The task force will examine historical harms experienced by marginalized communities and develop recommendations for restorative justice policies
Santa Monica is now accepting applications for its newly established Landback & Reparations Task Force, following unanimous approval by the City Council earlier this month. The task force will examine historical harms experienced by marginalized communities and develop recommendations for restorative justice policies.
The city is inviting community members and experts in racial and restorative justice to apply for one of 11 seats on the task force, which will report directly to the city manager. Task force members will conduct historical research, engage in public truth-telling initiatives, and explore both monetary and non-monetary reparations options. Their findings will be compiled into a Community Harms Report and a final set of policy recommendations for City Council consideration.
Applications are due by March 21, with selections finalized by March 28. The task force will convene virtually starting in April and meet biweekly through June 2026. Participants will receive a $2,500 stipend upon completion of their term. In addition to task force membership, residents can apply to join subcommittees focused on historical research, fundraising, and community education.
The initiative is part of Santa Monica’s broader commitment to equity and reparative justice, particularly in light of the city’s history of displacing communities of color through redevelopment projects.
One of the key cases under review is the 1957 seizure of property owned by Black entrepreneur Silas White, who had planned to open a Black beach club at 1811 Ocean Avenue. The city used eminent domain to take the land, citing urban renewal policies that intensified racial segregation. Today, the site is partially leased to the Viceroy Hotel, generating revenue for the city while White’s descendants remain uncompensated.
Last year, the Santa Monica City Council voted to explore possible restitution for White’s family, marking a step toward addressing past injustices. The newly formed task force will build upon these efforts by investigating additional cases of displacement and considering reparations policies that could include land returns, financial compensation, or other restorative measures.
City leaders are encouraging residents to participate in the process, whether by applying for the task force, joining a subcommittee, or serving as a Landback & Reparations Ambassador to help disseminate information and counter misinformation.
Applications close at 8 a.m. on March 21.
