Professional Operating & Management Svcs. for the Yucaipa Performing Art Center

The City of Yucaipa is seeking proposals for a turn-key, financially sustainable operating concept for the Yucaipa Performing Arts Center (YPAC), an 18,850-square-foot multi-purpose facility in the Historic Uptown District. The primary objective is to identify an operator capable of achieving General Fund neutrality, meaning the facility must operate without ongoing City subsidies. The selected proposer will be responsible for the full management, staffing, promotion, and maintenance of the center, with flexibility to implement various business models such as performing arts, live music, food and beverage, or mixed-use concepts. Key requirements include the transfer of operating and financial risk to the operator, the provision of a financial structure that maximizes net benefit to the City, and the potential for private capital investment for facility improvements. The selection process is based on a 100-point weighted system, prioritizing net financial benefit (30 points), General Fund neutrality and risk transfer (20 points), business concept and economic activation of the Uptown District (15 points), and private capital investment (15 points), with remaining points allocated to qualifications and implementation plans. The operator must assume responsibility for existing rentals and the City's in-house theater company agreement while accommodating limited City use for sponsored events. Proposals are due by November 5, 2026, with an anticipated award date of December 14, 2026. The final agreement, including the initial term and renewal options, will be subject to negotiation and approval by the Yucaipa City Council.