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CC - CONSENT ITEM: Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Kosmont Companies to Prepare an Economic Study of Hospitality Land Uses in an Amount Not to Exceed $75,000.
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Meeting Date: November 10, 2025
Contact Person/Dept.: Peer Chacko, Senior Planner / Planning and Development
Emily Stadnicki, Current Planning Manager / Planning and Development
Phone Number: (310) 253-5755 / (310) 253-5727
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [ ] General Fund: Yes [X] No [ ]
Attachments: Yes [ ] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (11/06/2025)
Department Approval: Mark Muenzer, Planning and Development Director (10/16/2025)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends City Council approval of a professional services agreement with Kosmont Companies to prepare an Economic Study of Hospitality Land Uses in an amount not to exceed $75,000.
BACKGROUND
The General Plan 2045 was adopted on August 26, 2024 and went into effect on October 9, 2024. With a view towards maintaining diversified sources of fiscal revenue, the General Plan 2045 Economic Development Element includes Goal 4.2 which states “Expand business-serving hospitality uses to effectively enhance Culver City’s regional share of business travel, promote tourism, and boost fiscal revenues.” Additionally, the Economic Development Element identifies two implementation actions pertaining to hotel/hospitality industries:
• IA-ED-7: Alternative service delivery models - Study a diversity of hospitality products at a variety of price points, to provide both business and leisure travelers a range of options at any budget.
• IA-ED-8: Zoning constraints on hospitality uses - Study and remedy constraints to encouraging expansion of hospitality uses, such as height restrictions.
Staff are proposing an economic analysis of hospitality land uses, including a market analysis of local, regional and national trends in the industry and evaluation of the potential for Culver City to capture a greater share of growth within its competitive market area.
The study would also include surveys and case studies of regulatory and incentive programs in comparable jurisdictions, a range of relevant project development examples, exploration of opportunity sites, and engagement with industry experts to gain insight on local opportunities and barriers. Lastly, the study would include an analysis of Culver City’s regulatory environment for hospitality land uses and drafting of evidence-based recommendations for action.
DISCUSSION
Staff prepared a Request for Proposals (RFP), released it to competitive firms and received 5 responses. Based on an initial review, 3 teams were short-listed for interviews. Firms were not rated solely on price, but on a combination of factors determined to be in the best interest of the City. The table below reflects the final scores for the short-listed firms:
Staff selected Kosmont Companies. Their project experience and understanding best matched Culver City’s needs. Kosmont has demonstrated a deep understanding of the hospitality industry, and their portfolio of clients included several cities (Redondo Beach, Placentia, Indian Wells, and St. Helena) for which they have provided policy recommendations on various types of projects and development stages related to the hospitality industry.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 includes sufficient funding in the amount of $75,000 for this agreement in Account No. 10153200.610400 (Current Planning - Consulting Services).
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION
The awarding of a contract to prepare an economic study of hospitality land uses is covered by the general exemption rule (as provided in California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15061, subsection (b)(3)) that the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) only to applies projects which have potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. The awarding of contracts will have no significant effect on the environment.
ATTACHMENTS
None
MOTIONS
That the City Council:
1. Approve a professional services agreement with Kosmont Companies to prepare an Economic Study of Hospitality Land Uses in an amount not to exceed $75,000;
2. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.