Mar Vista Voice - January 30, 2025

Tuesday night marked a significant milestone for the future of Santa Monica, as dedicated community members came together to advocate for inclusive housing as part of the airport reuse plan. Many individuals took the time to write, speak, and share their perspectives at the Santa Monica City Council meeting. Their voices made a difference, contributing to an important step forward.

The City Council’s decision to direct staff to study all reuse options—including housing—signals a meaningful shift in the conversation. Previously, Measure LC only permitted park uses for the site, but due to the efforts of advocates, there is now an opportunity to explore the inclusion of below-market housing alongside a great public park. This decision ensures that Santa Monica’s future remains accessible to families who might otherwise be priced out of the city, reinforcing values of inclusiveness and fairness.

This is just the beginning. In the coming months, continued engagement in the process will be necessary, working closely with city staff and consultants. The focus will be on developing financially feasible housing solutions that integrate seamlessly with the park. Additionally, participation in community and commission meetings will be essential to reaffirming commitment to making this vision a reality.