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Cerritos council votes to reestablish Economic Development Commission and launch related studies
Summary
Council directed staff to draft an ordinance reestablishing an Economic Development Commission (EDC), asked the commission to meet monthly, and approved staff studies on vacant-property regulation, a sister-city relationship with the Philippines, and facilities' feasibility for 2028 Olympic-related activity.
The Cerritos City Council on April 21 voted unanimously to reestablish an Economic Development Commission (EDC), direct staff to draft the ordinance and resolution to codify the commission, and request several follow-up studies and reports.
Advanced Planning Manager Sabrina Chan told the council the city previously had an economic development commission that was dissolved in 2020. The staff report recommended reestablishing the commission to support the city's strategic plan goal of strengthening economic development; staff estimated annual operational support for the commission at approximately $20,000.
Mayor Pro Tem Linda Johnson made several motions, which the council approved: direct staff to prepare a draft ordinance and resolution establishing the EDC and associated budget amendment; prepare an ordinance addressing vacant or foreclosed commercial properties and have the EDC review it before council consideration; prepare a report on establishing a sister-city relationship with a city in the Philippines for EDC review; and prepare a feasibility report on using city facilities or programming to capture opportunities connected to the 2028 Olympics and for the EDC to explore a "Shop and Dine Cerritos" campaign.
Council Member Polito and others urged that the EDC meet monthly rather than quarterly; the council adopted monthly meeting frequency for the new commission. Council members emphasized goals such as reducing commercial vacancies, proactively recruiting new businesses, expanding use and programming at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, and leveraging partnerships with major local employers and property owners.
All motions related to formation of the EDC and the four follow-up studies passed on unanimous 5–0 votes. Staff said it will prepare the draft ordinance, a corresponding budget amendment, and the requested reports and return to council at a future publicly noticed meeting for formal adoption and any budget changes.
