Implementation of the plan will begin in early 2026 and will be led by the city’s Housing and Human Services Department
The Santa Monica City Council has approved the city’s first-ever Aging and Disability Action Plan, a comprehensive three-year strategy to improve livability, accessibility, and inclusion for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. The plan, adopted on September 10, comes as the city faces significant demographic changes, with nearly one in five residents now over the age of 65 and many more living with disabilities or serving as caregivers.
The plan was funded through a grant from the California Department of Aging and developed in partnership with the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. City leaders said it is a proactive step to address the growing needs of a population that is aging rapidly, increasingly diverse, and often in need of additional support to remain independent and connected to the community.
Development of the plan was guided by a 16-member Advisory Committee made up of residents, city staff, nonprofit partners, and subject matter experts. More than 500 community members participated in the process through surveys, focus groups, and a public open house. Nearly 70% of respondents said they felt Santa Monica was already age- and disability-friendly, but many pointed to pressing concerns that remain, including housing instability, limited access to affordable transportation, challenges with multilingual communication, and the need for more inclusive emergency preparedness.
The final plan outlines goals focused on five major priorities: improving transportation and public space accessibility; expanding social connections and support systems to reduce isolation; increasing the availability of clear, timely, multilingual information; addressing housing affordability and helping residents remain stably housed; and strengthening neighborhood-level emergency preparedness with inclusive services and education. These goals were vetted by multiple city departments to ensure they are both high-impact and achievable within the three-year timeframe.
Mayor Lana Negrete called the plan “a clear, actionable roadmap” that reflects the voices of hundreds of residents. “It positions us to build on our strengths and take meaningful steps toward a more inclusive, connected, and resilient Santa Monica,” she said.
Implementation of the plan will begin in early 2026 and will be led by the city’s Housing and Human Services Department, working in collaboration with other departments, community organizations, and people with lived experience. The city will provide public updates every six months and submit a final progress report to AARP at the end of the three-year period. While there is no immediate financial impact, officials said implementation will be supported through the strategic use of existing resources and future funding opportunities, with staff expected to return to the City Council for budget approvals as necessary.
With the plan’s adoption, Santa Monica joins nearly 100 California communities working to make cities more age- and disability-friendly, in alignment with the state’s Master Plan for Aging — a 10-year blueprint for preparing for California’s changing population.
