Item G-2 Agenda Report — Beverly Hills City Council, June 17, 2025

AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date: June 17, 2025
Item Number:

To: Honorable Mayor & City Council
From: Magdalena Davis, Community Outreach Manager
Chad Lynn, Deputy Director of Special Projects, Public Safety Subject: RECOMMENDATION OF THE BEVERLY HILLS CITY COUNCIL

LIAISON / CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COMMITTEE REGARDING
THE FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 WORK PLAN AND FUNDING
REQUEST BY THE BEVERLY HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE;
AND

RECOMMENDATION TO WAIVE SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT FEES,

PLACE OF ASSEMBLY PERMIT FEES, AND SET FLAT RATE

REDUCED PARKING RATES FOR SPECIFIC EVENTS HOSTED IN

PARTNERSHIP WITH THE BEVERLY HILLS CHAMBER OF

COMMERCE
Attachments: 1. Proposed Chamber of Commerce Work Plan FY 25/26

2. Chamber of Commerce Budget / Cost Detail for FY 25/26

3. Chamber of Commerce Work Plan Presentation

4. Chamber of Commerce Liaison Report from June 9, 2025 (without attachments)

RECOMMENDATION
The Beverly Hills City Council Liaison Chamber of Commerce Committee, Mayor Nazarian and Councilmember Wells (Liaisons), recommend the City Council approve the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 (FY 25/26) work plan and total funding request for the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association (Chamber) in the amount of $533,730, which includes the reduction of four specific programs as described more thoroughly below. Liaisons further recommend providing the Chamber waivers related to special event permit fees, place of assembly permit fees, and establishing set flat rate Meeting Date: June 17, 2025

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reduced parking rates for specific events hosted in partnership with the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, for a total waiver amount of approximately $39,4001.

INTRODUCTION
Staff is requesting City Council review and approve the recommendation of the Beverly Hills City Council Liaison Chamber of Commerce Committee of Mayor Nazarian and Councilmember Wells related to Chamber’s FY 25/26 work plan and associated funding request. Each year the City enters into an agreement with the Chamber to execute various work plan items, focused on economic sustainability including business development, marketing and outreach, for the upcoming fiscal year. The Chamber is requesting funding in the amount of $533,730 for FY 25/26.

DISCUSSION
The City contracts with the Chamber of Commerce to provide a range of economic development programs, which reflect City priorities and seek to both retain existing businesses and attract new businesses to Beverly Hills. The Chamber of Commerce’s main focus is on fostering business-to-business relationships in Beverly Hills and to act as a liaison between the City and business community.

The Chamber’s proposed FY 25/26 work plan includes a mix of programming that typically recurs annually, as well as initiatives that reflect current and upcoming City Council priorities. The Chamber Liaisons met on June 9, 2025, and recommended the following work plan move forward.

Summary of Programming
The Chamber’s proposed FY 25/26 work plan includes programming and initiatives that typically occur annually, and proposes to continue the Miami Business Mission from the 24/25 fiscal year.

An overall budget reduction of $19,515 was achieved based on the 24/25 FY budget, however, to offset increased labor and other associated costs, the following programs were proposed for elimination:
• Small Business Development Center partnership (4 quarterly events & 60 one-onone consultations for small businesses) • Beverly Hills Economic Development webpage support (annual/ongoing updates to City and Chamber economic development webpages)
• Regional Business Attraction (‘Welcome to Beverly Hills’ campaign including vendor hard costs, advertising and PR interviews with regional media) • Miami business attraction research (work and costs proposed to be merged with the Chamber’s work for Miami Business Mission Trip)
1 The Chamber has updated this number since the review by the Liaisons on June 9, 2025 from $26,300 to $39,400. This update was based on a both an error in calculation and the addition of ribbon cutting events based on current requests.

Meeting Date: June 17, 2025

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A summary of the remaining programming listed in the Chamber’s Work Plan is below with more detail provided in Attachment 1 and a breakdown of hard costs and staff budget provided in Attachment 2.

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I.G. Chamber of Commerce will organize one-on-one Mayoral Business Retention Meetings (12 in total) between Beverly Hills business owners and the Mayor to foster better relationships and retention;
I.H. Chamber of Commerce will organize LA Metro Subway Stakeholder Outreach Meetings. These meetings will provide a forum for businesses, partner agencies and the City to communicate ongoing information about subway construction for Sections 1 and 2 and its impact to businesses (held monthly for a total of 12 meetings). Funds for this work plan item are subject to reimbursement from Metro and are required to be tracked accordingly;
I.I. Chamber of Commerce will continue to implement action items from the City’s Economic Sustainability Plan, however this item is proposed to continue to be updated annually only, the same as the current fiscal year; I.J. Chamber of Commerce will continue to push out the quarterly “New Business Newsletter” (4 times a year) featuring “new” and “coming soon” businesses to help support business attraction efforts of both the City and the Chamber of Commerce;
I.K. Chamber of Commerce proposes to continue the Miami Business Attraction Mission making it match more closely the NYC mission trip, including conducting the research necessary focused on business attraction. This work plan item was new to this past fiscal year, and included a three-day trip comprised of 18 meetings, as well as the necessary marketing materials, business meeting research, and follow up. This year’s proposed trip would include a 3-day trip, setting up 24 meetings with companies in Miami, including all research, preparation meetings and materials for the delegation, and follow-up required. Liaisons are requested to give direction if the business attraction meetings to be conducted, and it is recommended that the actual balance between retention and attraction meetings will be mutually agreed upon between the City and the Chamber delegation prior to the trip’s finalization; II. A-D Chamber of Commerce is requesting a waiver of various permit fees and approval of parking flat rates for the following:

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Starting in FY 23/24 the City Council approved the waiver of permit fees for specific Chamber of Commerce Signature Events, Special Event Permit Fees for Chamber member ribbon cuttings and establishing discounted flat rate parking for supporting events. The waivers and reduction of rates has been estimated by the Chamber, and totals approximately $38,100, as more thoroughly detailed in Attachment 1. The actual value for any fee waivers or flat-rate parking will vary based on the adopted rates at the time of the event, the number of actual attendees and the extent of the event footprint.

The Liaisons also requested that as part of the review of next year’s work plans, the City review creating a more uniform and ‘on brand’ public messaging and social media process, which may include consideration of consolidating the vendor services associated with these functions between the city partners.

FISCAL IMPACT
The following table summarizes the associated costs of the FY 25/26 proposed work plan compared to FY 24/25:

Work Plan Adopted
FY 24-25
Proposed
FY 25/26 Difference
Marketing and Outreach Support for City
and Partner Events, Functions and Services $54,250 $71,600 $17,350 New York Business Attraction and Retention
Mission $115,000 $120,580 $5,580
Beverly Hills Property Owners Task Force $15,000 $15,750 $750 Now Beverly Hills - Shop Local Program $130,000 $133,750 $3,750 Broker's Roundtables $13,800 $14,500 $700
Beverly Hills Small Business Task Force $15,000 $15,750 $750 Mayoral Business Retention Meetings $15,550 $15,680 $130 LA Metro Subway Stakeholder Outreach
Meetings $15,000 $15,3302 $330
Economic Sustainability Plan Support $1,195 $1,490 $295 New Business Newsletter $8,600 $8,720 $120
Miami Business Attraction Mission $100,000 $120,580 $20,580 Proposed to be Discontinued
Small Business Development Center
Partnership (Discontinued) $26,350 $0 ($26,350)
Beverly Hills Economic Development
Website Support (Discontinued) $7,750 $0 ($7,750)
Regional Business Attraction (Discontinued) $25,000 $0 ($25,000) Miami Business Attraction Research
(Discontinued) $10,750 $0 ($10,750)
Total $553,245 $533,730 ($19,515)
2 Costs are reimbursable by Metro
Meeting Date: June 17, 2025

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The following table shows the annual budget approved by the City Council for the past five fiscal years and the proposed funding request for FY 25/26:

FY 20/21
Adopted
Budget
FY 21/22
Adopted
Budget
FY 22/23
Original
Budget
FY 22/23
Revised
Budget3
FY 23/24
Adopted
Budget
FY 24/25
Proposed
Budget
FY 25/26
Proposed
Budget
Chamber
Work
Plan
$304,080 $488,940 $540,530 $327,025 $450,150 $553,245 $533,730 Historically, the Chamber work plan is primarily funded from the Business Development budget in the amount of $380,000. Funding beyond the $380,000 has previously come from the Tourism and Marketing budget, funded by Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), as several of the Chamber’s initiatives are tourism and marketing focused, including Marketing and Outreach Support for City and Partner Events, Functions and Services, and Now Beverly Hills - Shop Local Program. For the FY 25/26 Work Plan, $153,730 is proposed from Tourism and Marketing budget.

