The Santa Monica City Council established the Housing and Human Services Department in June with the approval of the 2023-2025 biennial budget, at the same time creating a new Recreation and Arts Department — dividing the functions formerly combined under the Community Services Department.

Among other goals, the move aimed to allow a point of organization for homelessness services and programs, enabling the city to implement programs and services that result from Measures CS and GS, which provide additional tax revenue dedicated to city efforts around affordable housing and homelessness. Averick will join the city effective Nov. 13, with an annual salary of $248,700.

Read More: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2023/10/19/heather-averick-selected-as-new-housing-and-human-services-director