A G E N D A
SPECIAL MEETING: GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
613 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor
Glendale, CA 91206
APRIL 14, 2026 - 3:00 PM
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PUBLIC COMMENT GUIDELINES
The City Council welcomes public input at City Council meetings. Public input at Council meetings is regulated by the City Council’s Rules of Order, Procedure and Decorum for the Conduct of City Council Meetings as set forth in Resolution No. 25-76, which will be summarized below.
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APRIL 14, 2026 - 3:00 PM
ROLL CALL
-
3:00 PM
-
Report of the City Clerk of the City Council, re: Posting of Agenda. The Agenda for the Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Special Public Meeting of the City Council was posted on April 9, 2026, on the Bulletin Board Outside City Hall.
A
SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING
of the City Council is hereby called to meet at
3:00
PM
on
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
, in the Council Chamber, 613 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor
,
Glendale, CA 91206 to consider the following item(s) of business, to wit;
1. Management Services, re: Greater Downtown Glendale Association’s Calendar Year 2025 Annual Report and Calendar Year 2026 Budget for the Greater Downtown Glendale Community Benefit District
a. Motion to Accept Greater Downtown Glendale Association’s Calendar Year 2025 Annual Report and Calendar Year 2026 Budget for the Greater Downtown Glendale Community Benefit District
ADJOURNMENT
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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Greater Downtown Glendale Association’s Calendar Year 2025 Annual Report and Calendar Year 2026 Budget for the Greater Downtown Glendale Community Benefit District
1. Motion to Accept Greater Downtown Glendale Association’s Calendar Year 2025 Annual Report and Calendar Year 2026 Budget for the Greater Downtown Glendale Community Benefit District
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Report Only
Approved for April 14, 2026 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Each year, the Greater Downtown Glendale Association submits its Annual Report for the previous year and Proposed Budget for the upcoming year. This synopsis and proposed activity for next year provide the City Council insight into the needs, successes, and developments of the greater downtown district and its businesses. 4 of 16
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0 RECOMMENDATION
That Council accept the Calendar Year 2025 Annual Report and Calendar Year 2026 Budget as submitted by the Greater Downtown Glendale Association (GDGA) for the Greater Downtown Community Benefit District (District).
ANALYSIS
The Annual Report (Exhibit 1) highlights the district's ability to weather and pivot an especially taxing last few years – post-pandemic business has been slow to return, and the impacts of recent environmental events (fires, windstorms, rainstorms) as well as international trade have impacted many businesses within the district.
Downtown Glendale continues to evolve into a “city neighborhood” as the demand for housing and living in Downtown Glendale remains strong, and new businesses and restaurants continue to elevate Downtown Glendale as a regional draw. Class A office tenants remain strong, and Class B and C offices will likely see redevelopment or retrofit into housing in the coming years.
GDGA continues to be a proactive community partner, marketing the area, connecting with and representing the diverse voices and needs of the businesses in the district, while proactively working with the City of Glendale to keep downtown clean, safe, visually pleasing and pedestrian friendly.
In 2025, several businesses, including Cecline Trattoria, True Classics, Fat Sal’s Deli, Regent X Coffee Bar, Anthropologie (relocated), Le Brand, Venchi, Free People Movement, Skyline Pitch LA, Paradise Dynasty and more established a presence in the district, highlighting its expanding and vibrant commercial landscape.
Over the past year, GDGA made significant strides to elevate the district's profile through strategic marketing, comprehensive beautification efforts, such as sidewalk maintenance and seasonal decorations, and active event sponsorships. Notably, collaborative efforts with the Glendale Police Department addressed challenges related to homelessness and sidewalk vending on private properties on Brand Boulevard, reinforcing a commitment to fostering a safe and welcoming environment.
