Item 137/2026
Final
City of Garden Grove
INTER-DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM
To:
Lisa L. Kim From: Ursula Luna-Reynosa
Dept:
City Manager Dept: Economic Development and
Housing
Date: 4/14/2026
Subject: Approval of out-of-state travel for up to three Council Members to attend the 2026 Innovating Commerce Serving Communites from May 17-20, 2026. (Action Item)
OBJECTIVE
For the City Council to approve out -of-state travel to attend the Innovating Commerce Serving Communities (ICSC) Las Vegas from May 17 through May 20, 2026.
BACKGROUND
Founded in 1957, ICSC is the global convention for the shopping center industry and provides networking, dealmaking and educational opportunities for retail and real estate professionals from around the world. Its more than 70,000 members in over 100 countries include shopping center owners, developers, managers, investors, retailers, brokers, academics, and public officials.
Per City Council Policy Number 100-19, the City Council is being requested to 1) concur that the costs incurred in attending the ICSC conference are justified based on the benefits of attending as described in the “Discussion” section that follows and 2) authorize and approve out-of-state travel for up to three Council Members. The costs associated with the convention are provided in the “Fiscal Impact” section of this report.
DISCUSSION
The 2026 ICSC Las Vegas presents a valuable platform for the City to engage with prominent industry members, capitalizing on networking, deal-making, and educational prospects. With approximately 1,000 exhibiting companies spanning diverse facets of real estate development, this convention serves as a nexus for collaboration and innovation.
The City's Office of Economic Development views this attendance as a strategic initiative, providing an avenue to delve into economic, marketing, and promotional dynamics influencing the retail and commercial sector. Emphasizi ng the promotion and marketing of Item 137/2026
Garden Grove, the team aims to forge connections with industry retail representatives and developers, prioritizing the establishment of meaningful relationships.
By participating as an exhibitor, the City is positioned to leverage the opportunity to engage with key influencers in the realms of shopping center management, hospitality, and housing development. Furthermore, active participation in the convention will facilitate face -to-face interactions with potential developers, strategically navigating the tradeshow floor to foster collaborations and showcase the City's retail commercial real estate opportunities.
In adherence to the Brown Act regulations, a maximum of three Council Members are permitted to attend 202 6 ICSC Las Vegas. The conference is scheduled to take place in approximately two months. The exhibitor space and accommodations are in high demand , necessitating prompt action for staff to register and coordinate travel arrangements for attendees.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact to the General Fund as all expenses for this conference have been approved as part of the adopted budget for Fiscal Year 202 5-2026. The cost to attend the ICSC Las Vegas Conference for three City Council members is app roximately $6,000, or $2,000 per person.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council:
Approve out-of-state travel for up to three Council Members to attend 202 6 ICSC Las Vegas from Sunday, May 1 7, 2026 through Wednesday, May 2 0, 2026.
By: Greg Blodgett, Deputy Director
Economic Development and Housing Department