The City has maintained a policy of funding its tourism and marketing programs from a specific allocation of the transient occupancy tax (“TOT”). The City collects a total of fourteen percent TOT based on gross room sales from the City’s hotels. One-seventh of the total TOT revenue has been the basis of calculating the funding for the Tourism and Marketing budget in Beverly Hills for approximately 27 years.

Using the current TOT budget estimate of $46,364,000 for FY 25/26, the one-seventh available funding would be approximately $6,623,429. In FY 25/26 this includes Council-approved, recommended and to-be-determined funding for:

Description of Program to be Funded from Tourism &
Marketing Budget (TOT)
Potential Budget
Allocation FY 25/264
Intellectual Property Legal Services $100,000
Conference & Visitors Bureau
Approved funding for FY 25/26
Work Plan
$4,663,863
Rodeo Drive Committee
Approved funding for FY 25/26 Work
Plan
$184,998
Portion of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce Work Plan Estimated/Requested funding for FY 25/26
$153,730
Landscape Funding for Rodeo Drive $30,000
Concours D'Elegance in 2026
Estimate based on prior year $300,000
Contingency Funding for other Tourism & Marketing Events (including the Holiday Lighting Celebration and Rodeo Drive Holiday Décor for Holidays 2025)
Based on Available Funding
$1,175,838
Total $6,623,429
3 In FY 22/23 the Chamber did not complete the NY Sales Mission and ended the contract with Buxton for economic development software services early, resulting in a revised budget amount 4 All numbers reflected herein are estimated until the FY 25/26 budget is adopted by the City Council Meeting Date: June 17, 2025

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The Chamber is requesting total funding in the amount of $533,730 for the 2025/2026 Fiscal Year Work Plan from the following sources:

Funding Source
Business
Development Budget
(General Fund)
Tourism & Marketing
Budget
(TOT)
Total
Chamber Proposed
FY25/26 Budget $380,000 $153,730 $533,730
The Chamber is also requesting estimated fee waivers and reduced parking in the amount of $39,400.

Keith Sterling,
Deputy City Manager
Approved By
Attachment 1
1 2025-26 Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce Work Plan with the City of Beverly Hills
I. Beverly Hills Marketing, Economic Development and Business Support A. Marketing and Outreach Support for City and Partner Events, Functions, and Initiatives
B. New York Business Attraction and Retention Mission
C. Beverly Hills Property Owners Task Force
D. Now Beverly Hills - Shop Local Marketing and Promotional Program E. Broker’s Roundtables
F. Beverly Hills Small Business Task Force
G. Mayoral Business Retention Meetings
H. LA Metro Subway Stakeholder Outreach Meetings
I. Economic Sustainability Plan Support
J. New Businesses Newsletter
K. Miami Business Attraction Mission
II. Request for Special Events Fee Waivers
A. Ribbon Cuttings
B. Parking
C. Filming
D. Events

2 Work Plan
Component
FY: 2024-
2025
Cost
Proposed
FY: 2025-
2026
Cost
Price
Difference
Notes
IA. Marketing
and Outreach
Support for
City and
Partner Events,
Functions, and
Initiatives
$54,250 $71,600 +$17,350 Enhanced
marketing and
planning to
support Mayoral
events and
initiatives
IB. New York
Business
Attraction and
Retention
Mission
$115,000 $120,580 +$5,580 Increased labor
costs
IC. Beverly Hills
Property
Owners Task
Force
$15,000 $15,750 +$750 Increased labor
costs
ID. Now
Beverly Hills
Shop Local
Marketing and
Promotional
Program
$130,000 $133,750 $3,750 Increased labor
costs
IE. Broker’s
Roundtables
$13,800 $14,500 +$700 Increased labor
costs
IF. Beverly Hills
Small Business
Task Force
$15,000 $15,750 +$750 Increased labor
costs
IG. Mayoral
Business
Retention
Meetings
$15,550 $15,680 +$130 Increased labor
costs
IH. LA Metro
Subway
Stakeholder
Outreach
Meetings
$15,000 $15,330 +$330 Increased labor
costs. (*$2500 of
funds in FY 24-25
not paid to
Chamber due to
10/12 meetings
completed.)
3 II. Economic
Sustainability
Plan Support
$1,195 $1,490 +$295 Increased labor
costs
IJ. New
Business
Newsletter
$8,600 $8,720 +$120 Increased labor
costs
IK. Miami
Business
Attraction
Mission
$100,000 $120,580 +$20,580 $10,750 from prior
year vendor to
conduct research
removed and
merged with
Chamber work
effort; budget
adjusted to reflect
same work/time
allocation as New
York Business
Attraction Mission
IIA-D Request
for Special
Events Fee
Waivers
$0 $0 N/A See chart at end of
plan for list of
requested waivers
Proposed Items
to be
Discontinued

Small Business
Development
Center
Partnership
$26,350 N/A N/A Proposed to be
discontinued
Beverly Hills
Economic
Development
Webpage
Support
$7,750 N/A N/A Proposed to be
discontinued
Regional
Business
Attraction
$25,000 N/A N/A Proposed to be
discontinued
Miami Business
Attraction
Research
$10,750 N/A N/A Discontinued and
work merged with
Chamber work
effort for Miami
Business Attraction
Mission
4 I. Beverly Hills Marketing, Economic Development and Business Support A. Marketing and Outreach Support for City and Partner Events, Functions, and Initiatives
Overview
Marketing and communications support and business visits to inform businesses about key resources and news updates and gather critical data and information for the City, Chamber and partners.

Description
This past year, the Chamber conducted a wide range of support for City events, functions and other items of importance. For example, the Chamber sent out social media and newsletter items promoting the “Les is More” events by former Mayor Friedman, National Night Out, and City wildfire updates during the fires affecting the region in January 2025. More recently, the Chamber has also been very involved in supporting both the logistics and promotion of newly installed Mayor Nazarian’s “Spotlight with Sharona” events including finding and securing venues and managing registration. Beyond this, the Chamber has also supported the City’s efforts to share information about important items going before City Council, including a draft ordinance to update the City’s rules about portable signage for restaurants and retailers.

The Chamber will continue its marketing work in support of City and partner programs, events, and initiatives. These include promotion of Mayoral and City Council events, the BH Art Show, the City’s Green Initiatives, and other efforts. The Chamber will work with partner agencies to help support City and partner efforts such as the annual Father’s Day Concours d’Elegance Car Show on Rodeo Drive, the Holiday Lighting Celebration, summer activations and other important events and initiatives.

In addition, as at the end of this past fiscal year, the Chamber is supporting various Mayoral initiatives such as the “Spotlight with Sharona” events to support the City and Mayoral priorities.

This work includes locating venues for events, supporting planning and logistic and helping drive turnout to the events which have proven to be very popular for the community.

This item supports Action Item Nos. 2.B.2 (extend COVID-19 response efforts) and 2.D.1 (zoning code audit and streamline permit process) in the Economic Sustainability Plan.

TOTAL $553,245 $533,730 -$19,515
5 Metrics
Engage in communication and business outreach on specified City business related project and events in partnership with the City, including:
 up to 12 e-blasts sent to our Chamber membership.
 up to 100 social media posts/stories/shares.
 up to 40 Monday newsletter items over the course of the fiscal year to support Chamber and partner efforts.
 Conduct up to 24 “Walk the Neighborhood” 60-90 minute direct outreach walks on a different street each time to greet local ground floor retail and restaurant businesses.  Support logistics, execution and promotion of the “Spotlight with Sharona” events including Mayor Nazarian.

Conclusion
The total cost for this item is $71,600. A cost breakdown is available in Attachment A.

B. New York Business Attraction and Retention Mission

Overview
Outreach, preparation, and travel to New York City for a 5-day trip to attract and retain businesses in Beverly Hills.

Description
For many years, the City of Beverly Hills and Chamber of Commerce have engaged in a New York Business Attraction and Retention Mission to: (1) encourage businesses based in New York to expand to Beverly Hills; and (2) for existing businesses, maintain important relationships, discuss the continued value of a presence in Beverly Hills and engage in dialogue about recent developments and opportunities.

