Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Monica public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues with medium priority
City Council Election Endorsement
A longtime Santa Monica resident and youth volunteer is running for City Council, pointing to his upbringing in rent-controlled housing and local schools. It adds another name to the race, so if you care about housing and schools, this candidate is worth watching.
Local Election Coverage
Santa Monica’s local election races are being broken down into a quick guide so residents can actually figure out who to vote for. If you live here and plan to cast a ballot, this is the shortcut you need before Election Day.
local politics / SMRR endorsement dispute
A Santa Monica councilmember who pays SMRR dues is publicly blasting the renters’ group for giving her an “F” and questioning her integrity, saying it demands loyalty over independent thinking. It’s a local political fight over who really speaks for renters—and it could shape endorsements and election messaging.
Parcel Tax Ballot Measure
Santa Monica voters will decide whether to approve a parcel tax this election. The measure would add a property tax based on each parcel, with the money going to whatever local services the ballot language specifies. The source also compares it with similar measures in nearby cities.