STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date:
April 28, 2026
CONSENT
8 SUBJECT: UPDATE AND ADDITIONAL FUNDING APPROVAL FOR CLEAN LAGUNA
STEWARDSHIP INITIATIVE
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve an additional appropriation of $66,845 from the Cultural and Environmental Stewardship Special Revenue Fund to complete the implementation of the Clean Laguna Campaign;
2. Authorize reimbursement to Visit Laguna Beach for eligible program costs, in an amount not to exceed $66,845, subject to submission of itemized invoices, supporting documentation, and review and approval by the City; and
3. Find the recommended action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
SUMMARY OF THE MATTER
This report provides an update on the Clean Laguna Stewardship Initiative previously approved by the City Council on January 27, 2026, and recommends approval of an additional $66,845 to complete the project.
The campaign is a multi-faceted environmental stewardship effort designed to reduce litter and promote responsible visitor behavior through targeted messaging and visual interventions.
Since initial approval, the project scope has advanced to include fabrication and installation of physical campaign elements such as branded trash receptacles, light pole banners, and signage across key locations throughout the City. The additional funding will allow for the completion of these elements and ensure full implementation of the campaign as originally envisioned. The total revised project cost will reflect the original appropriation plus this additional amount.
DISCUSSION
Background:
On January 27, 2026, the City Council approved funding for the Clean Laguna Stewardship Initiative, a visitor-focused campaign aimed at reducing litter and promoting environmental awareness (Attachment 1).
The original program emphasized media and outreach components, including videos, social media, and conceptual signage. The initiative is managed by Visit Laguna Beach (VLB), which oversees creative development and implementation.
Project:
Since Council approval, the campaign has progressed from concept development into implementation. The current phase includes the production and installation of physical elements designed to reinforce anti-litter messaging in high-visibility public areas. As outlined in the proposal, the project includes branded trash receptacles in multiple styles, light pole banners installed at key entry corridors, sign back panels and specialty installations, and expanded messaging integrated into the built environment.
UPDATE AND ADDITIONAL FUNDING APPROVAL FOR CLEAN LAGUNA STEWARDSHIP
INITIATIVE
April 28, 2026
These elements will be installed at key locations, including beach areas, the downtown, and other highvisitor areas throughout the City. The intent is to create a cohesive and highly visible Clean Laguna Stewardship campaign that reinforces messaging that influences visitor behavior.
The additional $66,845, as outlined in Attachment 2, is required to complete the fabrication, materials, and installation of the campaign’s physical components. These elements have been identified as critical to achieving the campaign’s intended effectiveness but were not fully accounted for in the initial implementation budget. Without this additional funding, the campaign would be limited primarily to media and digital outreach, physical reinforcement of messaging in public spaces would be incomplete, and overall program effectiveness may be reduced.
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
The Clean Laguna Stewardship Initiative was originally approved by the City Council on January 27, 2026, with a total budget of $210,127.50. The current request seeks an additional appropriation of $66,845 to fund the fabrication and installation phase of the campaign, bringing the total revised project cost to $276,972.50.
The requested funding will be appropriated from the Cultural and Environmental Stewardship Special Revenue Fund (#149) and represents a one-time budget amendment. Sufficient funds are available within the existing fund balance to support this request.
Funds will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis to Visit Laguna Beach for eligible program costs.
Reimbursement will be subject to submission of itemized invoices and supporting documentation, and review and approval by the City to ensure consistency with the approved scope and applicable City financial policies. Below is a summary of the Cultural and Environmental Stewardship Fund Sources and Uses:
Cultural and Environmental Stewardship Fund Summary (FY 2025–26) Category Amount ($)
Sources
Original Contribution 500,000.00
Estimated FY 2025–26 TMD Revenue 260,000.00
Total Sources 760,000.00
Uses
Playhouse Contribution (Approved 1/13/2026) -250,000.00 Initial Clean Laguna Funding (Approved 1/27/2026) -160,127.50 Subtotal Uses -410,127.50
Remaining Balance (Prior to This Action) 349,872.50
Proposed Additional Appropriation (This Action) -66,845.00 Remaining Balance (After This Action) 283,027.50
UPDATE AND ADDITIONAL FUNDING APPROVAL FOR CLEAN LAGUNA STEWARDSHIP
INITIATIVE
April 28, 2026
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES AND THE LBTMD This project supports the City’s priorities related to environmental sustainability, visitor management, and community livability by promoting litter reduction and protection of coastal resources, encouraging responsible visitor behavior through targeted messaging, and enhancing cleanliness and the overall quality of public spaces.
This project is consistent with the Laguna Beach Tourism Marketing District (LBTMD) Management District Plan, which identifies Cultural and Environmental Stewardship as a core program area. The Plan specifically supports initiatives that enhance the visitor experience, promote environmental stewardship, and improve destination assets, thereby driving overnight visitation. The proposed fabrication and installation of anti-litter messaging elements, including signage, banners, and receptacle enhancements, aligns with these objectives by improving visitor awareness, reinforcing responsible behavior, and enhancing the overall quality and cleanliness of key visitor areas throughout the City. These improvements are consistent with the Plan’s emphasis on sustainability programs, beautification efforts, and enhancements to visitor-serving infrastructure that support Laguna Beach’s position as a high-quality coastal destination.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The recommended action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 because it does not constitute a “project.” The action involves approval of additional funding and implementation of a public education and messaging program, which does not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. Additionally, even with installation of minor signage and fixtures, the activity would be considered de minimis and not result in significant environmental impacts. None of the exceptions under CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply.
ATTACHMENTS
1. January 27, 2026 (Pgs. 4-8)
2. Clean Laguna Proposal (Pgs. 9-16)
Submitted By: Gavin Curran Approved: Gavin Curran, for
Gavin Curran, Assistant City
Manager
Dave Kiff, City Manager
Report Prepared By: Coordinated With:
Gavin Curran, Assistant City Manager