This past fiscal year, the City and Chamber traveled to New York and conducted over 20 business meetings over 3 days with a wide-cross section of businesses, including innovative restaurants and retailers as well as with existing major businesses such as LVMH and Hudson’s Bay (Saks Fifth Avenue)
The visits to New York have proven fruitful in that a number of businesses have now expanded to Beverly Hills. The following are several examples:

1. Marea, a Michelin starred Italian seafood restaurant, was visited in New York in 2021 and opened in Beverly Hills in 2025.

2. Dante, a highly acclaimed café and bar, was visited in New York in 2021 and opened a location on the rooftop of the Maybourne Hotel in 2023. 6 3. Sant Ambroeus, a highly respected Italian restaurant in New York, was visited in 2023 and has plans to expand into the Business Triangle of Beverly Hills.

4. Levain Bakery, known for its high-quality cookies, was visited in 2024 and is opening a location on South Beverly Drive this year.

The Chamber again proposes a 5-day trip (1 day of travel, 3 days of meetings, 1 day of travel) in fall 2025, with a continued focus on business attraction meetings. The Chamber plans to continue to put an emphasis on meetings with unique restaurants and retailers as the Chamber believes this has the potential to make the biggest impact on the City. The Chamber could also explore meetings with innovative commercial professional services businesses. The Chamber also plans to organize several business retention meetings with key businesses based in Beverly Hills as it has done in the past. The trip can be taken at a time that works with the City’s schedule.

The trip will continue to be dedicated to intimate meetings with the focus on attraction of new business candidates to Beverly Hills. The team typically divides into 2 tracks of about 3 people each (generally a Chamber staff member, a City Mayor/Vice City Mayor and a City staff member) and conducts parallel meetings each day. The Chamber will research key businesses to approach for attraction meetings in New York and assess which existing businesses in Beverly Hills would most benefit from a visit. As in prior years, the Chamber will arrange, and coordinate travel logistics and meeting set up.

The Chamber continues to follow up with companies from past trips to encourage them to expand to Beverly Hills or, in the case of existing companies, to support their retention in Beverly Hills.

This item supports Action Item Nos. 1.E.1 (cutting edge business attraction opportunities) and

1.F.2 (reduce commercial vacancies) in the Economic Sustainability Plan.

Metrics
 The Chamber will coordinate up to 24 meetings with companies in New York with approximately 2/3rds being focused on business attraction and 1/3 retention.  The Chamber will meet with the City New York Delegation to discuss preferred retention prospects and preferred new business prospects.
 List of meetings will be provided to the City prior to departure that includes the following details: date, time, company location, company attendees/titles/contact information.  Chamber will follow up with past business attraction and retention meeting targets  The goal will be to have at least 2 business attraction targets visit Beverly Hills for tours/evaluating properties and to touch base with all prior business attraction visits from the prior 3 years.
7 Conclusion
The total cost for this item is $120,580. A cost breakdown is available in Attachment A.

C. Beverly Hills Commercial Property Owner’s Task Force Overview
The Chamber will manage regular meetings of a commercial property owner’s task force to spur dialogue and develop ideas and plans for commercial properties. The Chamber will prepare reports with findings and recommendations as needed and work with the City to identify and implement solutions to issues that come up at the roundtables.

Description
Commercial property owners represent a key decision maker and influencer in the future of the City’s economic development and sustainability. Continuing a dialogue with landlords is critical to helping fill vacancies, finding brands that align with Beverly Hills, and ensuring a successful mix of businesses. The Task Force consists of two City Council Liaisons, City and Chamber staff and approximately 15 commercial property owners/managers representing a cross section of the City. The meetings remain open to the public and the Chamber continues to outreach to additional property owners to encourage them to become involved.

In the past fiscal year, the Task Force has held meetings on a variety of topics, including opportunities to collaborate with New York City based businesses for expansion following the New York Business Attraction and Retention Trip, updates on development projects in Beverly Hills, and construction impacts related to the D (Purple) Line Subway Extension. The Task Force includes some of the most prominent members of the community and major landowners whose input is important as the City moves forward.

This item supports Action Item Nos. 1.F.2 (reduce commercial vacancies), 2.D.1 (zoning code audit and streamline permit process), and 3.C.1 (gauge interest in forming business improvement districts) in the Economic Sustainability Plan.

Metrics
 Manage an average 15-member Task Force group in consultation with the City and its partners to provide input, relay ideas and concerns in the business community and develop recommendations. The Chamber continues to reach out to and include additional property owners and managers who are interested in attending.  Manage 4 meetings of the Task Force at the City.
 Work with the Task Force to identify and recommend 2 deliverables to be presented to Council in the fiscal year.
8  Prepare meeting summaries and reports to the City summarizing the key findings and recommendations of the Task Force.
 Work in partnership with the City to identify proposed solutions to any opportunities or challenges that are identified and to implement such solutions as appropriate.

Conclusion
The total cost for this item is $15,750. A cost breakdown is available in Attachment A.

D. Now Beverly Hills Shop Local Program

Overview
The Shop Local Program now known as “Now Beverly Hills” is a program which focuses on connecting businesses and residents and to encourage residents to shop locally. The Chamber will continue the program to help drive traffic to a wide variety of local businesses and to continue to grow the program now that there is a vibrantly rebranded social media presence.

Description
This past year, the Chamber began working with a new marketing agency PSM, to execute the Now Beverly Hills program. The work included a new graphical look, enhanced support for social media and a deeper partnership to support local businesses. Amongst other things, PSM, the Chamber and City worked closely to increase the reach of the program, to maintain an elevated look and to increase our impact for the businesses and patrons alike in Beverly Hills.

The Chamber will continue a coordinated shop local campaign across all business industries and neighborhoods. As part of the Chamber’s efforts, the Chamber will continue to retain the agency PSM to manage the creative and design aspects of the program to ensure an elevated look for the program. PSM will help design the graphics, look and theme of quarterly campaigns as well as support the ongoing social media efforts to support consumers.

The Chamber is planning to enhance its engagement efforts to increase exposure of Now Beverly Hills, gain more newsletter subscribers, and acquire more followers on social media with a focus on Beverly Hills residents. Through this work, the Chamber plans to interact with a substantial number of residents and local businesses to increase awareness and engagement with the Now Beverly Hills brand.

Metrics
 Organize and execute quarterly campaigns in partnership with the City highlighting key economic sectors and/or seasonal events and programs. 9  Up to 200 + social media posts/stories/shares regarding the Now Beverly Hills program, important news items and upcoming programs including some boosted posts to increase engagement, followers, and subscribers.  Two business profiles featuring local businesses in each monthly newsletter. Develop a list of business profiles which are at least 50 percent non-member and will feature businesses across different industries as well as in all the different commercial neighborhoods of the city to be as inclusive as possible.  Monthly Now Beverly Hills Newsletter with key community updates, information about new business openings, upcoming events and other important information for residents and businesses.
 Leverage existing subscriber base of the Now Beverly Hills program to both promote monthly programs as well as to cross-promote other community events and projects, including City of Beverly Hills events, construction notices, and other community programs.

Conclusion
The total cost for this item is $133,750. Please see the attached cost breakdown in Attachment This item supports Action Items 1.A.1 (brand assessment) and 1.D.2 (support Shop Local program) in the Economic Sustainability Plan.

E. Broker’s Roundtables

Overview
The Chamber will organize and host two roundtables for commercial real estate brokers in the retail sector to spur discussions and business deals for Beverly Hills commercial retail properties.

The Chamber will also organize and host two roundtables focused on the commercial office market in Beverly Hills.

Description
This past year, the Chamber has organized a series of roundtables focused on bringing together commercial and retail brokers for the purpose of sharing information that could prove useful to the City and the brokers for filling vacancies, providing updates on new developments and getting other feedback on the state of the market. Topics have included LA Metro subway construction, new tenants coming and going and City updates on important development projects for the brokers to know about.

The roundtables provide an opportunity for the leading commercial brokers and senior officials from the City to gather and share information about new developments in the City as well as the state of the commercial real estate market. The Chamber will research and gather names of 10 brokers to invite, conduct research on key issues to discuss and organize the meeting at the Chamber of Commerce.

This item support Action Item 1.A.5 (surveys of brokers) and 1.E.1 (cutting edge business attraction opportunities) in the Economic Sustainability Plan.

Metrics
 Execute 2 Broker’s Roundtables focused on the commercial retail market and 2 on the commercial office market in Beverly Hills for a total of 4 meetings.  Obtain attendance average of 15 brokers at each meeting.  Organize the agenda of these meetings around current development topics among the broker community as well as the City Manager’s office and Community Development Department.
 Gather information about specific vacancies that can be used to fill openings and attract companies to expand to Beverly Hills.

