The Santa Monica City Council voted 5-2 to delay reviewing the city's Mills Act historic preservation tax program despite staff having already completed a consultant study on potential reforms. The program offers property tax reductions for historic buildings.
The Santa Monica Fire Department is rolling out a pair of new programs designed to reshape the city's emergency medical response that officials say is aiming to improve
Santa Monica's 2026 election season is underway as Daniel Ivanov, Brett Morrow, Caroline Torosis and Derrick Townsend establish campaign accounts for City Council races. Incumbent Torosis reports $12,175 on hand as three council seats prepare to open.
Tuesday's Santa Monica City Council meeting features homelessness and wildfire emergency renewals, right to recall ordinance, and outdoor dining regulations, plus closed sessions on seven lawsuits and property negotiations.
The Santa Monica City Council is exploring changes to its meeting procedures to improve public participation, including guaranteed two-minute speaking times and restructured closed sessions, though members remain divided on early meetings due to work constraints.
Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved a revised Memorial Park expansion plan, eliminating elevated tennis and pickleball courts to save $17M amid funding shortfalls. The 30-year project will expand the park from 10.3 to 13.2 acres but still faces a $45-58M funding gap.
The Santa Monica City Council voted unanimously to establish a $3.5 million restorative justice program addressing decades of historical harms against African American residents and marginalized communities, funded through a development agreement with RAND Corporation.
The Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved a 25-year Parks and Recreation Vision Plan but amended a key policy to re-evaluate existing artificial turf fields for potential replacement with natural grass alternatives at the end of their lifespan.
Santa Monica City Council will consider a proposal to enter a civic float in the 2027 Tournament of Roses Parade, showcasing the city's renewal to more than 28 million viewers. The community-powered model would rely on private sponsorships rather than city funds.
Santa Monica City Council will vote Tuesday on adopting the 2025 Parks Vision Plan targeting 5 acres per 1,000 residents, the $73-86M Memorial Park expansion, and establishing a groundbreaking $3.5 million restorative justice program.
Santa Monica City Council will vote Tuesday on an ordinance requiring hotels on city-owned property and Pier hospitality businesses to recall laid-off workers and retain employees during ownership changes, addressing potential job security concerns ahead of major international events.
Santa Monica City Council voted 4-2 to explore housing standards that could exceed state requirements, following a conflict of interest ruling that forced revotes on previous housing decisions. The Planning Commission will examine options for larger family-sized homes.