Looking ahead, GDGA plans to amplify its impact through a robust calendar of special events and promotional initiatives designed to attract more visitors and enrich the experience for residents and business patrons. The budget allocation aligns strategically withthe City's and property owners' expectations, targeting investments in key areas such as staffing, public relations, special events and community programming support, ambassador services, placemaking, banners, and marketing, which demonstrate a deliberate focus on enhancing services and cultivating community engagement.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
The GDGA works with its board to create its budget /annual report. No additional outreach was required with this item.
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0 FISCAL IMPACT
The members of the GDGA District pay the assessments that fund the budget proposed in this report. The County of Los Angeles Assessors Office bills each member via property taxes based on information submitted by City staff. The 2026 Proposed Budget estimates assessments at $1,522,896.17 with a FY25 carry forward of $305,948.22, providing a total FY26 budget of $1,828,844.39.
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 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. The fiscal impact to the City for this administrative work is minimal and has been absorbed by the City.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
CEQA does not apply to projects where the lead agency determines "with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment." CEQA Guidelines (14 Cal. Code Regs.) § 15061(b)(3). Here, the action involves noting and filing of a staff report on the 12-month performance status of the Alex Theater. There is no possibility that the action to note and file this report may have a significant effect on the environment.
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 to the reports and resubmit.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Roubik Golanian, P.E., City Manager
Prepared by:
Domenica K. Megerdichian, Assistant to the City Manager Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit 1- GDGA 2025 Annual Report
Exhibit 2- GDGA Proposed FY26 Budget
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M O T I O N
Moved by Council Member ________________________________, seconded by Council Member ___________________________________, that the 2025 Annual Report for the Greater Downtown Glendale Association and the Calendar Year 2026 Budget for the Greater Downtown Glendale Community Benefit District are hereby accepted and ordered filed with the City Clerk.
Vote as follows:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
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ANNUAL REPORT
2025
— GREATER DOWNTOWN
GLENDALE
A S SOCIATION
LETTER FROM PRESIDENT
Randy Stevenson
President of the Greater Downtown Glendale Association / Stevenson Real Estate Services Looking Forward to More Great Changes in Downtown
Though the pandemic is in many of our rear-view mirrors, some business districts that suffered greatly have not
returned to their 2019 economic status. Whether it be natural or man-made disasters, Downtown Glendale has held its own under a very intense year for the Los Angeles region. From the fires to the massive rainstorms to the impact of
international trade in the region, many businesses face great challenges as we enter 2026.
We are now
1/4 of the way through the 21st century and
Downtown Glendale is stronger than ever and growing by
leaps and bounds. Thousands of new residential units are planned or under construction right now and the demand
for living in Downtown Glendale is stronger than ever. New businesses and new restaurants continue to open since
Downtown has become a regional draw.
When the property owners of Downtown Glendale agreed in 2013 to create this new financing mechanism, the Downtown Glendale Community Benefit District, no one anticipated that the ultimate land use would be so tilted toward mixed use development on the site of former, decades old, major department stores. Whereas the office building economy
was the economic foundation of nearly every major city's downtown from 1946 to 2020, our Downtown Glendale is
quickly evolving into a new "city neighborhood," akin to some of the more significant models of city neighborhoods in New York City, Chicago, San Diego, Dallas and other growing areas of the country.
GREATER DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ASSOCIATION
While it will take some time for Class B and Class C offices to be redeveloped or retrofit into housing, our inventory of Class A office tenants remains strong. From an economic development standpoint, what makes Downtown Glendale
so attractive is the great mix of restaurants, retailers, high density residential and service businesses, anchored in the south end by the Glendale Galleria and the Americana at Brand and the north end by Trader Joe's and Walgreens.
Travel from north of the 134 Freeway to the southern
boundary of the District at Colorado is safe, attractive, decorated with every changing season and very, very
pedestrian friendly.
Our job, as the Greater Downtown Glendale Association, is to continually improve the District. Our key project that began before COVID has been to link the north and south of the District with the beautification of the Brand
Boulevard and Central Avenue bridges that link the north and south together. Many exciting things are occurring
north of the 134 Freeway and there is a boom in new
housing planned in and around this corridor.