Conclusion
The total cost for this item is $14,500. A cost breakdown is available in Attachment A.

F. Beverly Hills Small Business Task Force

Overview
The Chamber will continue to manage the Small Business Task Force to gather feedback and recommendations about strategies to attract and retain small businesses in Beverly Hills.

Description
This past year, the Chamber has organized a series of meetings of the Small Business Task Force which was formed several years ago to support small businesses in the City. One of the highlights of the year was the role the Task Force has played in recommending the City take a look at portable signage regulation, which led to a draft ordinance being considered by the City’s Commissions and the City Council.

The Task Force consists of two City Council Liaisons, City and Chamber staff and approximately 15 small business owners/managers representing a cross section of the City. The meetings remain open to the public and the Chamber continues to outreach to additional small businesses to encourage them to become involved. The meetings have been forums for business owners to both share updates about important issues as well as to learn about City initiatives they can take part in.
11 This item supports Action Item Nos. 2.D.1 (zoning code audit and streamline permit process) and

3.C.1 (gauge interest in forming business improvement districts) in the Economic Sustainability Plan.

Metrics
 Manage an average 15-member Task Force group in consultation with the City and its partners to provide input, relay ideas and concerns in the business community and develop recommendations. The Chamber continues to reach out to and include additional small business owners and managers who are interested in attending.  Manage 4 meetings of the Task Force at the City.
 Work with the Task Force to identify and recommend 2 deliverables to be presented to Council in the fiscal year.
 Prepare meeting summaries and reports to the City summarizing the key findings and recommendations of the Task Force.
 Work in partnership with the City to identify proposed solutions to any opportunities or challenges that are identified and to implement such solutions as appropriate.

Conclusion
The total cost of this item is $15,750. Please see the attached cost breakdown in Attachment A.

G. Management of Mayoral Business Retention Meetings

Overview
The Chamber will set up and manage meetings of 12 businesses with the City. These businesses will be cleared by the City and current on taxes.

Description
This past year, the Chamber has organized a number of meetings between local businesses and the Mayor to give the City an enhanced understanding of business conditions and the business an exciting opportunity for a one on one meeting with the Mayor and gain insight on the City’s recent work. Meetings this year have included businesses ranging from Arthur Murray Dance Studio to restaurants Casa Di Fiore and Jade.

The Chamber will organize meetings between business owners of targeted business sectors with the Beverly Hills Mayor’s office. These meetings will be attended by a City Councilmember, typically the Mayor, a member of the City Manager’s office and a Chamber staff member as well as by managers or owners of the business itself. The Chamber will develop a list of businesses to visit with input from the City. The goal of these meetings is for the Chamber and the City to better understand the concerns of the business community and develop action items to support continued business success in the City.
12 The Chamber will develop a matrix of businesses to meet with over the next year focusing on businesses that represent a diverse cross-section of industries, important and/or large businesses that provide a substantial benefit to the City, and new businesses to town. The meetings will be virtual or in person.

This item supports Action Item No. 1.F.2 (reduce commercial vacancies) in the Economic Sustainability Plan.

Metrics
 Schedule 12 Business Retention meetings in coordination with the City.  Produce and distribute a briefing sheet for City attendees.  Produce a summary of each meeting and common themes that have emerged.  Follow up by Chamber on issues uncovered during the meetings, including programming, real estate and City business regulations.

Conclusion
The total cost for this item is $15,680. A cost breakdown is available in Attachment A.

H. LA Metro Subway Stakeholder Outreach Meetings
Overview
The Chamber will continue to convene major stakeholders at a series of meetings to discuss the details of the construction of Section 2 of the D Line Subway extension, develop feedback on ways to minimize disruption to businesses and develop a mechanism for the City and businesses to work together to respond to specific concerns as they arise.

Description
This year, the Chamber has organized a number of meetings to provide key updates to businesses about construction impacts for Section 2 of the D (formerly Purple) Line Subway Extension. This has included critical updates about the closure of Wilshire Blvd. due to subway construction in March/April.

The Chamber will continue managing a series of 12 (monthly) stakeholder Zoom meetings, to be attended by key business stakeholders surrounding the construction, the City, and the Chamber.

The meetings will serve as a forum for the major stakeholders to communicate with each other, discuss key issues with construction timing and impact, and collaborate on any steps to further reduce the impact to the community. The Chamber will report back on findings and any recommendations from these meetings.
13 This item supports Action Item No. 2.C.1 (LA Metro subway planning) in the Economic Sustainability Plan.

Metrics
 Manage a series of 12 (monthly) stakeholder Zoom meetings, to be attended by key business stakeholders surrounding the construction, the City, and the Chamber  Curate, maintain and add to a distribution list of stakeholders to be invited to meetings and to provide updates
 Organize the logistics of each meeting, including agenda items, presentations, minutes  Include information in weekly Monday Chamber newsletter emails for key Metro construction activities or City Council items (assume maximum 3 times for next fiscal year)
 Work with the City on action items that come out of each meeting  Communicate with City staff about potential items for discussion at each meeting  Provide input relating to improved communications and other business mitigation efforts Conclusion
The total cost of this item is $15,330. Please see the attached cost breakdown in Attachment A.

I. Economic Sustainability Plan Support

Overview
Help identify and execute action items to implement the Economic Sustainability Plan.

Description
In 2021, the City finished a new Economic Sustainability Plan focused on ensuring a vibrant and sustainable economy and to support and enhance City revenues to maintain the character and quality of the community over the next five years. The Plan’s three focus areas are Brand, WellBeing, and Budget. The Plan identifies key existing revenue streams, sources of economic strength, challenges from the pandemic and opportunities for the future. The Plan also includes an Action Plan with a list of suggested action items that can be taken by the City and its partners to help sustain the City economically in the years ahead. The Chamber is in the process of providing updated content for portions of the Economic Sustainability Plan relevant to the Chamber’s economic development work.

During this next fiscal year, the Chamber proposes to continue its work in implementing items identified in the Plan through the other work plan items as well as providing substantive updates to the Plan as needed.
14 This item supports Action Item No. 1.A.1 (brand assessment) in the Economic Sustainability Plan.

Metrics
 Assist City with identifying and executing action items in the Economic Sustainability Plan.

Conclusion
The total cost for this item is $1,490. A cost breakdown is available in Attachment A.

J. New Businesses Newsletter

Overview
Produce 4 digital newsletters with a list of new and coming soon businesses to Beverly Hills.

Description
This past year, the Chamber has produced a series of quarterly newsletters highlighting new businesses opening in Beverly Hills, including restaurants, retailers and other businesses. This has included renowned restaurants such as Marea and Bacari as well as retailers such as the new Grand Seiko boutique.

The Chamber will continue developing a quarterly businesses newsletter highlighting businesses that have recently opened or that are coming soon. The newsletter will promote new businesses as they open or that are coming soon and help promote Beverly Hills to the wider world and to companies interested in expanding to Beverly Hills.

This item supports Action Items 1.A.1 (brand assessment), 1.D.1 (marketing materials for business community), 1.E.1 (cutting edge business attraction opportunities) and 1.F.2 (reduce commercial vacancies) in the Economic Sustainability Plan.

Metrics
 Produce 4 (quarterly) new and coming soon businesses digital newsletters for business attraction efforts and the greater Beverly Hills community.

Conclusion
The total cost for this item is $8,720. A cost breakdown is available in Attachment A. 15 K. Miami Business Attraction Mission
Overview
Outreach, preparation, and travel to Miami for a 5-day trip to attract businesses to Beverly Hills.

Description
This past year, the Chamber held a full set of meetings with businesses in Miami over the course of 3 days. The meetings included visits with two businesses planning on opening in Beverly Hills.

B/S/H, a luxury furniture store, is now open at 257 N. Canon Drive. Pura Vida (plant based Italian restaurant) plans to open at 439 N. Beverly Drive in the former Farm Beverly Hills space. Casa Tua, another renowned Italian concept, is actively looking at leasing a space in Beverly Hills. The delegation also had promising meetings with a number of food and retail concepts, including MIA Market, Stubborn Seed and Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink, amongst others. The Chamber continues to follow up on meetings and to help interested companies find a location in Beverly Hills.

The Chamber proposes a 5-day trip (1 day of travel, 3 days of meetings, 1 day of travel) in the first quarter of 2025, with a focus on business attraction meetings. The Chamber plans to continue to put an emphasis on meetings with unique restaurants and retailers as the Chamber believes this has the potential to make the biggest impact on the City. The Chamber could also explore meetings with innovative commercial professional services businesses. The trip can be taken at a time that works with the City’s schedule.

