A.
The City of West Hollywood has a long and historic tradition of serving as a hub for the LGBTQ+ community and culture. Centered within Santa Monica Boulevard, the city's unofficial LGBTQ+ district, the "Rainbow District," is renowned for its vibrant queer nightlife scene, drawing visitors from across the region, nation, and around the world.
B.
The city's Rainbow District has cultural significance to the city as it is within the footprint of the WeHo Pride Street Fair, WeHo Pride Parade, and Halloween Carnaval, which attract tens of thousands of visitors annually and play a vital role in celebrating LGBTQ+ pride and history.
C.
The Rainbow District serves as a vibrant "urban village," home to a concentration of LGBTQ+ nightlife venues, restaurants, and community-serving establishments that contribute significantly to the city's cultural fabric and economic vitality.
D.
To preserve the historical significance and economic strength of the city's unofficial Rainbow District, the city desires to formally designate and define the city's LGBTQ+ district as the West Hollywood Rainbow District.
E.
Designating the Rainbow District aligns with adopted city strategies to support year-round tourism, invest in placemaking, and preserve West Hollywood's identity as an inclusive destination for nightlife and cultural experiences.
(Ord. 25-16, 8/18/2025)