Malibu City Council postpones decision on Urban Land Institute contract until September

The Malibu City Council meeting on July 14, 2025, focused on several key issues, including the postponement of appeals and a controversial professional services agreement with the Urban Land Institute (ULI).

During the meeting, council members discussed the need to address nine pending appeals, with some expressing frustration over delays in processing these matters. Council member Earing proposed a motion to continue one item to a date uncertain, ideally by September 30, which was approved despite opposition from some members who emphasized the importance of timely decisions for residents awaiting outcomes.

Public comment highlighted concerns regarding the proposed agreement with ULI. Speaker Darren Graves criticized ULI as a lobbying group that primarily serves the interests of real estate developers, arguing that their involvement could undermine Malibu's unique character and lead to detrimental changes in local planning. He referenced ULI's historical influence on urban development and expressed strong opposition to their recommendations, suggesting that their agenda could harm Malibu's landscape and community.

Following public comments, the council moved to approve the remainder of the consent calendar, excluding items related to the ULI agreement, which were pulled for further discussion. Staff members presented a report detailing ULI's partnership with local universities to develop best practices for rebuilding after recent wildfires, indicating that the agreement aimed to streamline recovery efforts.

The meeting underscored ongoing tensions between development interests and community preservation in Malibu, as council members and residents grappled with the implications of external influences on local governance. The council's next steps will involve further deliberation on the ULI agreement and continued efforts to resolve outstanding appeals.