At the City Council meeting on the evening of Monday, July 27, a transient occupancy tax of 16 percent was passed for the ballot at the November election.
Action Item 1 (A1) called for, “(1) Adoption of a Resolution to Place a Measure on the Ballot for the General Municipal Election to be Held in the City of Culver City on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 to Increase the Rate of the Transient Occupancy Tax (Hotel Tax) to the Rate of 16%; (2) (If Desired) Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the City Council and/or Certain Council Members to Submit Primary Ballot Arguments Regarding the Ballot Measure; (3) (If Desired) Creation and Appointment of Members to Ad-Hoc Subcommittee(s) to Draft and/or Submit Primary and Rebuttal Ballot Arguments; and (4) Instruction to the City Attorney to Prepare the Impartial Analysis for the Ballot Measure.”
According to a staff note, “The proposed resolution will place an ordinance on the ballot for the voters of the City to approve. This ordinance will amend the Municipal Code to increase a general tax, which requires approval by a majority of the voters of the City under Article XIIIC, section 2 of the California Constitution. If approved, the tax increase will take effect on March 1, 2027.”
With Council Member Dan O’Brien recusing himself out of caution, the first part of the item, placing the measure on the ballot, passed 3-1, with Council Member Albert Vera the one “no” vote. Parts 2 and 3–the authorization to submit ballots and creation of a subcommittee, passed unanimously with a 4-0 vote.
Action Item 2 (A2) called for, “Consideration of Creating the Proposed Food Truck Permit Program to Regulate the Operations of Food Trucks Near Park.”
According to the staff note, “The Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) currently requires food truck vendors to obtain a street vendor permit and a business license. Food truck vendors may not operate within 300 feet of public schools or parks. Food trucks may operate as part of a special event permit, which are limited to 12 days per calendar year… During the February 23, 2026, City Council Regular Meeting, consensus was received to have the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services (PRCS) Commission form an ad hoc subcommittee to work with staff to develop a pilot permit program for food trucks operating near parks. During the March 3, 2026, PRCS Commission Regular Meeting, an ad hoc subcommittee was formed consisting of Commissioner Jennifer Chen and Commissioner Thomas Whitaker to work with staff on the development of the permit. Staff met with the ad hoc subcommittee on April 10, 2026. PRCS staff presented the initial framework at the PRCS Commission Special Meeting on April 16, 2026, and received feedback to incorporate into the proposed framework.”
No vote was required at this time, and direction was provided to staff to look into updated trash receptacles in the parks (for organic waste and recycling), noise, idling vehicles, public outreach, and consistency with food trucks outside of the parks.
Action Item 3 (A3) called for, “Adoption of a Resolution Adopting a Civil Penalty Bail Schedule for Parking Violations Under the Culver City Municipal Code, Fire Codes, and California Vehicle Code.”
With fines for parking violations not being updated since 2008, the vote was swift and unanimous (5-0). There was, however, a tense exchange between Council Members Albert Vera and Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, with the former requesting a higher increase in line with Santa Monica and other locales due to his assertion that “this council likes to spend money.” McMorrin took exception to what she saw as “personal.” The vote which passed was for the raise to reflect the local average.
Action Item 4 (A4) called for, “(1) Creation of a City Council Standing Affordability Subcommittee and Appointment of Members Thereto; (2) Dissolution of the Minimum Wage Ad Hoc Subcommittee; and (3) Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate.”
Mayor Freddy Puza nominated himself and McMorrin to the subcommittee, and that passed unanimously.