Special Events Policy Review

At a glance

What: The Civic Arts Commission's recommended policy for event producers and civic events in Berkeley, and the City Manager's companion report asking for time to study it.
Where it stands: On June 9, 2026 Council, on the Consent Calendar, approved the City Manager's companion recommendation (Item 18b) and took no separate action on the commission's report (Item 18a).
Next: Staff returns with a feasibility and cost analysis and any alternative recommendations, presents them to the Civic Arts Commission for feedback and stakeholder engagement, then returns to Council with final recommendations on special events. Related cost question: the Solano Stroll referral in Biennial Budget Adoption.

Item 18a, from the Civic Arts Commission: adopt the attached Event Producers and Civic Events Policy Recommendations. Action: see 18b.
Item 18b, from the City Manager (contacts Peter Radu and Carianna Arredondo, City Manager's Office): refer to the City Manager (1) a feasibility and cost analysis of the commission's recommendations with alternatives that meet its goal of an equitable, transparent, efficient and predictable special events program, (2) presentation of findings to the commission for feedback and stakeholder engagement, and (3) a return to Council with findings and final recommendations.
Both items were part of Consent Items 1 to 21, adopted in one motion (Taplin/Humbert), all ayes.

Companion referral (18b) approved on consent; commission report held for the staff analysis.