Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Monica public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in development
Zoning and Development Policy Commentary
Santa Monica’s City Council is moving on big density and zoning changes to comply with state housing mandates like SB 79, and a local architect says that’s happening before residents get a real say. If neighborhood control matters to you, this is a fight over who actually decides what gets built.
Tierra Apartments affordable senior housing
The TEFRA hearing cleared the way for $28 million in tax-exempt bonds for 82 units of affordable senior housing, including 40 supportive housing units, starting construction this July.
Proposed Santa Monica Sports Community City at the airport
A coalition including PLLA and SC Santa Monica pitched converting the Santa Monica Airport property into a sports and community destination, potentially bringing an MLS team, nature reserve and economic driver to the site.
Virginia Avenue apartments rehabilitation accountability
Displaced residents of the 40-unit CCSM rehab project — funded with roughly $37 million in city housing trust funds — demanded transparency amid a $3 million cost overrun, mold and communication failures. The council directed staff to engage CCSM and build a permanent accountability framework.
Santa Monica Renter Aid program
A $6 million, five-year Measure GS-funded program giving rental assistance and case management to households up to 120% AMI facing homelessness, administered by The People Concern. Up to 150 households a year, launching summer 2026.