The Hollywood Park Economic Development Corporation voted to maintain its existing rideshare gift-card program policy and distribution approach, saying the EDC will not add eligibility stipulations tied to health-inspection scores for the next round of cards.

The decision came after more than an hour of discussion at the EDC meeting, during which members and guests debated whether cards should be limited to restaurants with high health-inspection scores, whether distribution creates legal exposure for the city, and how the program could be used to deepen the EDC’s relationship with local businesses.

Why it matters: The rideshare cards are a recurring, small-budget EDC program intended to encourage safe transportation around high-traffic holidays, promote local businesses and build engagement between the EDC and merchants. Members said the program’s cost is low relative to other line items but that clearer outreach and follow-up could strengthen the effort.

What members discussed: Speakers raised several concerns and suggestions. Some members argued that tying eligibility to health scores (for example, requiring a 95 score) would create “winners and losers” and risk ill will among local business owners. Others proposed using inspection results as a promotional tool — publishing scores in the city’s Sparks publication — to reward high-performing restaurants and give small operators more exposure.

Legal and liability questions were debated at length. One member warned that even if the EDC is not legally responsible for third-party conduct, the city can be drawn into litigation. Other members countered that the cards are an arm’s-length, low-cost public-safety tool and that many restaurants said the cards helped employees and patrons during past New Year’s Eve events.

Outcome and next steps: A motion “to maintain the status quo on the rideshare gift-card program” (no new stipulations) was made, seconded and approved by the board. Members also directed staff and volunteers to draft an introductory outreach letter to participating businesses inviting voluntary reporting on how cards were used and to place further refinement of the program on a committee agenda. Staff said any expanded distribution would need to be purchased in time for New Year’s Eve and would be scheduled for the December meeting if additional changes were proposed.

Program history/clarifying details: Members said the EDC previously capped the program budget (discussed as $2,500 total in earlier rounds) and divided it evenly among participating businesses (historically about $250 per business when 10 businesses participated). At the meeting the board identified nine food-and-drink businesses that accept the cards; one vendor does not accept them. Members agreed to keep distribution equal this round rather than vary amounts by employee count.

Community engagement: The board asked that recipients be invited — voluntarily — to report back to the EDC (by letter, email or brief presentation) about how they used cards so the EDC can evaluate and improve the program. Several members suggested the newly formed strategy and operations committee or an outreach subcommittee draft the introductory letter and manage follow-up.

Speakers (selected): Austin Mills (city attorney); Jeanette (city staff); Fred (financial reporter, absent but his financial numbers were read); Martha Sanchez (EDC member); Brian (EDC member); unnamed EDC members and business owners who addressed the meeting.

Ending: The EDC approved keeping the program unchanged for the upcoming distribution cycle and asked staff and committee volunteers to prepare outreach materials and to return recommendations for program reporting and any potential eligibility changes at a future meeting.