6 October 13, 2026
Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of Long Beach
California
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation to increase appropriations in the Special Advertising and Promotional Fund Group in the City Manager Department by $200,000 to support hosting the 2026 International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Annual Conference, offset by a release of internal designation. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The City of Long Beach (City) successfully competed to host the 2026 International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Annual Conference. This began with a bid submitted back in 2018 to bring the conference to the City of Long Beach for the first time in our history. As the premiere organization for professional local government management, ICMA will bring one of the largest professional conferences to Long Beach in the last 20 years, providing a significant opportunity to showcase the city to municipal leaders from across the globe, engage regional partners, and generate substantial economic activity for local businesses and the hospitality sector. As a host City, Long Beach has a financial commitment as part of its bid. The Conference has not been in California in over 15 years, and is expected to bring nearly 4,500 people to Long Beach over 5 days in October.
The Special Advertising and Promotion (SAP) Fund is a dedicated funding source generated primarily through revenue from special events, filming permits, and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). Unlike General Fund revenues, SAP funds are strictly restricted and must be utilized specifically for activities, promotions, and events that draw outside recognition to the city and enhance its regional, national, or international profile.
As the host city, Long Beach has committed to support key event activations and logistics, which carry an estimated total commitment of $250,000. These vital responsibilities encompass a comprehensive range of hospitality, logistical, and administrative support designed to ensure the event's success. Key contributions include supporting a local planning committee, providing and organizing local volunteers, providing a dedicated host committee welcome area, and direct contributions to the speaker budget to secure highcaliber programming. Operational efficiency is further maintained by covering shuttle and transportation expenses between designated hotels and event venues, alongside managing essential administrative and volunteer expenses.
City Manager
411 W Ocean Blvd, 10th Floor, Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 570-6711
Honorable Mayor and City Council
October 13, 2026
To fund these obligations, the City is actively pursuing external support and sponsoring from partner organizations, including neighboring cities, the Long Beach Convention & Visitor Bureau (CVB), the League of California Cities, and nearby state municipal associations. To ensure all operational commitments are met, staff requests the release of $200,000 from the internal designation established in the Special Advertising and Promotion (SAP) Fund Group in Fiscal Year 2018, which was set aside to cover this future obligation. This appropriation will bridge any remaining funding gap, representing an upto-date amount as planning accelerates ahead of the 2026 conference. No General Fund dollars are expected to support the bid requirements. This will also be a unique professional development for our City staff, many of which may register using training dollars budgeted out of individual departments. Long Beach volunteers will also receive a free day of admittance to the Conference, and Long Beach is providing over 80 volunteers as part of our commitment bringing the conference here to our City. The City will also be hosting several sessions displaying Long Beach’s unique municipal operations, hosting speaking sessions to talk about areas of expertise and success, and participating in welcome and closing events.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Atoy H. Wilson on September 24, 2026, and by Budget Management Officer Nader Kaamoush on September 16, 2026.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action to approve this recommendation is requested on October 13, 2026, to support timely planning and procurement for the 2026 ICMA Annual Conference.
FISCAL IMPACT
This recommendation increases appropriations in the Special Advertising and Promotion (SAP) Fund Group within the Office of the City Manager by $200,000, offset by the release of an internal designation set aside in the SAP Fund Group to support the City's hosting of the 2026 ICMA Annual Conference. Additional financial support is anticipated through partnered contributions from organizations such as the Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, the League of California Cities, and nearby municipal associations. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation
SUGGESTED ACTION:
Approve recommendation.
Honorable Mayor and City Council
October 13, 2026
Respectfully submitted,
April Walker
Assistant City Manager
APPROVED:
_______________________
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER