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Torrance presents economic development 'pitch' and seeks council guidance on facade program
Summary
City staff highlighted business retention successes, recent film revenue gains and an EV studio opening, and asked council whether to modify a commercial facade improvement program hindered by state prevailing‑wage rules; council directed staff to return options and accepted the report.
The Torrance Office of Economic Development delivered a booklet‑style update on March 17, highlighting sector strengths, recent business attraction wins and options to adjust a commercial facade improvement program.
Economic Development Manager Fran Fulton noted Torrance's concentration in aerospace, advanced manufacturing and life sciences and recapped recent business attraction successes, including the grand opening of Sony Honda Mobility's Avila electric vehicle delivery/presentation studio and a major expansion by Hadrian tied to a state tax credit package. Staff said film permits and filming revenue rose in the reporting period and that visitation metrics remain encouraging for retail and hospitality.
Fulton asked council guidance on the city’s commercial facade improvement program, which has low uptake primarily because recipients face California prevailing‑wage requirements when city funds touch construction. Staff proposed alternatives—raising grant caps, offsetting permit or design fees, or offering vetted vendor lists—and recommended returning with a focused proposal. Staff and the city manager’s office suggested directing limited assistance toward design and fee offsets (which typically do not trigger prevailing‑wage rules) rather than covering construction costs directly.
Councilmembers praised the marketing materials and asked staff to pursue options that prioritize small businesses. Council unanimously voted to accept and file the report and asked staff to return with more detailed options on altering the facade program (including whether to use funds to offset city fees for small business applicants) and to continue pursuing larger business attraction programs like BATE.
Staff also previewed event‑driven marketing, including a 'passport' promotion for international food events downtown and coordination with police on registering business security camera feeds for crime response. The office will return further details on facade program amendments and a menu of assistance options for small and mid‑sized businesses.