The trip will be dedicated to intimate meetings with the focus on attraction of new business candidates to Beverly Hills. The team will divide into 2 tracks of about 3 people each (a Chamber staff member, a City Mayor/Vice City Mayor and a City staff member) for the meetings. The Chamber will research key businesses to approach for attraction meetings in Miami, coordinate travel logistics, and meeting set up.

Metrics
 The Chamber will coordinate up to 24 meetings with companies with most being focused on business attraction.
 The Chamber will meet with the City Delegation to discuss preferred new business prospects.
 List of meetings will be provided to the City prior to departure that includes the following details: date, time, company location, company attendees/titles/contact information.  Chamber will follow up with past business attraction and retention meeting targets.  The goal will be to have at least 2 business attraction targets visit Beverly Hills for tours/evaluating properties and to touch base with all prior business attraction visits from the prior 3 years.
16 Conclusion
The total cost for this item is $120,580. A cost breakdown is available in Attachment A.

II. Request for Special Events Fee Waivers

A. Ribbon Cuttings
B. Parking
C. Filming
D. Events
BHCC Fee Waivers
(proposed)
2025-2026
Signature Events:

Evening with the Mayor - 9/25/25
Greystone Mansion
Request of fee waiver for Place of Assembly Permit - $191 Request for fee waiver for ApplicaƟon Processing Fee - $68 Request for fee waiver for fire permit - $191
Request for fee waiver for Parking Meter Revenue Loss - $20 Request for fee waiver for Special Event Encroachment Permit - $190 Request for fee waiver for No-Parking Signs - $8.36 x 2 = $16.72 Request for fee waiver for Small Scale Special Event Fee - $962 Summer Garden Party - date tbd June 2026
Beverly Canon Gardens for a 10 hour rental(6 hours prep/strike and 4 hour event) -$6,082.62 Request for parking flat rate - $5 vs $12 (waived total $7 x 250 = $1,750) Request for fee waiver for Place of Assembly Permit - $183.70 Request for fee waiver for ApplicaƟon Processing Fee - $68 Request for fee waiver for No-Parking Signs - $8.36 x 4 = $33.44 Request for fee waiver for Park Ranger - $670
Request for fee waiver for Parking Meter Revenue Loss - $80 Request for fee waiver for Special Event Encroachment Permit - $190 Request for fee waiver for Public Works/FaciliƟes Personnel - $520 Request for fee waiver for Fire Permit - $191
WBN - Women Who Shine Gala - date/venue tbd Spring 2026 Request for fee waiver for Place of Assembly Permit - $180 Request for fee waiver for ApplicaƟon Processing Fee - $67 Request for fee waiver for fire permit - $191
17 Ribbon-cuƫngs
EsƟmated 12 permit required ribbon cuƫng events for 25-26 Request for fee waiver for Sidewalk Special Event Fees: Total $1,219.82  Special Event Permit $961.82
 ApplicaƟon Fee $68
 Special Event Encroachment Permit -$190
TOTAL EsƟmate: $39,400
Signature Events (esƟmated totals): $11,800
Evening with the Mayor = $1,600
Summer Garden Party = $9,750
WBN – Women Who Shine = $450
Ribbon Cuƫngs (esƟmated totals x 12): $15,800
Attachment 2
CEO=240 D=200 Coordinator=80
Attachment A CFO=210 M-160
Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce - City Work Plan Initiatives, FY 2025-2026 Hard costs Labor Labor Total Cost
(hours) (costs)
Timeline: Year-round
Marketing and Outreach Support for City and Partner Events, Functions and Initiatives Marketing, communication and outreach to support City and partner events and initiatives; collaborating with City on messaging; collaboration with partner agencies as needed on messaging; support creation of lists of businesses offering special deals during events, other similar promotion as needed (up to 40 newsletter items, 12 eblasts and 100 social media posts) $15,000 180
$28,000(@20 hrs. - CEO, 20 hrs. -
Dir, 100 hrs. - Manager, 40 hrs. -
Coordinator) $43,000
Conduct 24 “walk the neighborhood” with City and any other business partners to engage business and market City and partner programs, events and initiatives; determine status of businesses; prepare outline of visits and summary with results and action items for follow up and work with City as needed to implement. 75
$12,800 (@20 hrs - Dir, @55 hrs
- Manager) $12,800
Support execution of Mayoral/City initiatives (event venue selection, coordination, promotion, etc.) 75
$14,800 (@20 hrs -CEO, @30
hrs - Dir., @25 hrs. - Manager) $14,800
Supplies, incidentals, etc. $1,000 $1,000
Total 305 $71,600
Timeline: Year-round
New York Business Attraction and Retention Mission
Planning & Preparation
Purchase periodicals for NY research $100 $100
Arranging Logistics Relating to Travel/Luncheons/Hotel Block 20 $4,000 (@20 hours -Dir) $4,000 Attraction and Retention Candidate Research, Selection, Presentation & Outreach 160 $29,800 (@10 hrs. - CEO, 125
hrs. - Dir, 25 hrs - Manager) $31,400
Schedule Development/Appointment Coordination & Binder Prep 105 $20,400 (@5 hrs. - CEO, 80 hrs. -
Dir, 20 hrs. - Manager) $20,400
Update Marketing Materials as Needed $1,000 10 $2,000 (@10 hrs. - Dir) $3,000 Stationary/Telephone/misc. supplies $450 $450
CFO budgetary review/reconciliation 10 $2,100 (@ 10 hrs. - CFO) $2,100 Hour totals 305
Category Subtotals $1,550
$61,450
Timeline: Fall 2025
Mission Execution
Hotel $5,650 $5,650
Airfare $2,500 $2,500
On-Site Organization/Coordination/Execution 80
$17,600 (@ 40 hrs. - CEO, 40
hrs. - Dir) $17,600
Ground Transportation $1,500 $1,500
Business breakfasts/lunches/dinners $1,800 $1,800
Incidentals, supplies, per diem meals, misc. $1,800 $1,800 Hour totals 80
Category Subtotals $13,250
$30,850
Timeline: Winter 2025
Post - trip follow up
Follow-up with targets/attendees, including tours and helping companies open location in Beverly Hills 40
$8,000 (@5 hrs - CEO, 30 hrs. -
Dir, 5 hrs. - Manager) $8,000
Evaluate and track results 12
$2,480 (@ 2 hrs - CEO, 10 hrs. -
Dir) $2,480
Create & present reports to city officials 15
$3,200 (@ 5 hrs - CEO, 10 hrs. -
Dir) $3,200
Hard costs (copies, etc.) $100 $100
Hour totals 67
Category Subtotals $100
$13,780
Timeline: Winter/Spring 2025
Ongoing Follow-up and research
Ongoing research into business attraction 30
$5,600(@ 20 hrs - Dir, 10 hrs. -
Manager) $5,600
Ongoing database updating 15
$2,800 (@ 10 hrs. - Dir, 5 hrs. -
Manager) $2,800
Follow-through with attraction candidates, including tours 30 $6,000 (@ 30 hrs - Dir) $6,000 Hard costs (copies, etc.) $100 $100
Hour totals 75
Category Subtotals $100
$14,500
Executive Summary (Grand Total)
Phase totals
Planning & Preparation $61,450
Mission Execution $30,850
Post - trip follow up $13,780
Ongoing Follow-up and research $14,500
Grand Total $120,580
Timeline: Year-round
Beverly Hills Property Owners Task Force
Manage Task Force; continue outreach to increase participation in Task Force; develop and prepare agendas, conduct background research arrange logistics, send and manage invitations, and manage 4 Task Force meetings and associated meetings with City staff; work with City and landlords between meetings to analyze and provide solutions to topics that arise as well as to connect landlords to resources. 55 $10,600 (@ 10 hrs. - CEO, 25
hrs. - Dir, 20 hrs. - Manager) $10,600
Prepare reports with summary of meetings and recommendations from the Task Force; work with City and partners to develop and implement solutions with specific deliverables as appropriate; follow up on recommendations as needed 24 $4,800 (@ 24 hrs - Dir) $4,800 Printing costs/supplies/light hospitality $350 $350
Total $15,750
Timeline: Year-round
Shop Local Program
Execute Shop Local Program including campaigns in partnership with City highlighting reopening of business sectors; e-newsletter, website page development and maintenance, social media posts, development of content, and communication to other stakeholders; business profiles (bi weekly), and increasing email subscriber list through online and in person outreach. Community engagement 365
$53,600 (@15 hrs. - CEO, 10 hrs -
CFO, 40 hrs. - Dir, 200 hrs. -
Manager; 100 hrs. -
Coordinator) $53,700
Vendor for execution of creative design and activity campaigns $70,000 $70,000 Marketing (including design programs); subscriber list; ad boosting*** $3,000 $3,000 Costs for promotions, food and beverage, raffle prizes, etc. $7,050 $7,050 Total $133,750
Timeline: Year-round
Broker's Roundtables
Retail Broker's Roundtables (2)
Meeting set-up, preparation of agenda, marketing of event, coordination of speakers and content, attendance; prepare summary of meeting and follow up action items as needed 35 $7,000 (@ 5 hrs. - CEO, 25 hrs. -
Dir, 5 hrs. - Manager) $7,000
Minutes/supplies/refreshments $250 $250
$7,250
Office Broker's Roundtables (2)
Meeting set-up, preparation of agenda, marketing of event, coordination of speakers and content, attendance; prepare summary of meeting and follow up action items as needed 35 $7,000 (@ 5 hrs. - CEO, 25 hrs. -
Dir, 5 hrs. - Manager) $7,000
Minutes/supplies/refreshments $250 $250
$7,250
Total $14,500
