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Performing Arts Center occupancy climbs to about 71% this fiscal year, staff report
Summary
City staff reported a multi‑year analysis showing the Performing Arts Center occupancy rose to roughly 71% in 2025–26 year‑to‑date; internal city uses account for a sizable share of days and staff plan outreach to grow external rentals.
Recreation manager Vicki Blein told the Community Service Commission on April 8 that the City of Lake Forest’s Performing Arts Center is far busier than in its early years.
Blein presented a multi‑year breakdown of facility use, separating external rentals from internal (city) uses and holidays. She reported an occupancy rate of about 71% for fiscal year 2025–26 year‑to‑date and a vacancy rate reduced from roughly 40% in prior years to about 21% so far this fiscal year.
"Internal days of use have exceeded the prior two years by 17%," Blein said, adding that some internal events — such as State of the City — bring large public audiences even though they are categorized as internal. External rental days have increased by about 2% from the prior year; staff noted there are 43 external days already booked for the next fiscal year and at least 23 more anticipated before June 30.
Commissioners asked how internal uses affect rentability and whether the city should protect a buffer of vacant days for maintenance, AV work and staff needs. Blein replied that some internal uses require prep days, AV technicians or carpet replacement that make the building unavailable for rentals, and staff aim to reduce vacancy while preserving necessary internal capacity.
The commission discussed how to present occupancy statistics (occupancy vs. vacancy vs. availability) and agreed staff should continue outreach to potential renters while balancing city functions. No formal vote was taken; staff said they will provide ongoing monthly comparatives of occupancy and vacancy.
