San Fernando council greenlights targeted downtown implementation and Dudek contract amendment

The San Fernando City Council unanimously approved moving the Downtown Master Plan into a targeted implementation phase focused on three city‑owned opportunity sites, and authorized staff to amend the professional services agreement with Dudek Consulting Group to prepare an opportunity sites analysis.

Staff summary: Interim Director Ron Garcia said the ad‑hoc committee recommended option 1 — an opportunity site analysis for city‑owned parking lots and the Civic Center (1320 San Fernando Road) — as the fastest way to advance downtown economic development. The analysis will evaluate development potential for three city properties (including consolidated Parking Lots 8 and 10) and inform a developer Request for Proposals (RFP).

Council response and vote: Councilmembers discussed ARPA funds earmarked for downtown work; Councilmember Fajardo voiced hesitation about bringing a hotel to the city but agreed the targeted approach is a constructive use of funds. Vice Mayor Mary Salorio made the motion to proceed; the council approved the motion on a roll‑call vote with all members in favor.

Next steps: Staff will prepare the Dudek scope amendment, complete the opportunity sites analysis, and prepare an RFP and marketing materials to recruit developers consistent with the analysis and community vision.