City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: January 20, 2026
From: Brian Saeki, City Administrator
Department: City Administration
Submitted by: Sara Sandoval, Management Analyst
Subject
Los Angeles Opera Fee Waiver
Recommendation
A. Find that granting a fee waiver for the Los Angeles Opera (LA Opera) is an appropriate use of public funds because the LA Opera is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization that provides significant cultural, educational, and community-based programming, and the funds will support activities that enrich the public and provide a substantial benefit to the community; and B. Waive annual Hazmat Permit and Public Health Permit fees for LA Opera, for an amount notto-exceed $10,000 for Fiscal Year 2025-26 and for subsequent years.
Background
The LA Opera, founded 39 years ago, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to serve the public by producing world-class opera that preserves, promotes, and advances the art form while reflecting the diversity, pioneering spirit, and artistic sensibility of Los Angeles. During a typical season, LA Opera presents approximately 50 performances on its main stage at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and through its Off Grand productions, collectively serving over 100,000 audience members each year. In addition to its artistic programming, LA Opera maintains a robust community and learning division, LA Opera Connects, which provides arts education and engagement opportunities to more than 130,000 K–12 students, college students, seniors, veterans, and community members annually, especially those in communities with limited access to cultural resources. These initiatives expand public participation in the performing arts, supporting youth development, creative expression, and community enrichment throughout Los Angeles County.
The LA Opera has secured a storage facility in Vernon and has requested a waiver of annual city fees associated with its operations. In late October 2025, the City received a request from LA Opera for a grant from the Vernon CommUNITY Fund (VCF) to offset fees related to the organization’s Vernon facility. However, given the VCF’s limited grantmaking cycle and the City’s past practice for fee waiver requests from local nonprofits, LA Opera’s request is being presented for City Council consideration.
LA Opera’s Vernon facility will support production, storage, and outreach needs, enabling the organization to deliver its educational and cultural programming more effectively. In recognition of the City’s support, LA Opera has offered complimentary arts engagement opportunities specifically for Vernon residents, including:
• Opera for Elementary Students: Vernon Elementary School will be invited to attend the Spring 2026 Elementary Student Matinee performances of German Opera Tales, a musical adventure created for elementary-age audiences and featuring works by Humperdinck, Mozart, and Wagner. Performances will be held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on March 12 and 13, 2026.
• Community Circle Tickets: Free or $10 mainstage performance tickets will be made available to Vernon non-profit organizations and community groups, including those serving seniors, veterans, and youth.
• Recitals and Community Events: LA Opera Connects will collaborate with local partners to present recitals and participate in select civic events, expanding cultural access for the Vernon community.
Supporting the LA Opera aligns with Vernon’s commitment to fostering community enrichment and strengthening partnerships with non-profit organizations that offer meaningful public benefit.
LA Opera’s educational programming, free ticket initiatives, and community performances enhance cultural accessibility for residents and local organizations. Granting the requested fee waiver would support LA Opera’s operational needs, reinforce the City’s relationship with a leading cultural institution, and further expand the artistic and educational opportunities available to the Vernon community.
Although the LA Opera requested that the cost of their Business License be waived, Business License rates are taxes and therefore cannot be waived. Below is a breakdown of all amounts included in LA Opera’s waiver request:
Category (GBL-001672-2025 Year 2025) Fee
Business License Tax (cannot be waived) $50.00
State Fee (cannot be waived by the City) $4.00
Warehouse Fee $8,760.00
Total $8,814.00
Total Fees to be Waived $8,760.00
Total Fees & Taxes Due $54.00
Estimated Future Annual Hazardous Materials Business
Plan Fee
$708.00
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact is a decrease in General Fund revenue of $8,760 for Fiscal Year 2025-26. In subsequent fiscal years, it is estimated that LA Opera’s annual fees will total approximately $9,468, reflecting the business’s intent to apply for a Hazardous Materials Business Plan with an estimated annual fee of $708.
Attachments
1. LA Opera Letter of Intent
2. LA Opera IRS Determination Letter