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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Greater Downtown Glendale Association’s Calendar Year 2023 Annual Report and Calendar Year 2024 Budget for the Greater Downtown Glendale Community Benefit District
1. Motion to Accept Greater Downtown Glendale Association’s Calendar Year 2023 Annual Report and Calendar Year 2024 Budget for the Greater Downtown Glendale Community Benefit District
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Action Item
Approved for February 6, 2024 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Each year, the Greater Downtown Glendale Association (GDGA) submits its Annual Report for the previous year and Proposed Budget for the upcoming year. This synopsis and proposed activity for next year provide insight into the needs, successes, and developments of the greater downtown district and its businesses. 2{{section.number}}1
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council accept the Calendar Year 2023 Annual Report and Calendar Year 2024 Budget as submitted by the Greater Downtown Glendale Association (GDGA) for the Greater Downtown Community Benefit District (District).
ANALYSIS
The Annual Report (Exhibit 1) signifies an active phase of rapid growth within the district, promising an array of exciting developments in 2024. The year 2023 witnessed the establishment of key enterprises, such as Crumbl Cookies, Dodgers Clubhouse, Salt & Fries, and Cotton on Kids, highlighting the expansion and vibrancy of the local business landscape. Throughout the year, the GDGA devoted concentrated efforts to elevate the district's profile. Initiatives encompassed strategic marketing, comprehensive beautification strategies, including sidewalk operations and seasonal decorations, and active involvement in event sponsorships. Collaborative efforts with the Glendale Police Department addressed homeless challenges on Brand Blvd, illustrating a commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment. Looking ahead, the GDGA aims to intensify its impact through an extensive calendar of special events and promotional activities. The goal is to draw in more visitors and enhance the overall experience for residents in Downtown Glendale. Anticipation is high as construction is underway for hundreds of new residential units, with ambitious plans for further expansion in 2024 and 2025, signaling a positive trajectory for community growth. The budget allocation aligns seamlessly with the expectations of both the City and property owners associated with GDGA.
Investments in staffing, including ambassadors, placemaking, banners, and marketing, reflect a strategic focus on enhancing services and nurturing community engagement.
With this, the GDGA looks forward to yet another year of productivity maintained by a well-considered and forward-looking approach to district development.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
The GDGA works with its board to create its budget /annual report. No additional outreach was required with this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
The members of the Greater Downtown Glendale District pay the assessments that fund the budget proposed in this report. The County of Los Angeles Assessors Office (County) bills each member via property taxes based on information that is submitted by City staff. For FY 23-24, property tax that the City has collected and passed through to the GDGA thus far is $697,936.14. Assessments are based on a complex formula of factors such as linear feet of primary street frontage, building size, parcel size, or a combination of property features. Parcels that are not billed through the County are manually processed and collected by the City. Funds collected by the County are transferred to the City and are dispersed along with the manually collected funds to the GDGA for the benefit of the District. Currently, the fiscal impact to the City for this administrative work is minimal and thus has been absorbed by the City. 3{{section.number}}1
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ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
Not applicable.
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Alternative 1: City Council may request that the Greater Downtown Glendale Association make revisions and resubmit.
Alternative 3: City Council may consider any other alternative not proposed by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Bradley Calvert, Director of Community Development
Prepared by:
Soua Vang, Deputy Director of Community Development
Jennifer De La Mora, Principal Economic Development Officer Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit 1:Greater Downtown Glendale Association Calendar Year 2023 Annual Report and Calendar Year 2024 Budget for the Greater Downtown Glendale Community Benefit District Staff Report Exhibit 2: 2023 GDGA Annual Report Exhibit 3: 2024 GDGA Proposed Budget