Laguna Beach council confirms strategic priorities, directs staff to implement Tranche 1 of facilities master plan

The Laguna Beach City Council reviewed and confirmed a multi‑page strategic priorities matrix and a tranche‑based Facilities Master Plan (FMP). Staff said the city will begin loading priorities and timelines into a new project‑tracking platform (Inviso) and asked council for direction on sequencing and resourcing.

Council members discussed numerous items across the strategic matrix — from parking and undergrounding districts to lifeguard tower replacements, drone monitoring and records‑retention needs for a proposed citywide camera system. Council members emphasized the need for realistic timelines, clear performance measures and better public transparency via the tracking platform. Staff said parts of the Inviso rollout should appear on the city website within about three months.

On facilities, staff proposed a Tranche 1 starting package that included: design and construction planning for a new fire station (likely near City Hall), upgrades to the Laguna Beach Branch Library (design work under way), seismic/retrofit work on Fire Stations 2 and 3, ADA upgrades to the Forum Theatre, and scoping for possible public parking options. Councilmember motioned (and the council seconded) to direct staff to return with next steps to implement Tranche 1; the motion passed unanimously.

Council also asked staff to (1) engage the Heritage Committee on Mills Act issues, (2) consider limited processing for up to three near‑complete Mills Act applications, and (3) bring undergrounding staffing and funding options back to the budget process.