Over the years, I have often wondered about the conversations that transpired among the visionaries who conceived the future of Beverly Hills, long before the rest of the world recognized the allure of Rodeo Drive.

These forward-thinking leaders brought forth many iconic investments, including the Beverly Hills Hotel and the Beverly Wilshire, and laid the foundation for the Golden Triangle’s success today. They also created a wonderful school system which has continually attracted residents for generations.

Seeing the city flourish into the Beverly Hills of today would surely exceed even their loftiest expectations. While our city has been blessed to enjoy many years of prosperity, we must do our share to make sure we maintain Beverly Hills as a world-class city. The Cheval Blanc hotel project provides us a unique opportunity to do so, which is why it’s so important to vote Yes on Measures B and C by May 23.

The Cheval Blanc hotel is luxury at its finest, in a fitting location that needs new revitalization. LVMH, the hotel’s parent company, is a longtime anchor business and employer in Beverly Hills. This is not a developer, but a world-class luxury purveyor that understands who we are through years of partnership and investment here. They want to see Beverly Hills thrive, as well. Their ability and willingness to invest in our future benefits all of us.

Our world-class city is not defined solely by our natural beauty, but also by the first-rate amenities and services we enjoy. These include our incredible fire and police departments that contribute heavily to our overall quality of life.

The Cheval Blanc project creates a significant, long-term revenue source to support these and other public services. The benefit of more than $750 million in revenue to the city over 30 years is staggering. In reviewing the Cheval Blanc proposal, the city engaged experts to negotiate what I believe is one of the most beneficial development agreements in the history of Beverly Hills. One of these experts told the council, “I think it’s fair to say that this is the only city in the world that could have made this deal. If you look at virtually any other place … they would be paying subsidies. And here we are exacting premiums.”

But supporting Cheval Blanc is about far more than just the value of the Development Agreement. The approval was the result of years of diligent work by our staff, and many hours of review by our Planning Commission, which voted unanimously to approve the project. The absence of any significant opposition during the approval process speaks volumes about the transparency and thoroughness of our city’s consideration of the project.

The city’s review and approval process is a blueprint that delivers exceptional outcomes. Supporting Measures B and C is supporting that extensive process, which included community input, expert staff analysis and overwhelming approval by the City Council and Planning Commission.

Our exhaustive review over several years brings us to this pivotal moment. Embracing a hotel that is the pinnacle of luxury, and having it located on Rodeo Drive at the Santa Monica gateway to the Golden Triangle, is a vital step toward ensuring our city’s continued prosperity and quality of life.

Cheval Blanc embodies the hopes and aspirations of those whose early vision formed the foundation the city we know and love today. Today, our founders would be proud. Vote yes on Measures B and C.

Beverly Hills Mayor

Dr. Julian Gold