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Discuss and Approve the Allocation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 2026 Budget.
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Meeting Date: October 15, 2025
Contact Person/Dept: Adam Ferguson/ Senior Management Analyst
Phone Number: (310) 253-6685
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [X] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: []
Public Notification: (E-mail) Meetings and Agendas - Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission (10/09/2025); (E-mail) Parks, Recreation & Community Service Department Updates (10/09/2025)
Department Approval: Ted Stevens, PRCS Director (10/09/2025)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee discuss and approve the allocation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 2026 budget.
BACKGROUND
The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) is tasked with helping the Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) plan the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Event 2026 (Celebration). In past events there has been performances, cultural performances, and community engagement. For Fiscal Year 2024-25, an amount of $10,000 was allocated to support event related expenses, including entertainment, staging, promotional materials, staffing, and food.
As the Advisory Committee prepares for the 2026 Celebration, there is an opportunity to use the 2025 event as a reference point when planning expenditures and priorities. By reviewing last year’s spending patterns-particularly in entertainment, staging/lighting, and promotional materials-staff and the advisory committee can identify areas that had the greatest impact and determine how to best allocate the increased $27,000 in funding. This approach ensures funds are distributed strategically to enhance event quality, broaden community engagement, and maintain fiscal responsibility.
DISCUSSION
The 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration was successfully executed despite challenges associated with rescheduling due to the Palisades and Eaton Fires. The total actual expenditures amounted to $10,319.95, exceeding the allocated budget by $319.95. The overage resulted from additional costs related to vendor re-coordination, equipment rebooking, and logistical adjustments following the postponement.
Summary of Expenditures:
Attendance for the 2025 celebration exceeded expectations, with approximately 200 attendees. The largest expenditures were entertainment and staging and it contributed significantly to the event’s overall success and community engagement.
With the increased budget for FY 2025-26, the staff asks the Advisory Committee to review priorities and discuss potential allocations that can enhance programming, production quality, and community outreach for the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 includes the $27,000 funding for the Celebration in General Fund Account 10130280.514100 (Community Events & Excursions/ Departmental Special Supplies) and in General Fund Account 10130280.619800 (Community Events & Excursions/ Other Contractual Services).
ATTACHMENTS
None
MOTION
That the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee
Approve the allocation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 2026 budget.