DRAFT MINUTES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING Wednesday, August 26, 2026
3:30 PM
2000 Main Street, City Hall B8
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Mayor Pro Tem Butch Twining called the meeting to order at 3:35 PM.
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Casey McKeon (Arrived at 3:42 PM) Mayor Pro Tem Butch Twining
Councilman Pat Burns
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Jennifer Villasenor, Director of Community Development Joanna Cortez, Principal Planner
Kriss Casanova, Economic Development Manager
Chris Kennedy, Economic Development Project Manager
Jimmy Hoang, Code Enforcement Manager
Devin Michaelis, Principal Code Enforcement Officer
Charles Kovac, Housing Manager
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Councilman Pat Burns to approve the Minutes of the Economic Development Committee meeting of February 11, 2026, as submitted. Second by Mayor Pro Tem Butch Twining, Carried by unanimous vote (3-0).
DISCUSSION ITEMS AND POTENTIAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Presentations were provided on the following topics, and open discussion was conducted with the Committee Members in response to individual questions and requests for additional information.
Avant Digital Sign Proposed Deal Points
Principal Planner Joanna Cortez provided an overview of the project request, followed by remarks from Community Development Director Jennifer Villasenor regarding the proposed Development Agreement. Jacko Luong of Avant Outdoor presented proposed deal points based on regional averages, and Ms. Casanova provided an overview of the City’s sign consultant recommendations.
The proposal includes a request by Avant Outdoor to amend the City’s sign regulations to reduce the required separation between electronic readerboard signs and residential uses from 600 feet to 300 feet, and limit these signs to sites that are within 150 feet from freeways and are commercially and industrially zoned in exchange for a public benefit tied to a proposed sign on private property. The project also includes a Conditional Use Permit for an 85-foot-tall, 672-square-foot electronic readerboard sign, a Development Agreement providing for a portion of the sign’s advertising revenue to the City, and Design Review Board consideration of the sign’s design, colors, and materials. The Zoning Text Amendment and Development Agreement will be considered by the Planning Commission, with City Council making the final decisions on the Zoning Text Amendment and Development Agreement.
The Committee advised staff to seek City Council direction before moving forward. Staff will explore bringing the matter forward for input.
Downtown Code Enforcement Campaign
Code Enforcement Manager Jimmy Hoang presented an update on the Downtown Code Enforcement Campaign, sharing information regarding code enforcement flyers and outdoor standards for Downtown businesses. Following the initial rollout in 2025 and active enforcement starting in 2026, the campaign has continued into the current year. Mr. Hoang inquired whether the Committee continued to support the initiative and ongoing enforcement efforts. The Committee expressed its support and encouraged staff to proceed with full enforcement efforts.
Housing Essex & Gage Affordable Housing Agreement Amendment Housing Manager Charles Kovac provided a presentation on behalf of the developer regarding a proposed amendment to the Essex & Gage Affordable Housing Agreement. The requested modification would allow the developer to replace two four-bedroom units with two three-bedroom units to better reflect current market demand. . In addition, the proposed amendment would include relocating two three-bedroom affordable units to another location within the project. Mr. Kovac noted that this change will not affect HCD or RHNA allocation numbers. The Committee expressed support for the requested amendment and recommended moving the item forward for Council consideration.
Tourism Enhancement Projects
Economic Development Manager Kriss Casanova delivered a presentation providing an update on the City and Visit Huntingtin Beach’s partnership to implement Tourism Enhancement Projects. Mr. Casanova reminded the Committee that a detailed Annual Report covering the program will be formally presented in October.
Auto Incentive Beach Parking Pass Program
Economic Development Manager Kriss Casanova presented an evaluation of the Auto Incentive Beach Parking Pass Program and the MOU agreement with the HB Auto Dealers Association, which is pending expiration. The presentation highlighted the sales tax benefits associated with auto dealers and the need for a public hearing to evaluate the City’s economic subsidy. Committee members expressed support for the program and recommended its continuation.
Surf City ADA Improvement Grant Program
Economic Development Manager Kriss Casanova presented an overview of the Surf City ADA Improvement Grant Program, including the program requirements and eligibility criteria. The program would provide approximately $500,000 in reimbursement funding to assist small businesses and commercial property owners with the cost of accessibility improvements required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California Building Code. The program is anticipated to be brought to City Council in the coming months for consideration. Community Development Director Jennifer Villasenor noted that changes in occupancy or transitions to new uses can trigger updated ADA requirements and discussed the role of the grant program in assisting businesses with these costs. Staff also noted that grant funds are part of a separate funding account earmarked for such improvements and may be applied retroactively to January 1, 2026, for eligible expense reimbursements.
MEMBER COMMENTS
None
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor McKeon adjourned the meeting at 4:26 P.M. to the next regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. in Room B-8, Huntington Beach City Hall, 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648.
Draft Minutes – 8.26.26Economic Development Committee Page TwoDraft Minutes – 8.26.26Economic Development Committee Page Two Draft Minutes – 8.26.26
Economic Development Committee Page Two
Draft Minutes – 8.26.26
Economic Development Committee Page Two