The Beverly Hills City Council provided direction on priorities for the 2026-27 fiscal year at the Jan. 13 City Council Study Session.
Council members provided feedback and amendments on priorities for the year, ranging from enhancing public safety at the newly opened La Cienega Metro Station to implementing artificial intelligence to respond to traffic violations to strengthening long-term fiscal responsibility and developing city infrastructure.
The first priority item was to prepare public safety at the upcoming Metro stations set to open in Beverly Hills, including the La Cienega/Wilshire Station and the Beverly Drive Station. The council planned to complete the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) Public Safety Center at the La Cienega/Wilshire Station and prepare a policing model for the Beverly Drive Station.
As part of initiatives to increase public safety, the city will continue expanding the number of closed-circuit television cameras and installing automated license plate readers (ALPRs) at prioritized intersections. The funding for the ALPRs will be part of a budget enhancement for fiscal year 2026-27. Councilmember Mary Wells stated her support for increasing police enforcement of speeding and excessive noise within the city.
Another goal for increasing public safety is to “aggressively recruit new and lateral police officers,” which will also require a budget enhancement, according to the staff report.
The council then transitioned to providing direction regarding transparent governance and strengthening long-term fiscal sustainability.
Because the city had to unexpectedly hold a statewide election in November 2025 for Proposition 50, city staff requested a budget enhancement to hold the June 2026 election for City Council and City Treasurer.
The city also plans to conduct citywide tax analyses and a comprehensive citywide fee to implement further cost-saving measures.
In focusing on improving city infrastructure and community quality of life, the council provided direction on various avenues and city facilities.
In regards to the city parking structure located at 440 North Camden Drive, bids will be released in February for seismic renovations. Construction will begin in April. For the structure at 461 N. Bedford Drive, bidding will occur in April or May, with construction beginning in July. Staff has been focused on waterproofing and seismic renovations but is redirecting to focus on painting in the future. The city is also working to implement Level 2 electric vehicle chargers in city parking structures.
Another priority of the council moving forward is to lobby the state of California and work with other local cities to develop realistic goals for housing development, especially in the wake of Senate Bill 79, which will change local zoning ordinances that are proximate to transit centers.
“The unrealistic expectations of the state of California are really crippling us in moving forward in keeping the character of our city,” Councilmember Lester Friedman said. “At some point in time, there have to be realistic goals.”
