ACTION Apartment Association

SM.a.r.t Column: Why Go Beyond?

01/16/2026 3:39 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Why is this Council going beyond the already transformative state laws on housing density?

City Extends Developer Perks for Off-Site Affordable Housing

01/16/2026 3:36 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Approved as an emergency ordinance by the Council in August, the program -- which is meant to kick-start construction in a tough financial market -- met its original applicant quota in its first week.

On Tuesday, the Council voted 4 to 1 to codify the 1,088 units accepted under the existing Affordable Housing Pilot Program (AHPP) and extended the program for eligible projects that total some 3,000 additional units.

‘Prisoner housing’ is on the table for Ocean Ave.

01/15/2026 11:27 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

CCSM said it did receive a letter from Pustilnikov regarding the purchase and evaluated it out of due diligence. However, they chose not to go forward with any deals, the organization did not need to sell properties to maintain operations and that it was not interested in selling any other property to Pustilnikov. CCSM also disputed the assertion that they had asked the city council to discuss the matter.

‘Prisoner housing’ is on the table for Ocean Ave.

01/15/2026 11:27 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

CCSM said it did receive a letter from Pustilnikov regarding the purchase and evaluated it out of due diligence. However, they chose not to go forward with any deals, the organization did not need to sell properties to maintain operations and that it was not interested in selling any other property to Pustilnikov. CCSM also disputed the assertion that they had asked the city council to discuss the matter.

Council Reveals Closed Session Negotiations

01/15/2026 9:36 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

According to a report from closed session, Community Corporation of Santa Monica (CCSM) has been considering selling their property at 419 Ocean Avenue to Leo Pustilnikov, who attempted to open a transitional housing program for mentally ill homeless individuals next door.

New self-certification building permit program

01/13/2026 9:25 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Part of the city’s Realignment Plan renewal effort, which invests $60 million in business support, service restorations, street improvements and safety initiatives, this voluntary pilot program will allow pre-certified licensed professionals to self-certify that their plans for commercial tenant improvements are compliant with all California codes and local ordinances.

Santa Monica Residents Allege Council Conflicts in Affordable Housing Vote

01/12/2026 12:57 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

A coalition of neighborhood groups has filed a formal complaint alleging three Santa Monica City Council members violated conflict-of-interest laws in approving a major affordable housing project last month, demanding an investigation and voiding of the vote ahead of a scheduled ratification of other housing actions.

Council to Revisit Housing Votes

01/09/2026 3:29 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The City Council Tuesday will recast votes on housing items Councilmember Jesse Zwick voted on after being hired by a housing advocacy group, resulting in a conflict of interest.

City Hires New Housing Director

01/08/2026 9:07 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Aileen Reynolds, who will head the Department of Housing and Human Services, most recently served as Assistant Commissioner of Housing Opportunity at the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development.

New Laws Kick in This Month

01/05/2026 10:30 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Starting last Thursday, a local law requires landlords of market-rate apartment units in Santa Monica -- including single-family homes, condos, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) -- to register them with the City.

Under a State law that also kicked in on January 1, landlords must provide working refrigerators and stoves in rental units, including single family homes.