Cerritos Council discusses strategies to boost CCPA ticket sales and economic growth

During the recent Special City Council Meeting on May 7, 2025, in Cerritos, city officials discussed strategies to enhance community engagement and boost local revenue through the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA). The meeting highlighted the importance of attracting visitors to the city, with one council member noting that recent events have drawn around 4,000 attendees, positively impacting local businesses.

Council members expressed gratitude to Mayor Poutine and staff for their efforts in collaborating with the county to bring more visitors to Cerritos. The discussions emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration among city staff and council members to address economic challenges and improve the city’s financial outlook.

A significant focus was placed on the CCPA, which has historically struggled to generate profit. However, recent changes, including a partnership with Ticketmaster for ticket sales, have shown promising results. The theater's executive director reported a gross increase of $1.5 million in ticket sales compared to the previous year, with 30,000 more tickets sold. This shift aims to position Cerritos as a competitive player in the Southern California entertainment market.

The council also discussed diversifying revenue streams for the CCPA beyond ticket sales. Plans are underway to explore facility rentals for private events and to establish a nonprofit entity to enhance fundraising efforts. These initiatives are expected to provide additional financial support for the arts center, which has not fully tapped into such resources since its opening in 1993.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to fostering economic growth through cultural initiatives and community engagement. As Cerritos continues to adapt and innovate, residents can anticipate more vibrant events and opportunities that not only enrich the local culture but also stimulate the economy.