July 15, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica City Council Unanimously Approves Balanced Biennial Budget for FY 2023-2025

Budget Allocation Supports Homelessness, Safety, and Sustainability Initiatives 

By Dolores Quintana

Last night, the Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved a balanced biennial budget for Fiscal Years 2023-2025. This budget represents a significant restoration of services since 2020 and builds upon previous efforts to address the COVID-19 crisis and invest strategically in key areas. The Council identified several priority areas during its March 11, 2023 workshop, including Addressing Homelessness, Clean and Safe Santa Monica, Cultivating Economic Recovery and Expanding Community and Cultural Offerings, Promoting Racial Justice, Equity, and Social Diversity, and Creating a Sustainable and Connected Community.

Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis expressed enthusiasm for the budget, stating, “As we continue to recover from the pandemic, the approval of the Biennial Budget adds to the City’s momentum and focuses our next two years. I’m looking forward to the expansion of our beloved programs and ask for the community’s support as enhancements are implemented to address what’s most important to our residents.”

The overall proposed biennial budget for FY 2023-2025 amounts to approximately $745.0 million in FY 2023-24 and $750.6 million in FY 2024-25, after accounting for reimbursements and transfers. These figures differ by $4.2 million and $4.1 million, respectively, from the amounts presented at the Budget Study Session in May 2023.

The final budget aligns with Council priorities and incorporates revenues from Measure CS, which was approved by voters in November 2022. Some of the key allocations and initiatives included in the budget are:

  • Allocating resources to public safety initiatives, such as expanding the Homeless Liaison Program team by adding six police officers and one police sergeant, enhancing patrol operations, investing in community safety technology, and providing increased patrol and security services at the Pier, Beach, and Downtown. The budget also includes the implementation of a transit safety officer program for Big Blue Bus and additional staff for the Santa Monica Animal Shelter.
  • Expanding efforts to address homelessness, including the addition of a multidisciplinary outreach team to areas outside of Downtown and the Beach, developing a Homelessness Strategic Plan, expanding SAMOSHEL hours for 24/7 intakes, allocating funds for eviction prevention, establishing a 3-1-1 outreach response in partnership with the Salvation Army, and adding a dedicated Santa Monica Fire Department case manager.
  • Enhancing public works teams to maintain clean public spaces, with increased frequencies for alley clearing, improved illegal dumping and bulky item pickup services, and enhanced tree pruning in high-traffic areas.
  • Organizational realignment to create the Housing and Human Services Department and the Recreation and Arts Department, aiming to address social and economic challenges, promote community healing and recovery, and provide enriching services and programs.
  • Grants to support the behavioral health needs of vulnerable residents.
  • Further restoration of youth programs, including increased staffing for CREST afterschool programs, ongoing staffing for the Police Activities League and Virginia Avenue Park youth programs, and support for SMMUSD’s Playground Club program.
  • Restoring Santa Monica Public Library’s programs and hours, such as extending hours at the Main Library on Saturdays, extending evening hours at all open locations from Monday to Thursday, and opening the Main Library one hour earlier from Monday to Thursday.
  • Continued funding for the Art of Recovery program, which supports inclusive and diverse cultural activities promoting mental well-being, community building, and economic recovery.
  • Allocation of funds for essential road maintenance and rehabilitation projects.
  • Support for monthly meetings of the Landmarks Commission.
  • Introduction of a new small businesses assistance program.
  • Establishment of a Citywide ADA Coordinator.
  • Restoration of the City Traffic Engineer position to advance mobility projects and develop a multi-year traffic signal preventative maintenance program.
  • Ongoing work on action plans for zero waste, sustainable water, and electrification of the City’s fleet.

The adopted biennial budget can be accessed on the City’s official website at https://finance.smgov.net/budgets-reports/annual#.

<>Related Posts

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...

Santa Monica Man Arrested for Allegedly Exporting Electronics to Iran

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Ostovari, identified as the CEO of a Tehran-based engineering firm, allegedly orchestrated the scheme since 2018  A 66-year-old Santa Monica...

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Film Review: Jurassic World: Rebirth

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“The story is simplistic and predictive, and that’s all it needs to be, because the age-old battle to survive the...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

SM.a.r.t.Column: Does the Rand Corporation have a future in Santa Monica?

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“Although no one said it outright, it is clear to all that RAND is feeling—and will continue to feel—the impact...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Conservancy to Tour Historic Miles Playhouse at State of the City Event

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Built in 1929, the Miles Playhouse serves as the centerpiece of Lincoln Park The Santa Monica Conservancy will offer 15-minute...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...