Timeline: Year-round
Beverly Hills Small Business Task Force
Manage Beverly Hills Small Business Task Force; address small business concerns in advance of meeting, prepare agendas, arrange logistics, send and manage invitations, and manage 4 Small Business Task Force meetings. 55
$10,600 (@ 10 hrs. - CEO, 25
hours - Dir, 20 hrs. - Manager) $10,600
Prepare reports with summary and recommendations from the Task Force; work with City and partners to develop and implement solutions with specific deliverables as appropriate; presentations at City Council 24 $4,800 (@ 24 hrs. - Dir) $4,800 Minutes/supplies/refreshments $350 $350
Total $15,750
Timeline: Year-round
Mayoral Business Retention Meetings
Management of meetings with 12 major businesses in Beverly Hills, including creation of printed materials, scheduling, researching attendees, follow up projects as needed to assist companies; prepare summaries of meetings and action items, quarterly summaries. 65 $13,400 (@15 hrs. - CEO, 45 hrs -
Dir, 5 hrs. -Manager) $13,400
Follow up calls, emails and meetings with businesses and City to implement action items as needed. 10
$2,080 (@2 hrs - CEO, 8 hrs. -
Dir) $2,080
Printing costs/travel costs/light hospitality $200 $200 Total $15,680
Timeline: Year-round
LA Metro Subway Stakeholder Outreach Meetings
Preparation, set-up, coordination and attendance at up to 12 stakeholder meetings (in person or via Zoom); manage and add to email distribution list; research and outreach to stakeholders, draft agenda, send invitations, and attend meetings and develop action plan with stakeholders, including City 60
$11,200 (@ 10 hrs. - CEO, 20 -
Director, @ 30 hrs. - Manager) $11,200
Prepare reports with summary and recommendations from the meetings; follow up action as needed on items generated by meetings 22
$3,880 (2 hour – CEO, @ 5 hrs. -
Director, 15 hrs. - Manager) $3,880
Minutes/supplies/refreshments $250 $250
Rollover from 2024-2025 (2 meetings not completed)
Total $15,330
Timeline: Year-round
Economic Sustainability Plan Support
Support City as needed with implementation of additional action items identified as important or priority items in Economic Sustainability Plan $250 6 $1,240 (@1 hr - CEO @ 5 hrs. -
Dir) $1,490
Total $1,490
Timeline: Year-round
New Businesses Newsletter
Prepare quarterly new businesses newsletter; marketing and distribution 50 $8,720 (@ 4 hrs. - CEO, 10 hrs. -
Dir, 36 hrs. - Manager) $8,720
Total $8,720
Timeline: Year-round
Miami Business Attraction Mission
Planning & Preparation
Purchase periodicals for MIA research $100 $100
Arranging Logistics Relating to Travel/Luncheons/Hotel Block 20 $4,000 (@20 hours -Dir) $4,000 Attraction and Retention Candidate Research, Selection, Presentation & Outreach 160 $29,800 (@10 hrs. - CEO, 125
hrs. - Dir, 25 hrs - Manager) $31,400
Schedule Development/Appointment Coordination & Binder Prep 105 $20,400 (@5 hrs. - CEO, 80 hrs. -
Dir, 20 hrs. - Manager) $20,400
Update Marketing Materials as Needed $1,000 10 $2,000 (@10 hrs. - Dir) $3,000 Stationary/Telephone/misc. supplies $450 $450
CFO budgetary review/reconciliation 10 $2,100 (@ 10 hrs. - CFO) $2,100 Hour totals 305
Category Subtotals $1,550
$61,450
Timeline: Winter 2024
Mission Execution
Hotel (TBD) $5,650 $5,650
Airfare $2,500 $2,500
On-Site Organization/Coordination/Execution 80
$17,600 (@ 40 hrs. - CEO, 40
hrs. - Dir) $17,600
Ground Transportation $1,500 $1,500
Business breakfasts/lunches/dinners $1,800 $1,800
Incidentals, supplies, per diem meals, misc. $1,800 $1,800 Hour totals 80
Category Subtotals $13,250 $0
$30,850
Timeline: Winter/Spring 2025
Post - trip follow up
Follow-up with targets/attendees, including tours and helping companies open location in Beverly Hills 40
$8,000 (@5 hrs - CEO, 30 hrs. -
Dir, 5 hrs. - Manager) $8,000
Evaluate and track results 12
$2,480 (@ 2 hrs - CEO, 10 hrs. -
Dir) $2,480
Create & present reports to city officials 15
$3,200 (@ 5 hrs - CEO, 10 hrs. -
Dir) $3,200
Hard costs (copies, etc.) $100 $100
Hour totals 67
Category Subtotals $100
$13,780
Timeline: Spring 2025
Ongoing Follow-up and research
Ongoing research into business attraction 30
$5,600(@ 20 hrs - Dir, 10 hrs. -
Manager) $5,600
Ongoing database updating 15
$2,800 (@ 10 hrs. - Dir, 5 hrs. -
Manager) $2,800
Follow-through with attraction candidates, including tours 30 $6,000 (@ 30 hrs - Dir) $6,000 Hard costs (copies, etc.) $100 $100
Hour totals 75
Category Subtotals $100
$14,500
Executive Summary (Grand Total)
Phase totals
Planning & Preparation $61,450
Mission Execution $30,850
Post - trip follow up $13,780
Ongoing Follow-up and research $14,500
Grand Total $120,580
Executive Summary
Marketing and Outreach Support for City and Partner Events, Functions and Services $71,600 New York Business Attraction and Retention Mission $120,580 Beverly Hills Property Owners Task Force $15,750
Now Beverly Hills - Shop Local Program $133,750
Broker's Roundtables $14,500
Beverly Hills Small Business Task Force $15,750
Mayoral Business Retention Meetings $15,680
LA Metro Subway Stakeholder Outreach Meetings (partial rollover from FY 2024-2025) $15,330 Economic Sustainability Plan Support $1,490
New Business Newsletter $8,720
Miami Business Attraction Mission $120,580
Total $533,730
Attachment 3
WORK PLAN PROPOSAL FY 2025-26
to Beverly Hills City Council
June 17, 2025
Todd Johnson, CEO; Blair Schlecter, Econ Dev. & Gov. Affairs, Julian Pineda; Marketing Director Marketing and Outreach
Support for City and Partner
Events, Functions and Initiatives
• Programs including:
• Mayor Initiatives including “Spotlight with Sharona”
(marketing and event execution support)
• Concours d’Elegance
• Holiday Lighting Celebration
• Promotion via:
• Up to 12 eblasts
• Up to 100 social media posts/stories/shares
• Up to 40 Monday Newsletter items
• Conduct 24 “Walk the Neighborhood” reports
New York Business
Attraction and
Retention Mission
Outreach, preparation and travel:
• 3 days of meetings with primary focus on
business attraction
• 24 meetings (6-8 retention/16-18 new
business)
• Focus on leasing throughout the City
• Industry Focuses:
• Retail (emerging new brands)
• Restaurants (new cuisine/Michelin
rated)
• Experiential/Innovative professional
services
Other Economic
Development and
Business Support
• Property Owner’s Task Force
• Broker’s Roundtables
• Small Business Task Force
• Mayoral Business Retention Meetings
• LA Metro Subway Stakeholder Meetings
• Economic Sustainability Plan Support
•New Businesses Newsletter
Now Beverly Hills Shop Local
Program
Seasonal Campaign Concepts (’25–’26)
Seasonal Campaigns:
• Behind the Counter - 5 Businesses
• A Day On South Beverly Drive: 5 Specific Location
Campaigns
• Holiday Haven
Exploratory Concepts:
• Day Shopping Guide (Insider’s View)
• Select Social Media Ambassadors
• Live Events
Now Beverly Hills: Shop Local Program
A Look Ahead
Overall Key Focus Areas
● Increase Video Reel Content to 70%
● Personalization: Make NOW Beverly Hills
feel like a real friend or insider guide, vs. a
promo account.
● Improve Community Engagement: Lives,
Giveaways, Collabs
● Stay Authentic & Locally Shot
● Connect More with City and Chamber
Cross Promotion
Strategies to Increase Reach & Engagement
● PSM to create a survey and gather feedback from
the businesses
● NOW Beverly Hills Ambassadors Program (tied to
specific Seasonal Campaigns)
● →Partner with 2–3 micro-influencers
● Spokesperson Strategy: "The Voice of NOW BH" -
Tied to LIVE Events
Miami Business
Attraction Mission
Outreach, preparation and travel:
• 3 days of meetings with focus on
business attraction
• Approximately 24 meetings
• Focus on leasing throughout the City
• Industry Focuses:
• Retail (emerging new brands)
• Restaurants (new cuisine/Michelin
rated)
• Entertainment/Innovative
professional services
Request for
Chamber Special
Events Fee
Waivers
Request for 3 Chamber special events
and 12 Chamber ribbon cuttings
• Place of Assembly Permit
• Application Processing Fee
• Reduced Flat Fee Parking Rates
• No-Parking Signs
• Special Event Encroachment
Permit
• Small Scale Special Event Fee
• Total approx. $39,400 in waivers
Executive Summary FY ‘25-’26
Marketing and Outreach Support for City and Partner Events, Functions, and Initiatives $71,600
New York Business Attraction and Retention Mission $120,580 Beverly Hills Property Owners Task Force $15,750
Now Beverly Hills - Shop Local Program $133,750
Broker's Roundtables $14,500
Beverly Hills Small Business Task Force $15,750
Mayoral Business Retention Meetings $15,680
LA Metro Subway Stakeholder Outreach Meetings $15,330
Economic Sustainability Plan Support $1,490
New Business Newsletter $8,720
Miami Business Attraction Mission $120,580
Total Work Plan Contract $533,730
Executive Summary (Proposed Items to be Discontinued) FY ‘25-’26 Small Business Development Center Partnership $26,350
Beverly Hills Economic Development Website Support $8,200 Regional Business Attraction $25,000
Miami Business Attraction Research (folded into Miami Mission Trip by Chamber) $10,750 Total of Items Proposed to Be Discontinued $70,300

