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. 2 6
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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