One SaMo People's Academy

The city of Santa Monica invites residents to apply for the inaugural One SaMo People’s Academy. This new civic learning program is designed to build understanding, transparency, and trust between residents and their local government by offering an inside look at City operations, priorities, and opportunities for engagement. 

Participants will gain insight into how policies are developed, how budgets are allocated, and how services are delivered, empowering them to become informed, active partners in shaping Santa Monica’s future and strengthening our community’s civic leadership. 

We are seeking a broad and representative group of participants that reflects the diversity of Santa Monica. Residents of all ages, backgrounds, neighborhoods, and lived experiences are encouraged to apply. Our goal is to assemble a cohort that represents the full spectrum of our community and brings a variety of perspectives to the conversation.

FAQs

• Participants must be 18 or older*
• 25 Santa Monica residents, college students, business owners, or community leaders will be selected
• The Academy will meet on Thursday evenings for 6 weeks from 6-8 p.m. starting April 30th
• Applications are due by March 16, 2026

* A separate, one-day Youth Civic Leadership Day will be offered at a later date. More information to come.