THANK YOU VERY MUCH
Attachment 4

CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS

POLICY AND MANAGEMENT

MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council Liaison / Chamber of Commerce Committee FROM:

Magdalena Davis, Community Outreach Manager
Chad Lynn, Deputy Director Special Projects, Public Safety DATE: June 9, 2025
SUBJECT: Review of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Workplan and Funding Requests for the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce
ATTACHMENT: 1. Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce FY25-26 Proposed Work Plan

2. FY25-26 Budget Details Sheet

3. Liaison Presentation

INTRODUCTION
Each year the City enters into an agreement with the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) to execute various work plan items, focused on economic sustainability, including business development, marketing, and outreach for the upcoming fiscal year. This item provides the City Council Chamber of Commerce Committee Liaisons Mayor Nazarian and Councilmember Wells (Liaisons) an opportunity to review the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 (FY 25/26) work plan and funding request from the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association (Chamber) in the amount of $533,730.

Additionally, review is requested for FY 25/26 to waive special event permit fees, place of assembly permit fees, and set flat rate reduced parking rates for specific signature events and ribbon cuttings hosted in partnership with the Chamber.

The Chamber is also requesting Liaison approval to roll over particular items from the current fiscal year 2024-2025, including one each a Small Business Assistance and Property Owners Task Force meeting, and a line item for Regional Business Development in its entirety. A separate update the programs and initiatives of the Chamber during quarters three and four of FY 24/25 will be provided in the same Liaison meeting. Per the agreement between the Chamber and City, a quarterly review of the progress on approved workplan programs is required.

DISCUSSION
The City contracts with the Chamber to provide a range of economic development programs, which reflect City priorities and seek to both retain existing businesses and attract new businesses to Beverly Hills. The Chamber’s e’s main focus is on fostering business-to-business relationships in Beverly Hills and to act as a liaison between the City and business community. 2 of 7
Over the years, they have also expanded their scope of work to include marketing and outreach that aligns with economic development.

The Chamber Liaisons are requested to review and make a recommendation on the Chamber work plan and budget request for FY 25/26. It should be noted that the Chamber is traditionally funded from two different City budgets:
• $380,000 from the Business Development budget (General Fund) • $153,730 from the Tourism & Marketing budget (Transient Occupancy Tax, or TOT) • Total Request of $533,730
All of the City partners, including the Chamber, were advised of the budget forecast challenges, reduction in TOT projections for this next fiscal year, and the subsequent reductions expected from their work plans.

Review of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Workplan and Funding Request The Chamber’s proposed FY 25/26 work plan includes much of the programming and initiatives that typically occur annually, as well as continuing the new Miami Business Mission from the previous fiscal year.

In order to offset increased labor costs, an overall budget reduction was achieved by eliminating programs and resulting in a total funding request of $533,730; a reduction of $19,515 from prior year funding .

The items proposed for elimination or adjustment include:
- Small Business Development Center partnership (4 quarterly events & 60 one-on-one consultations for small businesses)
- Beverly Hills Economic Development webpage support (annual/ongoing updates to City and Chamber economic development webpages)
- Regional Business Attraction (‘Welcome to Beverly Hills’ campaign including vendor hard costs, advertising and PR interviews with regional media) - Miami business attraction research (work and costs proposed to be merged with the Chamber’s work for Miami Business Mission Trip)
. Staff requests the Liaisons provide recommendations for the remaining work plan items, which have been prioritized by the Chamber. More detail is provided in Attachment 1, and a breakdown of both the hard costs and labor costs appear in Attachment 2.

I.A. Chamber of Commerce will provide Marketing and Outreach Support for City and Partner Events, Functions, and Initiatives by providing marketing and communications support and business visitations to inform businesses about key resources and news updates and gather critical data and information for the City, Chamber and partners programs and initiatives. The increase in this line item is due to enhanced marketing and planning to support Mayoral events and initiatives such as Spotlight with Sharona. It also includes but is not limited to Council Priorities, Community Development or Sustainability initiatives, promotion of Concours event and Holiday programming, and more; 3 of 7
I.B. Chamber of Commerce will organize and participate in the annual New York Business Attraction and Retention Mission setting up 24 meetings with companies in New York, including all research, preparation meetings and materials for the delegation, and follow-up required. Roughly 6-8 business retention and 16-18 business attraction meetings to be conducted, however the actual balance between retention and attraction meetings will be mutually agreed upon between the City and the Chamber prior to the trip’s finalization; I.C. Chamber of Commerce will manage regular meetings of the Beverly Hills Commercial Property Owner’s Task Force (4 meetings in total to occur quarterly) to spur dialogue and develop ideas and plans for commercial properties;
I.D. Chamber of Commerce will continue to manage the NOW Beverly Hills Shop Local Program, with vendor PSM as the creative agency. This program focuses on connecting businesses and residents, to encourage residents to shop locally. To achieve better marketing results across all businesses and neighborhoods, they propose to continue the social media accounts with a goal to increase engagement, produce 4 campaigns in total to occur quarterly, 12 newsletters to occur monthly, and ongoing cross-promotion with City programs, other City partners, and local businesses;
I.E. Chamber of Commerce will organize and host Broker’s Roundtables so retail and office commercial real estate brokers can meet with each other, Chamber, and City staff to facilitate discussion on real estate opportunities that could benefit the community (4 total meetings per year: 2 focused on retail and 2 focused on office); I.F. Chamber of Commerce will provide management of Beverly Hills Small Business Task Force (4 meetings in total to occur quarterly) to gather feedback and recommendations about strategies to attract and retain small businesses in Beverly Hills; I.G. Chamber of Commerce will organize one-on-one Mayoral Business Retention Meetings (12 in total) between Beverly Hills business owners and the Mayor to foster better relationships and retention;
I.H. Chamber of Commerce will organize LA Metro Subway Stakeholder Outreach Meetings. These meetings will provide a forum for businesses, partner agencies and the City to communicate ongoing information about subway construction for Sections 1 and 2 and its impact to businesses (held monthly for a total of 12 meetings). Funds for this work plan item are subject to reimbursement from Metro and are required to be tracked accordingly;
I.I. Chamber of Commerce will continue to implement action items from the City’s Economic Sustainability Plan, however this item is proposed to continue to be updated annually only, the same as the current fiscal year;
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I.J. Chamber of Commerce will continue to push out the quarterly “New Business Newsletter” (4 times a year) featuring “new” and “coming soon” businesses to help support business attraction efforts of both the City and the Chamber of Commerce; I.K. Chamber of Commerce proposes to continue the Miami Business Attraction Mission making it match more closely the NYC mission trip, including conducting the research necessary focused on business attraction. This work plan item was new to this past fiscal year, and included a three-day trip comprised of 18 meetings, as well as the necessary marketing materials, business meeting research, and follow up. This year’s proposed trip would include a 3-day trip, setting up 24 meetings with companies in Miami, including all research, preparation meetings and materials for the delegation, and follow-up required.

