Since The We Are Santa Monica Fund was created in spring 2020, more than $1.1 million has been donated to the cause; and now, city leaders must determine how to equitably allocate the funding in the future.

Read More: https://www.smdp.com/council-creates-we-are-santa-monica-fund-advisory-board/201960

On February 12, Assembly Member Frank Bigelow introduced Assembly Bill 664 to suspend annual tax payments for small businesses. The bill would amend Sections 17935, 17941, 17948, and 19001, and add Section 19001.5 to the Revenue and Taxation Code. This measure contains an urgency clause and would take effect immediately upon enactment if passed by 2/3 of both houses of the Legislature.

Read More: https://californiaglobe.com/section-2/new-bill-to-suspend-annual-tax-payments-for-small-business/

The City of Santa Monica is looking to introduce a new policy that would allow historically-displaced residents a chance to return to the neighborhoods of their ancestors.

Earlier this month, local leaders called on the community to provide input on the possibility of adding a new “Right to Return” criteria to the city’s Below Market Housing program, a local initiative that provides Santa Monica residents and workers with apartments in the private sector at a rent that is lower than market rate.

Read More: https://www.smdp.com/commission-pushes-right-to-return-proposal-to-council/201934

The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Santa Monica, will host the annual State of the City on Wednesday February 24th, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.

Read More: http://smchamber.com/stateofthecity/

This week the City Council started discussing the next move for the Santa Monica Promenade, our beleaguered and onetime downtown city jewel. Beset by collapsing sales, contagious vacancies, safety and sanitation issues, the onetime city jewel has lost its luster. 

Read More: https://smmirror.com/2021/02/sma-r-t-column-the-promenade-leaving-the-past-to-reimagine-its-future/

Tenants seeking protection must submit a declaration for each month that they are un-able to pay, and pay 25 percent of rent due for September 2020 – June 2021 by June 30, 2021. State law only protects tenants from eviction due to non-payment of rent. The City of Santa Monica also enacted an eviction moratorium for residential and some commercial tenants.

Read More on page 5: https://s3.amazonaws.com/smdp_backissues/021321.pdf

The City is seeking candidates of "diverse backgrounds and experiences" to serve on Santa Monica’s first civilian police oversight commission.

Appointed by the City Council, the 11-member Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission will work with the Police Department and experts to "recommend reforms to SMPD policies, practices, and handling of complaints regarding SMPD conduct," City officials said.

Read More: https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2021/February-2021/02_11_2021_City_Seeks_Applicants_for_Police_Oversight_Commission.html

The search for Santa Monica’s next city manager is officially underway.

Santa Monica City Council unanimously directed staff Tuesday to retain Lamont Ewell of Ralph Andersen & Associates, who is now set to begin searching for Santa Monica’s first permanent manager since Rick Cole resigned in April 2020.

Having previously managed the cities of Santa Monica, San Diego, and Durham, North Carolina, Councilmembers said they believe Ewell has the experience necessary to find the best candidates for the job.

Read More: https://www.smdp.com/search-for-new-city-manager-underway/201814

Santa Monica City Council voted Tuesday to formally oppose two bills that are currently proposed in the state legislature, despite concerns the City would be seen as anti-affordable housing.

Councilmembers voted 5-1 to oppose SB 9 and SB 10 as they are currently written. Councilmember Gleam Davis was the only no-vote and Mayor Sue Himmelrich recused herself from the vote prior to discussion of the two items.

Read More: https://www.smdp.com/council-clashes-in-debate-over-housing-bills/201812

Embarking in a new direction, the Santa Monica City Council voted early Wednesday morning to oppose two housing bills sponsored by liberal lawmakers in Sacramento that would pave the way for more housing.

Read More:https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2021/February-2021/02_10_2021_New_Council_Breaks_With_Past_Housing_Policies.html