Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in West Hollywood public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in taxes budget
Cannabis Business Tax Rebate Extension
The Council tabled the one-year extension of the cannabis business tax rebate after learning the City has never audited whether businesses fulfilled their social equity commitments. Staff will report back on monitoring and auditing practices.
FY 2026-27 assessment districts and street work
About $135,000 to fix sidewalks and streets under Phase XVI of the concrete repair program — welcome news for anyone who's tripped on a buckled sidewalk.
User Fees for City Services, FY 2026-27
The council adopted the annual fee resolution setting what the city charges for permits, services and other programs, based on the Willdan user fee study.
Council Travel and Conference Spending
Council discussed rising travel spending ($49K in 2023 to $68.5K in 2025) and agreed to develop a consistent template for reporting what conferences members attend and what they get out of them.
Statewide Ballot Measure Positions
Council endorsed Props 1, 3, and 37 and opposed Prop 43 on the November ballot.
Capital Improvements Plan 2027-2031
The city's five-year list of public projects needs a General Plan consistency finding before the City Council can adopt it with the budget. The Planning Commission made that finding, so the spending plan moves ahead.
FY 2026-27 and 2027-28 budget adoption
The city's new two-year budget barely balances while revenue growth has stalled at about 1% — and FY 26 could end roughly $5 million in the red. Big-ticket items like the $4.6M Sunset Strip Music Festival and the $22M Sky Sanctuary are on the chopping block for review before adoption on June 15.
Councilmember compensation increase
State law allows a raise every election cycle; council pay rises to the maximum $1,897.27/month starting January 2027.