for qualified non-profits, Community Land Trusts, and Limited Equity Housing Cooperatives.
  • Providing flexibility for lender seniority determination based on other public funders' requirements and loan sizes.
  • Allowing the Los Angeles Housing Department flexibility to adjust rents up to 80% of Area Median Income in cases of financial distress to ensure project feasibility and prevent foreclosure.
• Contracting: Ensuring the City Attorney concludes review of Measure ULA-related matters within 90 days of City Council approval.

Citizen Impact

This measure seeks to amend Measure ULA, which funds affordable housing and tenant protections. Proposed changes include potential exemptions for new construction and disaster-affected properties, and technical adjustments to affordable housing programs. The ultimate impact on funding levels and housing production will depend on the specific language approved by voters.

Confidence

high