Laguna Beach council signals intent to renew tourism marketing district; debate centers on arts funding and governance

The Laguna Beach City Council voted to advance the process to renew the Laguna Beach Tourism Marketing District (TMD), a local assessment that funds Visit Laguna Beach and a range of cultural programs. The renewal would extend the district another 10 years beginning July 1 and would leave the assessment at 2% while authorizing a potential adjustment up to 2.5% subject to further public process.

The council’s action tonight was procedural: staff recommended adopting a resolution of intention to renew and place the matter on the public calendar for a formal hearing. Gavin Curran, the assistant city manager, summarized the proposed reallocation of funds under the new management plan, which creates a new “destination development” category intended to fund stewardship, signage, artist housing and cultural programs. Under the proposed allocation, destination development would receive about 25% of the budget;…