10-Year $5.5M Downtown Laguna Beach Revitalization Approved

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Downtown Laguna Beach will start to undergo a transformation in the coming years, after the City Council approved an agreement with Visit Laguna Beach to launch a ten-year, $5.5 million downtown revitalization effort.

The agreement was made Tuesday, Nov. 12, and includes significant annual contributions to the revitalization plan from Visit Laguna Beach, which are funded through assessments collected by the Laguna Beach Tourism Marketing District, the city said.

The contributions will support enhancements throughout downtown Laguna Beach, and the partnership marks the beginning of an effort to revitalize what officials call "the heart of Laguna Beach."

"This collaboration is a tremendous step forward for the City of Laguna Beach, enabling long-term enhancements to the heart of our community," Laguna Beach Mayor Sue Kempf said. "These contributions from Visit Laguna Beach will help us create a more welcoming, enjoyable, and accessible town for everyone who lives in and visits Laguna Beach."

Under the terms, Visit Laguna Beach will make a one-time contribution of $500,000 in fiscal year 2024-25, with $200,00 of that amount earmarked toward artist workspace and living space. The initial contribution will be followed by annual contributions of $500,000 over the next ten years.

The money will be used toward enhancing Downtown Laguna Beach's infrastructure, elevating visitor amenities, beautifying public spaces, artist workspace and living space and supporting services that enrich the community for residents and visitors, the city said.

For more information about the agreement, visit the city's website.