Laguna Beach City Council Study Session - June 9, 2026

June 9, 2026

Executive Summary

- The Laguna Beach City Council held a study session on June 9, 2026, to conduct interviews and appointments for various city commissions and committees, followed by a discussion on potential November 2026 revenue ballot measures. - The Council unanimously re-appointed three incumbents to the Planning Commission and three applicants to the Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee for two-year terms beginning July 1, 2026. - The Council unanimously re-appointed two incumbents to the Housing & Human Services Committee and directed the City Clerk to maintain rolling applications for vacant positions. - The Council unanimously appointed five members to the Arts Commission (including four incumbents Michael, Pat, Adam, and Carl, plus Cindy Schwartz as alternate) for two-year terms beginning July 1, 2026. - Adam Probolsky of Probolsky Research presented results from a May 2026 community survey testing three potential revenue measures: a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) increase from 12% to 14% (74% support), a sales tax increase (49% yes, 47% no - mixed results), and a business license tax for bars and restaurants (38% yes, 48% no - unfavorable). - The Council directed staff to conduct add

Key Decisions

- Re-appointed three incumbents to the Planning Commission for two-year terms beginning July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028 (unanimous vote). - Appointed three applicants to the Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee for two-year terms beginning July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028 (unanimous vote). - Re-appointed two incumbents to the Housing & Human Services Committee for two-year terms beginning July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028 (unanimous vote). - Re-appointed four incumbents (Michael, Pat, Adam, and Carl) to the Arts Commission for two-year terms beginning July 1, 2026, through June 3