A proclamation declaring October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in San Luis Obispo, recognizing the efforts of Lumina Alliance and encouraging everyone to work together to address domestic violence and help local survivors connect with services.
A proclamation declaring the week of October 13 – 19, 2025 as Apprenticeship Week in San Luis Obispo, recognizing the vital role apprenticeships provide in creating a qualified and highly skilled workforce in the building and construction trades, and encouraging the community to participate in the local Apprenticeship Forum and Job Fair at the Pipe Trades Hall, 3710 Broad Street in San Luis Obispo, on Wednesday, October 15 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
A proclamation declaring the week of October 5 – 11, 2025 as Fire Prevention Week, urging all residents to learn how to handle Lithium-Ion batteries safely during this week and to support fire prevention and public safety events organized by the San Luis Obispo City Fire Department, including the SLO City Fire Department’s Open House at Fire Station #1, 2160 Santa Barbara Avenue, on Saturday, October 11 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Consent Agenda Highlights Council approved all items on the Consent Agenda, including:
The annual update on the Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP); the Council authorized staff to apply for grants that would help fund the economic development work through 2028.
Project plans to improve pedestrian safety for the crosswalk at South Street and King Court, in line with City’s Vision Zero initiative; the Council authorized staff to advertise the project for construction bids.
Changes to certain fees, including fee reductions for some Parks and Recreation fees; The City Council authorized staff to issue refunds to customers for fees paid since October 1, 2024, where the fee is recommended to be reduced.
The City Council receivedand approved the Tourism Business Improvement District Board’s (TBID) annual report for FY 2024-25, which showed the City collected a record-breaking $11.4 million in transient occupancy tax revenue – 3.2% above the prior year. Transient occupancy tax, or TOT, is a local tax added to the cost of the room that visitors pay when they stay overnight. The money collected goes to the City’s General Fund, where it helps pay for public services that both residents and visitors benefit from, such as police and fire protection, parks, street maintenance, and community events. The Council also declared its intention to continue the TBID and to levy and collect assessments within the TBID area in FY 2025-26 at the same rate as in FY 2024-25 (2%). The Council scheduled the public hearing for October 21, 2025, to consider renewing the district.
The City Council held a study session to discuss fire safety standards for properties in SLO. City staff presented a report on the updated California Wildland Urban Interface Code (WUI Code), which the City must adopt to ensure fire safety for our community. The required changes are being driven by recently adopted CalFire Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps, which now place 64% of parcels in SLO in moderate, high, or very high fire hazard severity zones – an increase of nearly 8,800 properties compared to the old maps. That means more properties are required to follow the rules identified in the State’s WUI Code than before regarding defensible space, home hardening, landscape and vegetation management. Many community members attended the study session to hear about the requirements, share their concerns related to enforcement, and share ideas for removing barriers to meeting the requirements while also maintaining the character of the community. Council directed staff to develop an approach that reduces barriers and improves clarity and awareness and focuses on education, so that property owners and managers can more easily meet the state’s requirements over the next three years. For more information, community members are encouraged to visit www.slocity.org/Wildfire.
Looking Ahead
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The community is invited to save the date for this meeting, as there will be an important discussion studying statewide property fire-safety standards that affect more property owners in San Luis Obispo now that updated Fire Hazard Severity Zones have been adopted.
Attendees of City Council or Advisory Body meetings are eligible for one hour of complimentary parking in designated City garages. Learn more at Parking for Public Meetings.
