CC-pkt-2026-06-25

City Commission Work Session · 2026-06-25 · agenda_packet

The City Commission held a work session on June 25, 2026, to discuss the lease terms for the Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, located at 460 E. New England Ave. The primary concern is the upcoming rent increase from approximately $11,000 per month to $22,000 per month, effective August 28, 2026. Blue Bamboo has requested a collaborative discussion to explore options for lease adjustments, including rent costs and the use of the second and third floors. Several options were presented, ranging from recognizing Blue Bamboo as an arts hub with adjusted rent, amending the master lease for broader occupancy, approving an educational partnership, providing rent relief, exploring long-term cultural development, allowing flexible usage of upper floors, to potential relocation. The discussion aimed to preserve the arts mission, protect public investment, maintain community access, and create a sustainable financial model. Public comment or stakeholder sentiment was not explicitly stated in the provided text, but the document notes that Blue Bamboo has received unanimous support from the Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Advisory Council for its project scope change request.