CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
STAFF REPORT
December 1, 2025
To: City Council
From: Office of the City Manager
Samantha Argabrite, City Manager
Subject: Discussion and possible action to establish a Film Ad Hoc Committee Staff Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Consider establishing a Film Ad Hoc Committee;
2. Provide direction on the preferred composition of said committee;
3. Appoint up to two City Council Members to serve on the committee.
Background
Simi Valley has long been an attractive location for film production due to its proximity to Los Angeles and its location within the 30 -Mile Studio Zone . Simi Valley is a popular filming destination with many desirable locations, such as Allied Studios, Hummingbird Nest Ranch, Big Sky Movie Ranch, and a variety of scenic locations managed by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, including parks, sports fields, open space, trails, and natural backdrops frequently used by the film industry. These resources, combined with the City’s suburban neighborhoods, commercial centers, and diverse landscapes, contribute to Simi Valley’s appeal for feature films, television p roductions, commercials, and digital media projects. With the continu ed growth of regional filming activity, the City has the opportunity to refine its approach to supporting filming and enhancing the economic benefits associated with this industry.
Discussion
Following the City Council’s discussion of economic development opportunities, including an enhanced focus on filming at the Council Retreat in June 2025, Mayor Cavanaugh has requested that the City Council consider the establishment of a Film Ad Hoc Committee (Committee). The Committee would provide a focused effort to evaluate the City’s current film-related policies, potential incentives, and identify strategies that could make Simi Valley more competitive in attracting film and television within the re gion, while considering community impacts . The Committee could also explore options such as permitting efficiencies and software solutions , customer -service enhancements, fee adjustments, promotional partnerships, and local business engagement. Additionally, the Committee could assess best practices from comparable cities and work collaboratively with regional stakeholders to expand outreach to studios and location managers.
AGENDA ITEM NO.
9B
Ad Hoc Committee versus Standing Committee
An Ad Hoc Committee is composed solely of members of the governing body and consists of less than a quorum of members . Ad Hoc Committees generally research a particular issue for a limited time , as the City Council did with the proposed Civic Center Amphitheater project. Ad Hoc Committee meetings are not subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act (Brown Act). A Standing Committee is designed to handle an issue or issues on a continual basis. The committee consists of less than a quorum of governing members along with members of the public or staff. Standing Committees are subject to Brown Act requirements. If the Council would like to include staff in the committee discussions, it would need to take formal action to establish a Standing Committee.
Considering Simi Valley’s location within the 30-Mile Studio Zone, its inventory of popular filming sites, and its established reputation as a film -friendly community, the committee could help develop a comprehensive approach that balances industry needs with community considerations. Independent of this request, staff from Environmental Services, the City Manager’s Office, and Administrative Services planned to begin meeting during the first week of December to discuss issues similar to those items identified above. If the Council would like to join the group that staff has already established, it would need to officially form a Standing Committee.
Financial Impact
There is no immediate direct fi nancial impact associated with forming the ad hoc committee, however, the staff time required to conduct research and analysis would represent a financial consideration.
City Council Priority
This item supports the City Council’s Economic Vitality Pillar of Excellence and the Focus Area Goal of “Promote film production and tourism to boost local economic activity and enhance Simi Valley’s regional visibility,” outlined in the City Council’s priorities.
Suggested Motion
I move that the City Council establish a Film Ad Hoc Committee to evaluate and recommend strategies to enhance Simi Valley’s competitiveness as a filming destination and that [Council Member(s)] be appointed to serve on the Film Ad Hoc Committee.
Summary
Simi Valley has long been an attractive filming location due to its proximity to Los Angeles and its wide range of desirable film sites. With regional filming activity continuing to grow, the City Council is being asked to consider establishing a Film Ad Hoc Committee to evaluate current policies and develop strategies to increase Simi Valley’s competitiveness in attracting film projects. The committee could explore permitting efficiencies and software solutions, customer -service enhancements, fee adjustmen ts, promotional partnerships, and local business engagement, while also assessing best practices and 2 collaborating with industry stakeholders. Given the City’s strong reputation as a filming destination, such a committee could help shape a comprehensive approach that supports economic benefits, industry needs, and community considerations.
Prepared by: Angel Sierra, Assistant to the City Manager
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