Liaisons are requested to give direction if the business attraction meetings to be conducted, and it is recommended that the actual balance between retention and attraction meetings will be mutually agreed upon between the City and the Chamber delegation prior to the trip’s finalization;
II. A-D Chamber of Commerce is requesting a waiver of various permit fees and approval of parking flat rates for the following:

A. Waive various permit fees for Chamber of Commerce signature event “Evening with the Mayor” (approximately $1,600)
B. Waive various permit fees, rental of Beverly Canon Gardens, personnel fees, and approve flat parking rates for Chamber of Commerce event “Summer Garden Party” (approximately $9,750)
C. Waive various permit fees for Women’s Business Network “Women Who Shine Gala” (approximately $450)
D. Waive various permit fees for Ribbon Cuttings (estimated totals x 12, approximately $14,500 total)
For the past two fiscal years, City Council has approved the waiver of permit fees for specific Chamber of Commerce Signature Events and Special Event Permit Fees for Chamber member ribbon cuttings, along with providing discounted flat rate parking for supporting events. The request for FY 25-26 is for three (3) Signature Chamber events, and up to twelve (12) ribbon cuttings, as listed in Attachment 1 to this report.

The total estimated value of the fee waivers and flat parking rates are also detailed in Attachment 1 as provided by the Chamber, totaling approximately $26,300. The actual value for any fee waivers or flat parking rates will vary based on the number of actual attendees, the extent of the event footprint, and the estimated rates reflect in the City’s newly-adopted fees for FY 25-26.

FISCAL IMPACT
For FY 24/25, the Chamber is requesting $533,730 as further detailed in Attachments 1 and 2.

Additionally, the Chamber is also requesting specific fee waivers, personnel waivers and flat parking rates. The actual value for any fee waivers or flat parking rates will vary based on the actual event, including the number of actual attendees and the extent of the event footprint. 5 of 7
The following executive summary table gives the budget breakdown of both hard and staff costs associated with the workplan, with a hard cost total of $162,030, $391,215 for staff costs, and $15,330 in costs reimbursable by Metro. Summary table appears after the blank area below, due to formatting.
*Cost is reimbursable by Metro
The table below reflects the consideration approved by the City Council for the Chamber of Commerce’s Agreements with the City for the past fiscal years in comparison with the proposed request for FY 25/26 for the Chamber’s work plan.

Work Plan Component Adopted
FY 24-25
Cost
Proposed
FY 25-26
Cost
Price
Difference
IA. Marketing and Outreach Support for City and
Partner Events, Functions, and Initiatives
$54,250 $71,600 +$17,350
IB. New York Business Attraction and Retention
Mission
$115,000 $120,580 +$5,580
IC. Beverly Hills Property Owners Task Force $15,000 $15,750 +$750 ID. Now Beverly Hills Shop Local Marketing and
Promotional Program
$130,000 $133,750 +$3,750
IE. Broker’s Roundtables $13,800 $14,500 +$700
IF. Beverly Hills Small Business Task Force $15,000 $15,750 +$750 IG. Mayoral Business Retention Meetings $15,550 $15,680 +$130 IH. LA Metro Subway Stakeholder Outreach
Meetings*
$15,000 $15,330 +$330
II. Economic Sustainability Plan Support $1,195 $1,490 +$295 IJ. New Business Newsletter $8,600 $8,720 +$120
IK. Miami Business Attraction Mission $100,000 $120,580 +$20,580 IIA-D Request for Special Events Fee Waivers $0 $0 N/A
Proposed Items to be Discontinued
Small Business Development Center Partnership $26,350 N/A N/A Beverly Hills Economic Development Webpage
Support
$7,750 N/A N/A
Regional Business Attraction $25,000 N/A N/A
Miami Business Attraction Research $10,750 N/A N/A
TOTAL $553,245 $533,730 -$19,515
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FY 19/20
Adopted
Budget
FY 20/21
Adopted
Budget
FY 21/22
Adopted
Budget
FY 22/23
Original
Budget
FY 22/23
Revised
Budget1
FY 23/24
Adopted
Budget
FY 24/25
Adopted
Budget
FY 25/26
Proposed
Budget
$553,245
Chamber
Work
Plan
$347,505 $304,080 $488,940 $540,530 $327,025 $450,150 $553,245 $533,730 The Chamber is traditionally funded from two different City budget sources; Business Development Budget and from the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Tourism and Marketing Budget.

The FY 25/26 Business Development (00101313) budget, fixed at $380,000 for the past several years post-pandemic, was included as part of next year’s budget by the Finance Department at the June 5th budget meeting. Liaisons are requested to review funding in the amount of $380,000 of the Chamber’s work plan from the Business Development budget.

As several of the Chamber’s initiatives are marketing focused, the remaining annual Chamber work plan funding has previously come from the Tourism and Marketing budget, funded by Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), in the amount of $120,000.,. For Fiscal Year 2024-25, the total funded from TOT was raised to $173,245.,. The current funding request requires $153,730 from the Tourism and Marketing budget, funded by Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).

Funding Source
Business
Development Budget
(General Fund)
Tourism & Marketing
Budget
(TOT) Total
Chamber Proposed
FY25/26 Budget $380,000 $153,730 $533,730
The City has maintained a policy of funding its tourism and marketing programs from a specific allocation of the transient occupancy tax (“TOT”). The City collects a total of fourteen percent TOT based on gross room sales from the City’s hotels. One-seventh of the total TOT revenue has been the basis of calculating the funding for the Tourism and Marketing budget in Beverly Hills for approximately 27 years.

The Finance Department is currently forecasting TOT revenue of $46,364,000 for FY 25/26, a decline from $51,200,000 for FY24/25.

Using the $46,364,000 estimate for TOT, the one-seventh amount would be approximately $6,623,000. Staff anticipates this funding would be allocated for various programs and partner agreements including the request from the Chamber workplan Other Council approvals include the RDC base funding workplan, a portion of the Chamber of Commerce workplan, Holiday décor, the Holiday Lighting Celebration on Rodeo Drive, the 1 In FY 22/23 the Chamber did not complete the NY Sales Mission and ended the contract with Buxton for economic development software services early which resulted in a revised budget amount for FY 22/23 and a contract amendment to reflect that reduction.
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Concours d’Elegance Father’s Day Car Show, landscaping funding, and trademark licensing intellectual property legal services.

The funding that is approximated above does not include either the true-up of any funds that were actual, as opposed to forecasted, from the current fiscal year.

Work plan expenses related to the Metro Purple Line Extension ($15,330) are reimbursable by Metro. Staff will work with the Chamber to ensure invoicing includes all Metro required information to ensure reimbursement for these expenses.

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Liaison Committee review and provide recommendations for the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Workplan and Funding Request, including:
a. Items I.A.-I.J. as presented;
b. Item I.K., confirming the Miami Business Attraction Mission trip for 3 days of 24 meetings and associated cost;
c. Items II.A-D. permit waivers and flat-rate parking as presented; d. Discontinuation of workplan items as outlined to achieve savings; e. Recommendation of the funding allocations from the City’s Business Development budget and Tourism and Marketing Budget

Beverly Hills City CouncilJune 17, 2025

Beverly Hills City Council
June 17, 2025