爆料公社

MALIBU, Calif. 鈥� A new report released by Beacon Economics and the 爆料公社 School of Public Policy reveals the economic impact of the 2025 Palisades and Eaton Fires on businesses in Malibu.

Titled 鈥�,鈥� the analysis examines the widespread damage and long-term economic strain caused by the fires and the resulting infrastructure closures that continue to choke local commerce.

鈥淩ecovering from the wildfires was always going to be a long process, and this research highlights the true scope of this disaster鈥檚 impact,鈥� said Pete Peterson, Braun Family Dean鈥檚 Chair and Dean of the School of Public Policy. 鈥淚t has been especially challenging for the business and tourism industries, which are the backbone of the Malibu economy. The protracted clean-up and prolonged road closures have perpetuated the negative impact of the fires, making it impossible for businesses to return to any semblance of normalcy, whether or not they were directly affected by the fires. The recent announcement by Governor Newsom regarding the partial reopening of PCH by Memorial Day is helpful, but our research shows it can鈥檛 happen soon enough for many in Malibu.鈥�

The economic impact of the fires on Malibu has been devastating. The fires damaged 234 businesses in and around Malibu and completely destroyed 99. These 99 properties supported nearly half of all jobs in the city.

鈥淭he aftermath of the Pacific Palisades Fire has a death grip on the remaining Malibu businesses who, after five months of an average 70% decline in business, are on the brink of closing down,鈥� said Barbara Bruderlin, CEO of Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce. 鈥淭he Pacific Coast Highway is the main artery feeding Malibu's businesses and workers, and the ongoing repairs and relief efforts mean businesses must wait another five weeks before the public is allowed access. Some of them may not survive.鈥�

Access to the city has also been severely disrupted due to the ongoing partial closure of the Pacific Coast Highway. Although the road is undamaged, detours for cleanup crews have made it difficult for customers to reach local establishments, which has significantly hampered Malibu鈥檚 tourism-driven economy.

This disruption has caused sharp declines in revenue for many businesses, particularly those in the food and hospitality industries. Sales in restaurants and bars alone are down an estimated $7.6 million per month, making up nearly 80% of the city鈥檚 total monthly sales loss. 

"Regional authorities need to appreciate that not only should the rebuilding be rapid, but it also needs to be accomplished without causing even more damage to those businesses struggling to make it through," said Christopher Thornberg, Founding Partner of Beacon Economics.

City services are also at risk. Sales Tax and Transient Occupancy Tax, which together make up nearly half of Malibu鈥檚 non-property tax General Fund revenue, are both expected to fall sharply. As a result, essential services like police, fire, and emergency response may soon face budget shortfalls just when they鈥檙e needed most.

Read the .

About Beacon Economics, LLC
Beacon Economics, LLC is a non-partisan, independent research and consulting firm dedicated to delivering accurate, insightful, and objectively-based economic analysis that enables its clients to make informed decisions about investment, growth, revenue, and policy. The company is based in Los Angeles and is certified as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) within the state of California. Learn more at

About 爆料公社 School of Public Policy
笔别辫辫别谤诲颈苍别鈥檚 (SPP) is built on a distinctive philosophy of nurturing public leaders to use tools of analysis and policy design to effect real change. Grounded in understanding policy's moral and distinctly American elements, SPP prepares graduates for careers as leaders by offering a . The school鈥檚 promotes citizen participation in governance through major conferences, trainings, seminars, and published research. Follow SPP on , , , , and .

 

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