City of Simi Valley
Staff Report
July 27, 2026
To: City Council
From: Office of the City Manager
Luis Garibay, Assistant City Manager
Subject: Discussion and possible action to establish an Arena Ad Hoc Committee Staff Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council consider establishing an Arena Ad Hoc Committee and appointing up to two City Council Members to serve on the Committee.
Background
On June 24, 2026 , the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation’s only Tier 1 junior hockey league, announced Simi Valley, California , as one of the six West Coast markets targeted to launch a USHL franchise. The announcement introduces a new USHL franchise that will bring elite junior hockey to Simi Valley while serving as an anchor for a proposed sports and entertainment destination. Stakeholders have outlined a vision for a venue that includes a hockey arena and hosts concerts, entertainment events, and other community gatherings. The space has the potential to become a regional destination for sports, entertainment, and tourism, attracting visitors from throughout Southern California while creating new recreational an d economic opportunities for the community.
Discussion
To advance these efforts, staff recommends that the City Council establish an Arena Ad Hoc Committee. The Committee would work with staff and representatives of the USHL franchise to evaluate options for a potential venue. Responsibilities would include identifying potential sites , developing a framework for a potential public -private partnership, and evaluating financing strategies. The Committee may also review comparable projects, identify best practices, and coordinate with regional partners to support the long-term viability and community benefit of the proposed venue.
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 Agenda Item No.
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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.
Financial Impact
There is no financial impact associated with forming the Ad Hoc committee.
City Council Priority
This item supports the City Council’s Economic Vitality Pillar of Excellence and the Focus Area Goal to “Promote film production and tourism to boost local economic activity and enhance Simi Valley’s regional visibility,” as outlined in the City Council’s priorities.
Suggested Motion
I move that the City Council establish a n Arena Ad Hoc Committee and that Mayor/Council Member(s) ____________ and _____________be appointed to serve on the committee.
Summary
On June 24, 2026, the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation’s only Tier 1 junior hockey league, announced Simi Valley, California, as one of the six West Coast markets targeted to launch a USHL franchise. The announcement introduces a new USHL franchise that will bring elite junior hockey to Simi Valley while serving as an anchor for a proposed sports and entertainment destination. Stakeholders have outlined a vision for a venue that includes a hockey arena and hosts concerts, entertainment events, and other community gatherings. The space has the potential to become a regional destination for sports, entertainment, and tourism, attracting visitors from throughout Southern California while creating new recreational an d economic opportunities for the community. To advance these efforts, staff recommends that the City Council establish an Arena Ad Hoc Committee.
Prepared by: Luis Garibay, Assistant City Manager
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