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Council hires Angel City Market to run downtown markets with resident discounts
Summary
Council approved a one‑year agreement (with an option to extend) for Angel City Market to operate a downtown Bell market (initially once a month, daytime 12–4), including a 50% booth discount for Bell vendors and plans for marketing and an incubator pathway for local entrepreneurs.
The City Council approved a contract with Angel City Market to operate downtown Bell’s market program after staff presented a proposal to shift from weekly markets to a curated, monthly daytime format.
Staff recommended Angel City Market on grounds of vendor recruitment and marketing capacity. Angel City Market representatives said their events typically feature family‑focused food offerings, artisans, and curated entertainment; they described marketing approaches that include social platforms, local influencers and site‑specific curation. The operator said it will aim to reserve discounted or free vendor spaces for local businesses and has experience operating markets in Downey, Montebello and Lakewood.
Councilmembers placed conditions on the agreement: they approved a one‑year contract with a one‑year extension option to allow performance evaluation and flexibility to expand if successful. The contract includes a 50% discount for Bell residents and a stated aspiration to prioritize local vendors and incubator pathways into permanent storefronts. Council discussion touched on hours (noon–4 p.m.), the possibility of increasing frequency if demand grows, marketing strategies and how to protect resident vendor access.
The contract passed on roll call after a motion to include the option to extend for a second year. Councilmembers asked staff to ensure the contract language aligns with the report and to address any required amendments before final execution.
Next steps: staff will finalize contract language and coordinate vendor outreach and marketing for the April start of the season; the council reserved the right to amend or extend based on early results.
