Santa Monica stands at the edge of history.
For nearly a century, residents have consistently supported turning the airport land into a public park. It began in 1926, when voters taxed themselves to buy this land for public use. In 2014, voters passed Measure LC to protect this land for parks, recreation, and open space — and to ensure any other use would require a direct vote of the people.
In 2017, a unanimous City Council passed Resolution 11026 to close the airport as soon as legally possible. That same year, the City signed a court-approved Consent Decree between the city and the FAA, guaranteeing the ability to close Santa Monica Airport after December 31, 2028.
Between 2023 and 2025, thousands of residents engaged in the city’s Sasaki-led visioning process. They spoke clearly: we want a park — not more development. And just last week, the Santa Monica Democratic Club overwhelmingly endorsed that vision with a fully LC‑compliant Great Park — with no housing, no privatization, and no delay. A proposal to include housing was decisively defeated.
The public mandate is clear. And there is no financial obstacle.
The land and buildings are already owned by the city and generate over $22 million in lease revenue annually. With an enterprise fund and thoughtful budgeting, the park can be self-sustaining — with no new taxes or burden on the general fund.
All that’s needed now is leadership.
On Tuesday, July 8, City Council will decide whether to begin planning the Great Park the people have long demanded — or risk delay, division, and the erosion of public trust.
This is a moment for courage and clarity. Let’s not lose what it took 100 years to make possible. Four council votes can fulfill a century-old promise.
Residents who want to see the airport finally close and a true Great Park take its place should email City Council and attend the July 8 meeting at City Hall. Now is the time to act.
Alan Levenson
Santa Monica Resident | Founder, NoJets | LC Campaign Veteran