Rest assured that the property and business owners who
constitute the Board of Directors are keenly aware that we represent ALL property owners
in the District. Our work
with the City Manager's office, the Mayor and the City
Council is always driven by the desire to make this the most dynamic place to own property, live, work and visit in the entire San Fernando Valley. For regular updates on activity in the District, please watch for our new, upcoming
quarterly newsletter, which we hope to launch in early
spring 2026.
Best of luck in the new year and let us work together to keep our Downtown Glendale neighborhood the best place
to be.
-- RANDY STEVENSON
2025 ANNUAL REPORT I PAGE 1
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PRESSHIGHLIGHTS
SOCIAL MEDIA REACH
O' 3,919
FOLLOWERS
14509K
VIEWS
81K
REACH
9,700
FOLLOWERS
FOLLOWERS
AMBASSADORSTATS
20,354 trash bags collected, each
bag sized at 45-gallons
376,500 pounds of litter picked up
off the streets and sidewalks
249 reports filed, including broken city
property, extensive graffiti, and illegal dumping
397 clean ups performed of bio waste and
human waste
PAGE 2 | 2025 ANNUAL REPORT
o o
2 021 recommendations given, inclusive
of directions and parking
2,904 graffiti tags, stickers & posters
removed
367 shopping carts returned to
businesses or removed from the district
383 homeless outreach performed
relating to business calls and disturbances
GREATER DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ASSOCIATION
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CRUISE NIGHT
The 30th Annual Glendale Cruise Night took place on Saturday, July 19, 2025, with an estimated 45,000 people in attendance. 358 classic and modified import cars filled Brand Blvd. from Broadway to Doran St., with visitors walking the streets to see the cars, eat at our local downtown restaurants, and listen to live music. Attendees enjoyed performances by Scot Bruce
— Elvis the Early Years, The
PettyBreakers and Kenny Metcalf as Elton John. 54 local businesses and organizations hosted booths set up on the street, and local radio and news stations broadcasted live from the event.
The event closed with a fireworks display from behind the main stage. Staff secured a total of $42,500 in sponsorships this year to help offset event costs. BMW served as the "Presented By" sponsor with a $10,000 donation, and Greater Downtown Glendale
Association was a "Platinum" sponsor with a $5,000 donation. The remaining funds were collected from various other sponsors and vendor booths.
00 CHESS TOURNAMENT
Glendale made history by hosting the California State Open Chess Tournament from August 29 to September 1, 2025—marking the first time in the event's more than 30-year history that it came to the city.
The tournament drew 300 elite chess players from across the country, along with coaches, families, and spectators for five days of strategic competition.
Presented by the American Chess Academy and the City of Glendale in partnership with the Southern California Chess Federation and dot818, the event underscored Glendale's growing reputation as a destination for intellectual excellence and community engagement.
Mayor Elen Asatryan called the tournament a "monumental moment" for the city, reflecting its commitment to education and strateg ic excellence.
