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CC - ACTION ITEM: (1) Discussion and Direction Regarding the Feasibility of Implementing a Lobbyist Registration Program and Further Research Regarding Potential Costs, Staffing Needs, and Other Information Needed to Determine Whether to Establish an Ordinance to Require Registration of Lobbyists; and (2) (If Desired) Creation of an Ad Hoc Lobbyist Registration Subcommittee and Appointment of Two Council Members thereto, to Work with City Staff to Develop Program Guidelines and Content for a Lobbyist Registration Ordinance.
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Meeting Date: September 29, 2025
Contact Person/Dept.: T’Ana Allen/ City Clerk’s Office
Phone Number: (310) 253-5851
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (09/24/2025)
Department Approval: Jesse Mays, Assistant City Manager (09/12/2025) _____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Council (1) discuss and provide direction on the feasibility of implementing a lobbyist registration program, and direction on whether further research should be brought back to provide potential costs, staffing needs, and any regulations to determine whether to establish an ordinance to require registration of lobbyists; and (2) if desired, create an Ad Hoc Lobbyist Registration Subcommittee and appoint two Council Members thereto, to work with City staff to develop program guidelines and content for a Lobbyist Registration Ordinance.
BACKGROUND
On March 13, 2023, City Council received a majority consensus to direct staff to bring back an item for discussion regarding implementing a lobbyist registration program in the city. In the interest of transparency and accountability, many municipalities in California have implemented lobbyist registration programs, since lobbying activities at the local government level have the potential to influence public policy decisions. Lobbyist registration programs are designed to track individuals and organizations engaged in lobbying efforts, while also providing the public and elected officials with clear information about who is attempting to influence local government decisions and how.
Currently, Culver City does not have a formal system in place to monitor or register lobbyists. Neighboring cities that have implemented a lobbyist registration program include Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood.
DISCUSSION
A lobbyist, as defined by Government Code Section 82039, is “any individual who receives two thousand dollars ($2,000) or more in economic consideration in a calendar month, other than reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses, or whose principal duties as an employee are, to communicate directly or through that individual’s agents with any elective state official, agency official, or legislative official for the purpose of influencing legislative or administrative action.” Lobbyists are often categorized in several different ways, commonly based on their employment structure and the methods they use for lobbying.
The different types of lobbyists are described below:
The purpose of a lobbyist registration program is to provide transparency to the public and elected officials, improve accountability, and maintain public trust. Providing information about who is influencing local government decisions, and how, allows for better decision-making to happen.
There are no state or federal mandates that require cities to implement a local lobbyist registration program. At the federal level, the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 applies only to lobbying activities directed at federal officials. At the state level, the Political Reform Act of 1974, overseen by the Fair Political Practices Commission, governs lobbying disclosure for state jurisdictions. At the local level, cities may implement their own programs under their municipal code to meet local needs for transparency.
While the population size of the city is a relevant factor, it is not considered a determining factor. Larger populations often have a stronger correlation with more complex city governments, more development projects, and greater public and private interest in influencing city decisions. Furthermore, it is prudent to consider the volume of lobbying being performed in the city. Typically, cities with higher populations tend to attract more lobbyists, such as developers, union groups, and advocacy groups. The higher the volume of lobbying, the stronger the justification for lobbyist tracking and disclosure. Population size affects the scale and complexity of a potential program; however, the other factors to consider are the frequency and impact of lobbying activities, the public’s demand for transparency, and the City’s specific needs and transparency goals.
Development of a lobbyist registration program would require drafting an ordinance, conducting stakeholder outreach, creating forms and guidelines, and setting up an online registration portal for e-filing. A City Council ad hoc subcommittee could be created to help draft the ordinance and develop the program guidelines. To implement and maintain the program, there would be a moderate increase in staff resources and responsibilities. The administration of the program would be taken on by the City Clerk’s Office, which would include overseeing the processing and renewals of forms, tracking and reviewing periodic reports, responding to inquiries and public records requests, and enforcement and compliance monitoring. In terms of administering the program, larger cities also have more staff resources to ensure an efficient and effective program. Implementing the program could potentially create the need for an additional full-time position.
A lobbyist registration program can be a valuable tool for increasing transparency and the public’s trust in their government. However, the effectiveness of the program is only valuable if there is the capability to identify, require, and enforce registration. While the program involves administrative and financial considerations and could take up to a year to launch, many cities have successfully implemented systems to meet their transparency goals and objectives. If the Council is interested in further pursuing a lobbyist registration program, staff recommends conducting additional outreach with neighboring cities to identify best practices.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no immediate fiscal impact to the discussion of this matter. Should the City Council direct staff to proceed, future budget adjustments may be required for the program implementation and administration. The cost to implement a lobbyist registration program is contingent upon different variables. These variables include staff time, potentially utilizing a legal consultant to aid in the drafting of the ordinance and program guidelines (to be determined by the City Attorney’s Office), as well as determining whether to build an online portal for registration or utilizing a third-party software such as NetFile.
Included in the development of the program would also be the determination of a fee for registrants. The City would be able to charge a registration fee as well as a fee for renewals to cover the City’s costs to administer the lobbyist registration and renewal program
The registration fees vary across entities, some ranging from as little as $30 to as much as $450. The fee can differ based on lobbyist type, initial registration, annual renewal, and amendments to forms.
*No data available.
**Los Angeles implements fees based on the type of lobbyist and prorates the fee according to quarterly reporting.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
MOTION(S)
That the City Council:
1. Discuss and, if desired, direct staff to research and return with additional items for discussion, including potential costs, staffing needs, and other information to determine whether to establish an ordinance to require registration of lobbyists, and,
2. If desired, create an ad hoc Lobbyist Registration Subcommittee to work with staff to develop program guidelines and the content of a potential Ordinance and appoint two Council Members thereto.