For Immediate Release: May 29, 2025

(Malibu, CA) – May 29, 2025 – At its May 21 meeting, the Malibu City Council took action to support local businesses struggling from the economic impacts of the recent wildfires and prolonged closure of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).

“Helping our small business community recover isn’t just about economics, it’s also about preserving the spirit of Malibu,” said Mayor Marianne Riggins. “We are providing flexible, tailored solutions that will give our local businesses the resources and assistance they need for long-term recovery.”

To provide financial relief, the Council introduced Ordinance No. 525 to suspend the minimum wage increase scheduled for July 1, 2025. The Council voted to approve the ordinance on Tuesday, May 27, citing ongoing economic challenges faced by Malibu businesses in recent months. By pausing the planned wage adjustment, the City aims to help ease financial pressures and support business recovery.

The approved change makes it clear that the next adjustment, set for July 1, 2026, will be based only on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers in 2025. It will not include any past inflation adjustments. However, this change does not affect state or federal wage laws, and employers may still offer higher wages if they choose.

On Wednesday, May 21, the Council also reviewed a proposal (Resolution No. 25-23) to temporarily ease event and signage regulations for local businesses during the busy summer season. Currently, all events, regardless of size, require a Temporary Use Permit submitted 35-days in advance, and businesses are limited to six events annually. The proposed changes would potentially introduce a three-tier system, pending recommendations by the Planning Commission:

  • Small events (up to 99 attendees): Only need planning clearance submitted at least three days prior. No public notice is required. There are no proposed limits to the amount of these events but permits are required.
  • Medium events (100 to 250 attendees): Must submit an application at least seven days before the event. Public notice must be given to properties within 500 feet five days in advance. Up to 20 events per calendar year may also be allowed.
  • Large events (251+ attendees): Would still follow the existing regulations, including the 32-day notice period and be limited to six per calendar year.

To move the process forward, the Council directed staff to bypass the Zoning Ordinance Revisions and Code Enforcement Subcommittee and authorized the Planning Commission to host a public hearing on Monday, June 2 at 6:30 PM to consider the proposed changes. The meeting agenda will be posted at MalibuCity.org/AgendaCenter.

Malibu’s Business Micro Stabilization Grant Program is also still available to help independently owned businesses recover. Eligible businesses can apply for grants up to $20,000 through Saturday, May 31. Learn more and apply at MalibuRebuilds.org/BusinessGrants or visit City Hall (23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu) for a paper application.

The May 21 and May 27 Council meeting recordings are available on the City’s YouTube channel. For more information and additional resources for local businesses, please visit MalibuRebuilds.org.