Santa Monica City Council Meeting September 8, 2026

The Santa Monica City Council meeting on September 8, 2026, included extensive discussions on multiple procurement and policy matters. Key procurement-related topics included the launch of a $100,000 Small Business Microgrant Relief Program aimed at supporting local small businesses with grants of $5,000 each, with eligibility criteria and planned outreach detailed. The council also addressed the implementation of an Automated Traffic Enforcement System program, authorizing the establishment of the program and outlining next steps for vendor selection and location approvals. Additionally, the council reviewed and approved a Vision Zero study session report, endorsing a modified safe systems approach to improve roadway safety, including neighborhood traffic calming measures, traffic diversion processes, and curb management pilot programs. The meeting featured numerous appointments to city boards and commissions using a proportional ranked choice voting system, with detailed explanations of the process and results. Other notable procurement and budget items included approval of contracts for real estate planning and design consulting, allocation of discretionary funds for community grants, and authorization to negotiate a community workforce agreement to promote local hiring on city projects. The council also discussed zoning amendments related to SB79 housing law compliance, focusing on upzoning specific parcels to qualify for temporary exclusion from SB79, with significant public input on displacement risks and neighborhood impacts. Several votes were taken on propositions related to housing and local funding. The meeting concluded with a moment of remembrance and adjournment.