Santa Monica Charts Path to Realignment

Complementary initiatives have been developed as part of the plan to reinforce these public safety efforts: 

• Relocating and re-imagining the SAMOSHEL homeless shelter into a new “healing center” model that integrates addiction treatment, mental health care, and transitional housing pathways. 
• Expanding the SaMo Bridge diversion facility to increase alternatives to incarceration. 
• Enhancing prosecutorial capacity within the City Attorney Office’s Criminal Unit, boosting misdemeanor case-filing rates to approximately 90 percent of legally fileable cases (about 3,500 per year). 
• Partnering with Metro to align enforcement at the end-of-line E Line platforms and improve transit safety. 
• Exploring new policy tools, including a potential Vehicle Habitation Ordinance modeled on San Diego’s balanced approach.  

The plan also launches a $3.5 million Downtown Capital Improvement Program, restoring civic identity through the following projects: 

• Tree-canopy renewal (37 new trees, 403 tree-well upgrades)
• Crosswalk and signage modernization 
• 20,000 square feet of sidewalk repairs and Promenade paver replacements 
• Trash receptacle replacement and safety barrier installations 
• Gateway landscaping, artist crosswalks, and fountain restorations 

An additional $500,000 is allocated for targeted corridor reinvestments with Business Improvement Districts on Montana Avenue, Main Street, Pico Boulevard, and Ocean Park Boulevard. The program also includes new Vision Zero investments that will fund quick-build pedestrian-safety projects across high-injury corridors. 

2. Activating Economic Opportunity & Growth 

Economic revitalization is essential to long-term stability. 

With retail vacancies near 16 percent and office vacancies around 35 percent, the Realignment Plan pairs safety and infrastructure improvements with policies to attract investment and visitors. 

Highlights include: 

• Launch of a large-format Santa Monica Music Festival in 2026 in partnership with Goldenvoice, along with monthly Promenade activation events and community programming supported by Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). 
• Modernizing permitting to achieve the following plan-review timelines: 
• Residential Plan Review Turnaround Times:  
• ADU conversions – 1 week 
• ADU new construction – 2 weeks 
• Single Unit Dwelling new construction – 3 weeks 
• Single Unit Dwelling remodel – 2 weeks 
• Non-Residential & Mixed Use Plan Review Turnaround Times:  
• Nonresidential or mixed-use building new construction – 5 weeks 
• Retail/Office structural tenant improvement – 2 weeks 
• Restaurant tenant improvement – 2 weeks 
• Commercial non-structural tenant improvements – 1 week 
• Implementing an AI-based Archistar pilot program for single-family and ADU plan-checks.  
• Reducing outdoor dining fees to $1 per square foot for sidewalk dining and $2 per square foot for parklets, while eliminating city wastewater capacity charges. 
• Temporarily suspending Transportation Demand Management survey requirements for businesses. 
• Reopening all branch libraries by 2026 as neighborhood learning and workforce-development hubs. 
• Exploring expansion of Entertainment Zones Downtown, at the Pier, and within other BID corridors. 

3. Developing Affordable, Livable & Secure Housing for All 

Housing stability underpins community health. 

The plan introduces several housing related programs and policies, including: 

• A Vacant Property Registration Ordinance targeting approximately 170 vacant parcels to deter blight and promote reuse. 
• A Rent Registry Ordinance covering approximately 15,000 non-rent-controlled units to enhance transparency and tenant protections. 
• Additional Code Enforcement staff to provide seven-day coverage and evening response. 
• Focused city-led housing development Downtown, leveraging municipal land to produce housing and re-energize the Promenade while exploring ways to ensure that development along the boulevards remains compatible with existing neighborhoods. 

4. Creating Organizational Capacity 

Delivering on Realignment requires rebuilding the operational backbone of the city. 

Investments to create greater city organizational capacity include: 

• Restoring maintenance and cleaning capacity for parking structures, parks, and beaches, with new custodial, groundskeeping, and mechanical staff. 
• Expanding the Homeless Support Team (HoST) to seven-day service with enhanced cleanup and response capability. 
• Launching the city-operated Ambulance Operator Program in 2026, generating an estimated $7 million in annual revenue. 
• Re-establishing the Urban Forester position and pruning program. 
• Reinvesting in certain city operations – Finance, Human Resources, Event Services, and Marine Safety – to support expanded service delivery. 
• Initiating a land-asset strategy for key city-owned Downtown parcels (including 4th/5th/Arizona, Parking Structure 1, Old Fire Station 1, Kiss-and-Ride Lot), projected to generate $100-$200 million in value and replenish cash reserves to the $200-$300 million range by 2028. 

5. Building Organizational Health 

The Realignment Game Plan also recognizes that a strong city depends on a healthy workforce. 

The plan also launches a cultural renewal effort – “One SaMo” – built on the values of Humility, Integrity, Motivation, and Care, emphasizing team orientation, accountability, and care for colleagues and community alike.   

Fiscal Framework and Road to Balance 

The Realignment Game Plan also outlines a 24-month fiscal stabilization program that funds strategic investments while achieving a structurally balanced General Fund by FY 2027-28.   

Key fiscal components include: 

• Expenditure realignment producing about $7.5 million in annual savings. 
• New recurring revenues (approximately $24 million per year) from updated parking programs, EMS transport, credit-card recovery, digital-signage concessions, and fee compliance. 
• Exploration of a 2026 parcel tax measure to maintain partnership funding between the city and Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District. 
• Strategic land-asset monetization to rebuild reserves and restore fiscal resilience.  

A Plan for Renewal 

“Realignment is about getting Santa Monica back on its feet,” City Manager Oliver Chi said. “We’re investing in public safety, cleaning up our streets, and rebuilding the financial and organizational strength that make great cities endure. This plan is a promise – that Santa Monica’s best days are ahead.” 

Residents can review the complete staff report and attachments at santamonica.gov and are invited to attend or livestream the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, City Hall.