By Jorge Casuso

December 6, 2023 -- Cirque Du Soleil could be back in town next year after a decade away, and it could give Santa Monica's economy a much needed boost, according to a staff report to the City Council.

Under a proposed agreement the Council will take up Tuesday, the Canadian circus company would return next October -- marking the fifth time since 1987 that it hoists its big top near the Pier.

Cirque Du Soleil could generate more than $20 million in spending by visitors during the show's approximately ten-week run, based on an economic impact study conducted after its 2009 stay, staff said.

That includes spending in local restaurants, hotels and other businesses and "the generation of additional sales and transient occupancy taxes," staff wrote.

The circus -- which would occupy the parking lot north of the Pier from October 1, 2024 through January 24, 2025 -- is expected to pay a $1,547,882 rental fee, staff said.

Funds would cover lost parking revenue, support beach operations and maintenance and provide "additional anticipated revenues," staff wrote in the report.

The benefits include "parking revenues at the City’s parking structures, purchase of local supplies and services by Cirque for its operation (and) accommodations for its staff and performers."

Cirque du Soleil, along with Spirit Awards and LA Wine and Food Festival, responded to the City's Request for Proposals (RFP) in June.

Cirque's proposal was chosen after the company switched its run from "spring/summer to the City’s off-peak visitor period of fall/winter" and agreed to "the need for comprehensive marketing and hotel packaging."

It also provided more details on parking and transportation and efforts to address the impacts on neighboring businesses and residences during its nearly four-month stay.

"To mitigate potential impacts to neighboring businesses on the Pier, Cirque proposes to provide direct and in-kind assistance in addition to other mitigation measures," staff wrote.

The return of the "world-renown" entertainment company would showcase local businesses and position Santa Monica "as a sought-after location to attract both local and international events," staff said.

It also would pose parking and circulation challenges that require a comprehensive Parking and Traffic Management Plan that "could be used as a model for other large events the City hopes to attract in the future."

Cirque first visited Santa Monica in 1987, three years after it was founded, and returned in 1987, 2009, 2012 and 2014.

After its 2009 stay, an economic impact study commissioned by the City found a "net fiscal benefit" of about $16.7 million, or $22.5 million in 2023 dollars.

If an agreement is reached, Cirque's "Kooza" performances would run from October 22, 2024 to January 5, 2025.