What's Happening to the Santa Monica Airport?

March 27, 2018 10:52 AM
by Suja Lowenthal

In 2014, Santa Monica voters overwhelmingly supported Measure Local Control (Measure LC) to prohibit new development on Airport land without voter approval, except for parks, public open spaces and public recreational facilities, and to affirm the City Council’s authority to manage Airport land. In 2017, the City Council reached a historic agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that allows the closure of SMO after December 31, 2028. The Santa Monica Airport is undergoing major changes, and the City wants to make sure you’re informed. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions:

Question: I was invited to participate in focus groups to discuss options for future development at the airport. Is the City of Santa Monica sponsoring these focus groups?

Answer: No. The City has not sponsored any focus group discussions on the future of the Airport. Please feel free to reach out to City staff anytime you come across something you would like to confirm is sponsored by the City.

Q: What milestones happened at the airport in 2017?

A: In 2017, the City Council reached a historic agreement with the FAA that allows the permanent closure of the Santa Monica Airport at the end of 2028. The agreement also authorized the City to immediately shorten the Airport runway from 5,000 feet to 3,500 feet. The Council moved to complete the runway shortening in December 2017, fulfilling its commitment to the community to reduce noise and pollution. Additionally, in September 2016, the Council approved the conceptual design for the expansion of Airport Park, which would, upon the identification of construction funding, increase the size of the existing park from 8 acres to 20 acres.

Q: What happens next?

A: Through this lens of expanded open space accessible to the community, we will develop a vision for the future of the entire 227-acre property when the Airport closes at the end of 2028.

If you would like to receive updates about Santa Monica Airport happenings, please send an email to Suja Lowenthal, Senior Advisor on Airport Affairs, at suja.lowenthal@smgov.net and request to be added to the Airport Community Updates group.

Authored By

Suja Lowenthal
Senior Advisor for Airport Affairs