Gregory W. Barton

The meeting focused on the update regarding the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Quarter Two Programs and Initiatives for the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce. Key discussion points included reviewing progress on workplan items such as business attraction and retention missions (New York and Miami planning), marketing and outreach support for city events (including 'Spotlight with Sharona'), and updates on task force meetings (Property Owner's and Small Business Task Forces). The Committee reviewed reallocations requested by the Chamber, such as substituting specific task force meetings for education on the Green Building Initiative and for Metro outreach meetings concerning the Wilshire/La Cienega station opening. The Chamber reported being generally on target for their workplan despite challenges with scheduling task force work and Metro-related items.

The meeting addressed several key items, including Public Comment. Accomplishments for 2025 were reviewed for both the Health and Safety Commission and the Human Relations Commission. Key discussion points included the 2025 Health and Safety accomplishments such as the Social Media Safety Day, the Day of Wellness event, and efforts in mental health and emergency preparedness. The Human Relations Commission's 2025 accomplishments highlighted Kindness Week initiatives, the Embrace Civility Award recipient, and collaboration updates from the Police Department and School District. A major point of discussion was the review and request for approval of the 2026 Incoming Chair's Focus Area Topics and Work Plan Initiatives for the newly merged Health and Human Relations Commission, with the focus set on Optimizing Mental and Physical Health, Safety, and Human Relations.

The committee addressed several agenda items for review and recommendation. Key discussions included establishing performer selection criteria for the 2026 Concerts on Canon series, which weighted talent/"it factor" at 50 percent. The committee reviewed a co-sponsorship request from the Beverly Hills International Music Festival to use the Greystone Mansion for three concerts in April 2026. The panel considered the proposed donation of Alex Israel's sculpture "FIN," including site recommendations such as the Beverly Hills Public Library entrance. They also discussed options for the relocation of Carol Bove's sculpture "IO" due to ongoing maintenance issues, with Maltz Mini Park and Burton Way Median proposed as alternate sites. Furthermore, the committee reviewed Arts Education and Programming proposals related to the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, identifying six concepts for further discussion. Finally, support was sought for the fourth annual Festival Beverly Hills scheduled for July 2026, and a request for a free-use day at The Wallis Annenberg Performing Arts Center for the 2026 iPalpiti Festival concert was considered.

The committee convened for a Special Meeting to address matters concerning the Rodeo Drive events. Key discussions focused on the proposal from the Rodeo Drive Committee for the 2025 Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration scheduled for November 13, 2025, and banner concepts for the celebration, which will feature the theme "Enchanted Holiday Dreams." The committee reviewed detailed budget proposals, noting a potential funding gap of approximately $438,132 if the full scope of prior year activities is maintained, given the available Transient Occupant Tax (TOT) funding of $673,151. Staff presented two budget scenarios: one maintaining the full scope and one outlining necessary reductions, such as eliminating video walls, specialty acts, photo activations, fireworks, and Wine Gardens, to align with available funds. Fundamental elements deemed essential, such as power distribution and security, were identified as not recommended for reduction. The committee was also asked to provide direction on street closures, fee waivers, and extended weekend music programming for the holiday season spanning from November 14, 2025, through January 4, 2026.

The key discussion item for this meeting is a closed session conference with the real property negotiator concerning several properties: Beverly Vista School, El Rodeo Elementary School, Hawthorne School, Horace Mann School, and Beverly Hills High School. The negotiation involves both the price and the terms of payment with the Beverly Hills Unified School District, with Nancy Hunt-Coffey acting as the City Negotiator. The meeting also included a period for public comment on agenda items.