Santa Monica · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Monica public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
City Manager Appointment
Santa Monica has hired Irvine’s city manager, Oliver Chi, to be its new top administrator. He’ll run day-to-day city operations and make key calls on homelessness and the budget. In plain terms: a new power player is taking over City Hall’s staff side.
City Manager Departure
Santa Monica’s city manager is stepping down in February, leaving a big hole at the top of day-to-day city operations. The next hire will help decide how the city tackles homelessness, the budget, and other core services.
Voting Rights Redistricting Litigation
A Santa Monica neighborhood is using the California Voting Rights Act to challenge how the city runs local elections. If it succeeds, the city could switch to district-based elections or redraw representation, changing who represents you on the City Council. It’s a local voting-rights fight with real stakes for neighborhood power and city spending.