Santa Monica has completed its latest downtown improvements, including 300 California native plants at the 4th/5th Street off-ramp, clearing the 20th Street off-ramp, and sidewalk repairs near Broadway and 6th Street, part of a $60M renewal plan.
Los Angeles County and City have launched a $2.8 million program providing over 280 free, health-code-compliant food carts to eligible sidewalk vendors, helping them meet new legal requirements while reducing financial barriers to formalization.
Tens of thousands nationwide joined the 'Free America Walkout' across all 50 states protesting Trump administration policies on his inauguration anniversary, with significant participation across California including local demonstrations in Venice.
Santa Monica’s 2026 election season has officially begun with the filing of two competing citizen-initiated ballot measures and a potential third up for discussion by City Council on
State Senator Ben Allen has introduced legislation to create a state-backed, low-interest loan program for wildfire safety upgrades. SB 894 aims to make home hardening more affordable for California homeowners following devastating Los Angeles fires.
Santa Monica has expanded Fairview and Ocean Park branch libraries from self-service to full-service operations three days weekly, restoring librarian staffing and programming as part of the city's $60 million Realignment Plan approved last year.
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.
The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health will continue providing services through June 2026 for those affected by the Eaton and Palisades Fires, with two walk-in centers offering counseling, crisis support, and resource connections.
Downtown Los Angeles is being transformed by zoning reforms, financing mechanisms, and adaptive reuse tools that are redefining what's possible in the urban core. City planners, state leaders, and stakeholders outlined a framework signaling a turning point ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
Santa Monica City Council voted 4-1 to expand a pilot program allowing developers to build affordable housing off-site rather than within market-rate projects. The expanded program covers approximately 4,000 units and includes stricter financial and timeline requirements.
Santa Monica City Council voted 4-1 to expand its affordable housing pilot program, allowing developers to build affordable units off-site rather than within market-rate projects. The expansion increases the program from 1,000 to approximately 4,000 units with stronger requirements.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved reforms to make the county's budget process more transparent and accessible. The changes, recommended by the Governance Reform Task Force, will affect budget hearings beginning with fiscal year 2026-27.
