Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, March 02, 2021
Discussion
SUBJECT:
Title
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE FORMATION OF AN AD HOC COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS E-COMMERCE IN THE CITY OF CARSON (CITY COUNCIL)
Body
I. SUMMARY
At the February 16, 2021, City Council Meeting, Councilmember Cedric Hicks requested the formation of an Ad Hoc Committee to address e-commerce in the City of Carson.
The Ad Hoc Committee would focus on e-commerce attracting fulfillment centers and other businesses that serve as the point of sale where a retail transaction is completed, thereby increasing the City’s sales tax collection.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
APPROVE the formation of an E-Commerce Ad Hoc Committee consisting of two members of the City Council.
APPOINT two members of the City Council to serve on the E-Commerce Ad Hoc Committee.
Body
III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE another action the City Council deems appropriate.
IV. BACKGROUND
This item is being introduced at the request of Councilmember Cedric Hicks as a mechanism to increase sales tax collection in Carson. E-commerce includes fulfillment centers and other businesses that serve as the point of sale where a retail transaction is completed.
The Ad Hoc Committee could consider a broad range of topics related to e-commerce, including zoning regulations to adequately regulate and encourage future e-commerce facilities in Carson, and identifying initiatives that the City may undertake to encourage the purchase of goods and other taxable items through points of sale in Carson, thereby increasing the City’s sales tax revenue.
This digital transformation would help enable Carson businesses to reach more locations and connect to more opportunities with more access than before. The Ad Hoc Committee could also study policies that could help maximize the City’s advantages and strengths related to attracting e-commerce businesses.
V. FISCAL IMPACT
There are no direct costs to this item. However, should the Subcommittee recommend any projects, programs, or initiatives related to e-commerce business attraction and retention in the City, staff will provide cost estimates as appropriate.
VI. EXHIBITS
None
Prepared by: Sharon Landers, City Manager, and Michael George, Assistant to the City Manager