Laguna Hills City Council / Planning Agency Special Meeting Workshop

Date: November 10, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:53 PM (workshop session)
Location: City Council Chamber

The City Council convened as a workshop to discuss economic development strategies, business license feasibility, and sales tax data analysis. The meeting was led by Mayor Don Caskey, who framed it as a follow-up to an earlier economic development workshop. All council members were present: Jared Mathis (Mayor Pro Tempore), Erica Pezold, Joshua Sweeney, and Dave Wheeler. City staff including City Manager Bob, Director of Community Development Jennifer Lowe, Public Works Director Joe, and City Attorney Colin also participated. No public comments were submitted.

Discussion Items

1. Pilot Project for Highest and Best Use Analysis

Mayor Caskey proposed creating a staff-driven pilot project to analyze select properties (both private and city-owned) for their highest and best use over a 3–10 year horizon. The goal is to produce concise reports covering property condition, value, zoning, financial viability, and potential renderings. He emphasized that this would be a proactive tool for economic development, helping to engage property owners and developers. Councilmember Wheeler expressed support but stressed the need for clear criteria and measurable goals, suggesting the city be broken into analytic zones. Councilmember Mathis supported the concept, recommending focus on properties with single ownership and cautioning that city-owned parcels should be considered carefully. Councilmember Pezold voiced caution about including city-owned parcels, noting that Laguna Hills’ parks are a unique asset. Staff (Jennifer Lowe) indicated interest but noted current workload, suggesting the project could begin when time permits (e.g., end of year). Councilmember Wheeler suggested a two-month deadline for a plan, but the motion did not formally include that amendment. The council voted unanimously to direct staff to develop and initiate the pilot project.

2. Business License Feasibility Study

Councilmember Pezold introduced the topic of implementing a business license program. She argued that a license could improve code enforcement, public safety, consumer protection, and communication with businesses, and provide a mechanism to revoke permits for bad actors. Councilmember Mathis raised concerns about legal classification as a tax and the administrative burden. City Attorney Colin clarified that if fees only cover program costs, it is not a tax; any surplus would be a tax requiring voter approval. He also noted it was unclear whether code enforcement costs could be included. Councilmember Wheeler added that a license would aid communication (e.g., safety alerts) and help identify hidden businesses. A motion to direct staff (including the city attorney) to research the feasibility and legal parameters of a business license program passed unanimously. Councilmember Pezold noted the research should explore how other Orange County cities handle licenses.

3. Sales Tax Data and Economic Analysis Tool

Councilmember Wheeler presented his work on a customized sales tax database that segments the city into analytical zones. He demonstrated its ability to track revenue trends, identify top producers, and detect declines (e.g., loss of three top-11 producers in one year). The database helps target economic development efforts. Mayor Caskey asked how to preserve this institutional knowledge when Wheeler leaves the council after two terms. Wheeler expressed willingness to continue helping, possibly as a member of the public on advisory committees. Councilmember Pezold suggested training staff to run the analysis independently, but Wheeler noted past training efforts were not sustained due to workload. The council informally agreed that Wheeler could continue contributing as a public committee participant and share insights as needed.

Key Outcomes

• Motion 1: Unanimous approval to direct staff (including City Manager and Community Development) to create a pilot project for highest and best use analysis of up to one property, with staff given flexibility to organize the work. (Motion by Mayor Caskey, seconded by Councilmember Mathis; vote: 5-0)
• Motion 2: Unanimous approval to direct staff and the City Attorney to research the feasibility, costs, legal parameters, and potential structure of a business license program for Laguna Hills, and report back to the council at a future date. (Motion by Councilmember Pezold, seconded by Councilmember Mathis; vote: 5-0)
• Informal Agreement: Councilmember Wheeler will continue to maintain and share his sales tax analysis tool, and will participate in economic development discussions as a public member of advisory committees (e.g., ECBC) to ensure continuity of data insights.

Meeting adjourned at 5:53 PM. The regular City Council meeting began shortly after.