To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JANE CHUNG, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
TITLE
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APPROVE THE BUSINESS LICENSE TAX WAIVER APPLICATION EXEMPTING VENDORS PARTICIPATING IN THE CITY’S JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION AND REDONDO BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER READING KICK-OFF EVENT, SCHEDULED ON JUNE 14, 2025, FROM COMPLIANCE WITH THE BUSINESS LICENSE TAX RATES ESTABLISHED IN REDONDO BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 6-1.22, AS PER SECTION 6-1.08 OF THE REDONDO BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council allocated funding in the FY 2024-25 Budget for a Juneteenth Celebration. In collaboration with various Departments, the City will host its inaugural Juneteenth Celebration in partnership with the Redondo Beach Public Library Summer Reading Program Kick Off on June 14, 2025. Given the event's one-time nature and scope, staff is requesting a business license tax waiver for food vendors that will provide attendees with diverse culinary options and also support local, small businesses.
BACKGROUND
The City of Redondo Beach will host its inaugural Juneteenth Celebration in partnership with the Redondo Beach Public Library’s Summer Reading Program Kick-Off on June 14, 2025 in the plaza in front of the Main Library. The event will feature a variety of activities and community booths, including carnival games, arts and crafts, and food vendors. The event will also provide an opportunity for residents to come together in recognition of Juneteenth while inspiring a shared commitment to literacy and learning.
To further enhance the celebration, staff is requesting a business license tax waiver for food vendors whose participation will not only provide attendees with diverse culinary options but also support local businesses. These vendors will contribute to the vibrancy of the event, creating a welcoming space for community engagement while promoting economic opportunities for small businesses.
Under Section 6-1 of the Redondo Beach Municipal Code (RBMC), all entities conducting business within the City are required to obtain a Business License and adhere to the associated fees and regulations. However, Section 6-1.08(c) provides a mechanism for entities to appeal to the City Council for a waiver exempting them from business license tax requirements.
Section 6-1.08(c) states, “Upon a written application to the Council, a person or organization may request an exemption from the business license requirements imposed by this chapter, and the Council may waive the provisions of this chapter if the Council finds and determines that the community benefit will be promoted by granting such an exemption.
For this event, the participating food vendors would be subject to a $133 business license fee, which remains in effect for a full year. However, given the scope and one-time nature of the event, staff recommends approval of the attached Application for Waiver of Business License Tax, as it meets the determination that the vendors and the celebration provide a community benefit.
COORDINATION
Staff members in the Library Department and City Manager’s Office coordinated preparation of this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
The fiscal impact would be a revenue waiver of $133 per food vendor. Staff expect two to three vendors to participate in the event.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• Application for Waiver of Business License Tax