ACTION Apartment Association

Rent Revolt: U.S. Asking Prices Drop 2.1%

12/29/2023 10:53 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

In November, the median asking rent in the United States witnessed a significant year-over-year drop of 2.1%, hitting $1,967—a substantial decline not seen since February 2020, as reported by Redfin.

Councilmember Gleam Davis Proposes Building Housing On the Santa Monica Airport After it Closes in 2028

12/21/2023 8:44 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

by Tricia Crane

We were promised open space. So why is the City of Santa Monica studying high density housing?

Santa Monica to Boost Homeless Clean-Up Efforts

12/21/2023 8:39 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

A clean-up crew contracted by the City to remove waste and debris left behind by the homeless could be brought "in-house" with expanded hours next spring, according to City officials.

Deployed every Tuesday and Thursday since late September, the three-member Homeless Support Team (HoST) picked up 7.5 tons of trash in October and 30.7 tons in November as trash totals grow exponentially, City officials said.

Reasons Not to Repeal Costa-Hawkins Vacancy De-Control - it Will Hurt Renters

12/20/2023 9:47 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

by Jay Johnson

It is bad for RENTERS, bad for our city, bad for homeowners, bad for condo owners, bad for prospective tenants, bad for new construction, and bad for our apartment supply.

Council Approves Raises for City Manager, Police Chief

12/20/2023 9:45 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Under the adjusted salary rates approved by the City Council Tuesday, City Manager David White will earn an annual base pay of $402,552, while Police Chief Ramon Batista will make $376,764.

Tonight’s council meeting

12/19/2023 12:15 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The last council meeting of 2023 is actually quite substantial with the Santa Monica Airport, pay bumps for city staff and negotiations for the sale of public land all on the agenda.

Council Takes Up Tax to Boost Traffic Safety

12/19/2023 11:58 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The proposed tax -- placed on the agenda by Councilmembers Jesse Zwick, Gleam Davis and Caroline Torosis -- would increase the City's parking facility tax, which is currently 10 percent.

Revenues from the measure -- which would preserve free 90-minute parking in the downtown lots -- would be used to "reduce traffic congestion and the risk of traffic fatalities and serious injuries."

Santa Methica

12/18/2023 10:12 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Santa Methica after years of decline under SMRR's radical iron boot, has slipped from world-renowned beachside hip trendy city, to skippable, sketchy/dangerous footnote. International travelers have stayed away, not come back, even after Covid, and domestic and even local visitation is of course also dramatically down from the peak years of the "oughts." The lost tax revenue is incalculable. The town has been steered into a bottomless elevator shaft, our hapless city council continuing its insane anti-police, pro-vagrancy stance, as the incompetent Punchinellos at Downtown Santa Monica Inc. fight endless inane, woke battles centering on which private security company to hire or fire.

S.M.a.r.t Column: On the Clock with Mayor Brock

12/18/2023 10:07 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Even though progress has been made in correcting the course of our city, there is still much to accomplish. Our public safety is still at risk, and the influx of homeless individuals continues to deal crushing blows to Santa Monica. The city has replenished our police force with over fifty replacement uniformed officers to help protect everyone who lives, works, or visits our city. I will NOT REST until our town is considered one of the safest in California.

City Denies That Upgrades Are Needed Amidst LA’s Largest Rent-Controlled Housing Eviction in 40 Years

12/18/2023 10:03 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Contrary to the company’s assertions made to the City Council and investors, a city spokesperson contradicted the purported requirements according to Capitol and Main. The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety clarified that the mentioned enhancements were neither requested nor mandated. Todd Golden, business manager for Sprinkler Fitters U.A. Local Union 709, said, as quoted by Capitol and Main.com, “I’ve just never heard of such a thing that they have to evacuate all three buildings. It’s not part of what we do.”