GREATER DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ASSOCIATION 2025 ANNUAL REPORT I PAGE 5 10 of 16
NEW BUSINESSOPENINGS
JANUARY
Robeks Juice
Narz Esthetics LLC
9 Lives Tattoos
FEBRUARY
Wallflower Market LA
Cecile Trattoria
MARCH
True Classics
Fat Salts Deli
Chalice Collectibles
Boba Moba
Lunch Time
Salon Republic LLC
APRIL
Vegan Foodie Bowl
The Bar
-
Handrolls by SeaButter
Little Corner Café
Ganga Beauty Salon
Regent X Coffee Bar
PAGE 6 | 2025 ANNUAL REPORT
MAY
Prego Mesh
Anthropologie (Relocated)
Sanz Sweet Side
United Color of Benetton
Trophy Yoga
Marbe Designs
Princess Polly
Le Brand
Si Roma Fine Panini
RoriNails
-
Mani Jewelry
Nu-Wave Global LLC
JULY
Venchi
Free People Movement
Intermod Mens Wear
Waerith
AUGUST
The Muse Room
Legacy Comics and Cards
(Relocated)
SEPTEMBER
Omega
Boom Dog
OCTOBER
Psycho Bunny
Skyline Pitch LA
Levi's Store
Robo Hunters
Urban Outfitters
(Relocated)
Paradise Dynasty
Le Shrimp Noodle
NOVEMBER
Player One VR World
Cole Haan
AIX Exchange
FCJWA Ramen & Grill
GREATER DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ASSOCIATION
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CREATERDOWNTOWN GLENDALEASSOCIATIONCOMMUNITYBUSINESS DISTRICT MAP
NEW CITY
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'limi
Greater Glendale CBD 202
071
5642-mt
560-0 u
Greater Glendale CBD 2020
5647-013
LEGEND
CITY
i— -i
LEGEND
CA. 134
BOARD OF DIRECTORSDOWNTOWN GLENDALE ASSOCIATION
2025 INCOME
—
5,899,498.23
$305,948.22
CARRY FORWARD
FY26
$302,860.69
DISTRICTIDENTITY
MARKETING\ PUBLICSPACES
$274,633.13
ADMINISTRATION
SIDEWALK
OPERATIONS I
LANDSCAPING
2025
Randy Stevenson
President I Executive &
SOBO Committee Chair
I Stevenson Real Estate
Rick Lemmo
Vice President I Director
of Governrrnent
Relations I Caruso
Helen McDonagh
Treasurer I DISI
Committee Chair I
Massage Envy Glendale
Craig Gorris
Vice President
Clendale Galleria
Brookfield Properties
Raul Porto
Secretary I
Porto's Bakery
Bradley Calvert
Board Member I
City of Glendale
Judee Kendall
Board Member
Glendale Chamber of
Commerce
David Tonoyan
Board Member I
Dot818
2026
Randy Stevenson
President I Executive &
SOBO Committee Chair
I Stevenson Real Estate
Rick Lemmo
Vice President I Director
of Government
Relations I Caruso
Helen McDonagh
Treasurer I DISI
Committee Chair I
Massage Envy Glendale
Jake Demirchyan
Board Member I
The Americana at
Brand
Raul Porto
Secretary
Porto's Bakery
Bradley Calvert
Board Member I
City of Glendale
Judee Kendall
Board Member I
Glendale Chamber Of
Commerce
David Tonoyan
Board Member I
Dot818
The Greater Downtown Glendale Association is
managed by New City America.
Executive Director
Marco Li Mandri
District Manager
Ryan Huffman
Financial Management
Shirley Zawadzki
GREATER DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ASSOCIATION 2025 ANNUAL REPORT I PAGE 3 12 of 16
2025 EVENTSAT A GLANCE
INTERNATIONAL DAY
The Greater Downtown Glendale Association hosted its fifth annual International Women's Day event on Friday, March 7, at the MYA Rooftop at the Glenmark Hotel. Themed 'Accelerate Action," the gathering brought together over 100 attendees to celebrate women's empowerment and advocacy. Mayor Elen Asatryan served as keynote speaker, choosing to speak from the heart rather than from prepared remarks. CDGA President Randy Stevenson
introduced Helen McDonagh, owner of Massage Enw Glendale and CDCA board member, who facilitated the event's tradition of attendee introductions.
Asatryan's address centered on three core principles: recognizing self-worth, refusing to hold back, and asking critical questions. She emphasized that when women understand their value, they advocate more effectively for themselves professionally and personally. Since taking office in 2022, she has championed progressive policies and made clear that supporting women requires action beyond words—reflected in votes and policies that create real change.
