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CC - CONSENT ITEM: Award of an In-Kind Off-Cycle Special Event Grant in the Amount of $1,000 to Bioscience LA for “Bioscience LA Week 2026” and Designate the Event as City Sponsored.
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Meeting Date: August 10, 2026
Contact Person/Dept.: Elizabeth Garcia / Economic and Cultural Development
Phone Number: (310) 253-5708
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [x] General Fund: Yes [] No [x]
Attachments: Yes [x] No []
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (08/05/2026)
Department Approval: Adam Troy, Assistant City Manager (07/23/2026) _____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council award an in-kind, off-cycle special event grant in the amount of $1,000 to Bioscience LA for the Bioscience LA Week 2026 event and designate the event as City-Sponsored.
BACKGROUND/ DISCUSSION
On July 13, 2026, the City Council agendized a request for an in-kind event sponsorship by Bioscience Los Angeles relative to their Bioscience LA Week 2026 slated for September 29, 2026 to October 2, 2026. The event will be taking place throughout Los Angeles County including their Bioscience LA headquarters in located in Culver City.
Bioscience LA is an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization formed by Los Angeles County in 2018 with the backing from Amgen, PhRMA, Richard Lundquist, Richard Merkin, City of Hope and Cedars-Sinai, among others. It was formed to create, enable and promote a thriving and vibrant life science ecosystem in Greater Los Angeles while providing economic and societal benefits in the region.
Bioscience LA Week 2026 works to unite Los Angeles County’s life science ecosystem - from startups and research institutions to investors, educators, industry entrepreneurs and civic leaders. The week-long summit is designed to accelerate collaboration, innovation, and inclusion, propelling the LA region to the forefront of global bioscience leadership.
To be categorized as a “sponsored” event by the City, an event must meet the criteria set forth in the City Council Policy No. 2502 (Special Event Grant Program), confirming that the City is (a) confirming that the City is (a) participating in an official capacity in the planning, preparation or promotion of the event or activity; and (b) contributing 25% of the total estimated costs of the civic event or activity or at least $1,000, whichever is less. This contribution may take the form of funds, labor, staff time, materials, a coverage of fees, or any combination thereof. The City may also consider approving an in-kind marketing sponsorship to help build awareness about the event. The Council Policy require both (a) and (b) conditions be satisfied.
The proposed event meets the criteria for City Sponsorship, if the City Council approves a donation of at least $1,000 as an in-kind marketing sponsorship. As a requirement of City sponsorship, the organizers must identify the City of Culver City as a sponsor in all promotional materials
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no direct fiscal impact to the City. The request can be accommodated with current staffing resources relative to promotion of the event through the City’s marketing platforms and website, as well as staff participation in the various events.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2026-08-10_ATT_Bioscience LA Letter and 2026 Event Schedule
recommended action
MOTION(S)
That the City Council:
Award an in-kind, off-cycle special events grant in the amount of $1,000 in City staff time to Bioscience LA for the Bioscience LA Week 2026 events and designate the event as City-sponsored.