ACTION Apartment Association

SMa.r.t. Column: Ode to the Future of My City

08/09/2022 9:25 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

I sit and ask myself “what is the answer”? For smart development, you need a creative balance, a meeting of “business” and “residential” communities before our city’s coffin is nailed shut and buried 6 feet in mistakes. Do we want responsible growth or unbridled growth? Can we reach a successful compromise before it’s too late?

Coastal Commission poised to reject Malibu short-term rental rules

08/08/2022 5:10 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

At present, Malibu is operating under an interim ordinance that limits STRs through a permit system; the proposed new rules, referred to as a “hosted ordinance,” require an onsite host present on the property for the duration of each rental period, for a single-family home, condominium or duplex. Different rules apply to multifamily rental properties.

For its part, Malibu argues that the proliferation of STRs disrupts neighborhoods and removes “some of the most affordable housing options in the City.”

Mixed-Use Downtown Apartment Complex Has Highest Rents in City

08/08/2022 8:44 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

See More at: https://smmirror.com/2022/08/mixed-use-downtown-apartment-complex-has-highest-rents-in-city-santa-monica-real-estate-report-august-8th-2022/

Rental Assistance for Rent Control Increase 2022

08/06/2022 10:12 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The City is aware that tenants in rent controlled units are concerned about potential rent increases starting September 1, 2022. The City is working on both short-term and long-term solutions to assist households that will not be able to afford this increase. If you would like to be included on a list of people contacted when solutions are rolled out, please complete the form below.

Candidates Pull Papers

08/06/2022 10:08 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

That brings the total number of potential candidates vying for seats on the Santa Monica City Council, School Board, College Board and Rent Control Board to 37, according to the City Clerk's office.

New cap on rent controlled increases to go before voters

08/05/2022 5:28 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Annual increases in rent controlled units are currently defined as a percentage of inflation limited to a maximum of 6% or $140. Voters will be asked to cut that in half setting a new annual cap at 3% or $70.

City Council Approves Ballot Measure to Establish a 3% Cap on Rent Increases

08/05/2022 9:13 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

At last night’s meeting, the Santa Monica City Council approved a resolution to place a measure on the November 8, 2022 ballot that would amend the City Charter to establish for 2022 an average General Adjustment (GA) cap of 3% or $70 and establish a maximum GA of 3% for future years.

This measure will support tenants of rent-controlled units who will be impacted by the 6% rent increase GA that will take effect September 1, 2022, as outlined in the City Charter. A Housing Needs Survey was distributed to Santa Monicans in June 2022 to better understand the impacts of the 6% increase on residents and help the City target its use of $2.2 million in allocated federal HOME American Rescue Plan funds and $750,000 in Council-approved funds to support those most vulnerable to the increase.

Connect to Santa Monica Services

08/05/2022 9:12 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The City of Santa Monica has many resources available for individuals experiencing homelessness. Below is an overview of some of the most helpful support available.

Police Launch Public Survey Tool

08/05/2022 9:08 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

“We are always striving to gather input from our community and this platform is an additional tool for listening to the needs and concerns of our community members which will help us make the best decisions to help keep our city safe," said Chief Ramon Batista.

Based on the responses, the survey measures the community's satisfaction with local services and quality of life in the city, Police officials said.

Council Unanimously Backs SMRR's Proposal to Cut Rent Increases

08/04/2022 10:46 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Negrete said she would back SMRR's proposal to reduce the annual rent increase that kicks in September 1 from the maximum of 6 percent mandated by the current Charter to 3 percent for all rent control tenants, and reduce the cap from $140 to $70.