Council asks staff to return in January with restaurant retention plan and work‑plan alignment

Councilmembers debated a proposal to quickly develop targeted incentives and retention measures to support West Hollywood’s restaurant sector, which several councilmembers and the Chamber described as under sustained economic strain.

Councilmember Hain framed the proposal as ‘‘urgent’’ and requested staff meet directly with restaurant owners and return within 90 days with a targeted retention program. Other councilmembers, while sympathetic, asked staff to clarify how this item overlaps with the economic development division’s existing priorities and recommended that an update be provided when economic development presents to council in January.

Genevieve Morrill of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce urged prompt action and said the hospitality industry is still in a critical state. Councilmembers agreed to ask staff to return in January with a status update on the economic development work plan, a summary of outreach already completed, and preliminary recommendations on possible incentives and retention tools for independent restaurants.

The council did not commit funding at this meeting but directed staff to report back with an analysis of priorities and potential program components.