REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Travis Hopkins, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Shannon Levin, Council Policy Analyst
Subject:
title
Implementation of Huntington Beach Pier Stairs Advertising Pilot Project
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Statement of Issue:
On June 16, 2026, the City Council directed the City Manager to research and implement advertising on the stairs of the Huntington Beach Pier. Staff requests authorization to implement a pier stairs advertising pilot project for up to one year.
Financial Impact:
Revenues derived from pilot program will be included in the report due early 2027.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Authorize the City Manager to implement a one-year pilot project for pier stairs advertising and amend the contract with Rio Media and Advertising to expand the scope of services to include pier stairs advertising.
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve and direct staff otherwise.
Analysis:
On June 16, 2026, the City Council authorized the City Manager to research advertising on the Huntington Beach pier stairs.
Over the last several weeks, beach event sponsors have expressed interest in advertising upcoming events.
Pilot program will allow the City to evaluate advertising allowed via the Rio Media contract and City-permitted Specific Events. Over the pilot period, staff will evaluate interest from Specific Event partners. The program will target specific events and local businesses.
Staff recommends the City Council authorize the City Manager to amend the contract with Rio Media and Advertising by expanding the scope of services, and direct the City Manager, or designee/ Community & Library Services Director, to develop a one-year pilot program and manage the implementation of the pilot project in collaboration with Rio Media.
Staff will provide a report to City Council within nine months.
Environmental Status:
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment do not constitute a project.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Goal 2 - Fiscal Stability, Strategy A - Consider new revenue sources and opportunities to support the City's priority initiatives and projects.
Attachment(s):
1. Council Member Item Report - Pier Stairs Advertising - June 16, 2026