GLENDALE CHAMBER AWARDS e STATE OF THE CITY LUNCHEON
The Glendale Chamber of Commerce celebrated the cityis most impactful leaders at its March 2025 Awards and State of the City Luncheon. Randy Stevenson, president of Stevenson Real Estate Services and the Greater Downtown Glendale Association, received the prestigious Man of the Year award, joining a distinguished group of honorees: former Mayor Paula Devine (Humanitarian of the Year), the Glendale Police and Fire Departments (Community Excellence Award), Nothing Bunt Cakes
—
Glendale (Business of the
Year), and Jennifer Schultz Bertolet, president of David N. Schultz, Inc. (Woman of the Year). Mayor Elen Asatryan delivered the State of the City address.
In his acceptance speech, Stevenson highlighted Glendale's world-class public safety agencies, its growing appeal as a regional hub for living, working, and retail, and the strength of its entrepreneurial business sector. Having invested more than fifty years in Glendale's development, Stevenson reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the citys continued growth and prosperity.
PAGE 4 | 2025 ANNUAL REPORT GREATER DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ASSOCIATION 13 of 16
GREATER DOWNTOWN
GLENDALE
downtownglendale.com
@downtown_glendale
@DWTNGlendale
/DWTNGlendale
GREATER DOWNTOWN GLENDALE ASSOCIATION
Subscribe to our newsletter to
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To add yourselfto the group, please email:
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2025 ANNUAL REPORT I PAGE 7
14 of 16
GREATER DOWNTOWN —
GLENDALE
ASSOCIATION
100 N. Brand Boulevard
Suite 508
Glendale, CA 91 203
15 of 16
2026 PROPOSED BUDGETAssessments 1,522,896.17 FY25 Carry Forward 305,948.22Total FY26 Budget 1,828,844.39 ExpenseAdministration 2026 PROPOSED BUDGET% BudgetTravel 0.000.00%Telecommunications 7,000.000.38%Staff Contract 260,465.63 14.24%Printing & Copying 2,000.000.11%Postage & Mail 750.000.04%Office Supplies 4,000.000.22%Memberships 750.000.04%Insurance Liability 7,000.000.38%Legal Fees 2,500.000.14%Board Meetings 500.000.03%Bank Charges 200.000.01%Accounting Fees 7,500.000.41%Admin - Misc. 0.000.00%Total Administration292,665.6316.00% 2026 PROPOSED BUDGET% BudgetReserves 75,993.764.16%75,993.764.16% DISI 2026 PROPOSED BUDGET% BudgetBusiness Attraction 0.000.00% Advertising 7,500.000.41%
Annual Report 1,200.000.07%
Banners 15,000.000.82%
Events Coordinator 0.000.00%
Mobile App 0.000.00%
Public Relations 100,000.005.47%
Placemaking 60,000.003.28%
Rent, Parking, Utilities 15,000.000.82%
Seasonal Displays 90,000.004.92%
Special Events 0.000.00%
Glendale Fire Awards 5,000.000.27%
Glendale Police Awards 5,000.000.27%
So. Cal Chess Tournament 10,000.000.55%
V-Day Special Event 2,500.000.14%
Chamber of Commerce 6,000.000.33%
City Events 5,000.000.27%
International Women's Day 15,000.000.82%
Special Projects 5,000.000.27%
Photography/Videos 0.000.00%
Website 10,500.000.57%
Total DISI 352,700.0019.29%
SOBO 2026 PROPOSED BUDGET% BudgetMaint. Provider & Ops. Director919,485.0050.28%Rent, Parking, Utilities 40,000.002.19%Fuel 30,000.001.64%Public Space Maintenance 25,000.001.37%SOBO Misc. 7,500.000.41%Capital Improvements 25,000.001.37%Supplies 25,000.001.37%Uniforms 8,500.000.46%Ambassador Welfare 10,000.000.55%Truck / P.W. Maintenance 10,000.000.55%Automobile Insurance 7,000.000.38%Total SOBO 1,107,485.0060.56% TOTAL EXPENSES 1,828,844.39 100.00% Greater Downtown Glendale Association2026 DRAFT Budget
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