San Fernando City Council considers co-sponsorship for outdoor market in June

San Fernando City Council has taken a significant step towards revitalizing local commerce by approving a co-sponsorship for the San Fernando Outdoor Market scheduled for June 2025. This decision comes after extensive discussions regarding the market's impact on local businesses and the need for a revised format that prioritizes existing San Fernando enterprises.

During the recent council meeting, Deputy City Manager Kanika Keith presented findings from consultations with local business owners, many of whom expressed concerns that the outdoor market was drawing customers away from their stores. They reported that the market's setup hindered foot traffic into their shops, particularly due to parking restrictions and the presence of food trucks. In response, business owners proposed a new approach: quarterly street closures that would allow for events focused primarily on local businesses, while still accommodating the outdoor market.

The council discussed three options for fee waivers associated with the market, ranging from full waivers of approximately $12,000 to partial waivers. Ultimately, the council decided to move forward with the June event, allowing the Mall Association to implement changes based on feedback from local businesses. These changes include relocating food trucks away from San Fernando Road and adjusting event hours to better align with local business operations.

Council members expressed mixed feelings about the market's continuation, with some advocating for a more balanced approach that supports all local businesses. Concerns were raised about the financial implications of the market on the city’s general fund, especially given that a dedicated fund exists for such events. The council is considering utilizing this fund to alleviate the financial burden on the general fund.

As the city prepares for the June event, the council emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration between the Mall Association and local businesses to ensure that future events benefit the entire community. The outcome of this initiative will be closely monitored, as it holds the potential to enhance local economic development while addressing the concerns of San Fernando's diverse business landscape.