Santa Monica City Council Meeting July 28, 2026

The City of Santa Monica held a City Council meeting on July 28, 2026, which included both regular and special sessions. Key procurement-related discussions focused on housing and homelessness interventions. The council considered several policy decisions including the preservation and city takeover of the Palm Motel as interim housing for homeless residents, with an emphasis on maintaining 24/7 security and good neighbor agreements. They also discussed funding allocations, including the use of Providence St. John's Development Agreement funds and a $5 million grant application to support these initiatives. Additionally, the council reviewed the formation of the Westside Cities Affordable Housing Trust, with a motion to continue the item to the September 8 meeting to renegotiate terms before approval. The meeting included a presentation on the Missing Middle Housing Realignment Plan, which proposes zoning and development standards to increase affordable housing options. The council voted to incorporate this plan into future housing element work and to consider supporting related state legislation (AB1070). Other procurement actions included approval of travel funds for a council member's participation in a social housing field study program in Vienna and the waiving of city fees to support a community event, the Butterfly Brawl. Several appointments were made to the new Restorative Justice Commission and the Housing and Human Services Commission. The meeting also addressed charter amendments related to eviction protections, with a resolution to place a measure on the ballot. Overall, the meeting involved significant discussions and motions related to housing policy, procurement of services for homelessness intervention, budget appropriations, and commission appointments.