The long delayed redevelopment of the Civic Auditorium may take a step forward Tuesday when officials consider a proposal from the organizers of this year’s upcoming beach music festival to occupy the location.
The Santa Monica City Council will consider entering into exclusive negotiations with Goldenvoice|AEG Presents over the future of the Civic Auditorium when it meets Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Staff are recommending the council authorize the city manager to negotiate and execute an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement with Goldenvoice|AEG Presents to evaluate potential redevelopment and operation of the Civic Auditorium at 1855 Main St. The item would advance a process that has included a prior negotiation agreement with Revitalization Partners Group over renovation, programming and operation of the venue.
Goldenvoice is producing the upcoming Ocean Way festival and the new discussions follow an aborted effort to secure a partnership with other music industry organizations.
Also on the agenda is a staff report on oversight of the Virginia Avenue Apartment Project, a 2033-2101 Virginia Ave. development. Staff are recommending the council simply receive and file the informational report, which responds to a council request for information and includes a presentation from Community Corporation of Santa Monica along with a breakdown of the city's loan expenditures on the project through July 2026.
The council will also weigh new funding guidelines for the city's Human Services Grants Program. Staff are asking the council to approve funding guidelines for the FY 2027-31 grant cycle and authorize release of a request for proposals for the four-year funding period. Supporting materials include the city's Homelessness Strategic Plan for 2025-2030, an Aging and Disability Action Plan, and a situational analysis of the city's renter protections program.
Under public hearings, the council will consider a resolution approving the California Municipal Finance Authority's issuance of up to $80 million in revenue bonds to benefit 1318 4th Street, L.P. The bonds would help finance a 122-unit affordable apartment development at 1318 4th St. Staff say the project's environmental review was already completed as part of the city's 6th Cycle Housing Element Environmental Impact Report, and the hearing is required under the federal Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act.
The consent calendar includes several other significant items. The council will consider a $24 million contract modification with Gillig LLC to purchase additional battery-electric buses for the Big Blue Bus fleet, bringing that agreement's total to nearly $89 million. Other consent items include a construction bid award for the second phase of the city's street lighting modernization program, a purchase order for new recycling and trash bins, a construction contract for the third phase of pier fire sprinkler replacement, approval of a parcel map subdividing a property on 18th Street, and an increase in contract authority for county lifeguard services on Santa Monica State Beach. The council will also consider ratifying a resolution affirming the city's 2025 proclamation declaring a local emergency on homelessness.
The council is scheduled to meet in closed session beforehand to discuss ongoing litigation, including dozens of cases involving the Santa Monica Police Activities League, as well as potential new litigation.
Under councilmember discussion items, the council will consider accepting resignations from Bradley Ewing on the Recreation and Parks Commission and from Hajar Muqtasid St. Claire on the Housing Authority Board, and authorizing the city clerk to publish both vacancies.