As the cost of housing continues to increase, Santa Monica’s most at-risk renters got a little help from the Federal Government last week.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) agreed to significantly increase the value of housing subsidies under the Housing Choice Voucher program, formally known as Section 8, that provides aid to low income renters such as seniors, families and individuals with disabilities

Read More: http://smdp.com/increased-support-for-rental-subsidies/154967

May 3, 2016 -- Organizers for a proposed initiative that could sharply cut new development in Santa Monica announced Monday they have collected 10,000 signatures, far more than needed to help earn LUVE a spot on the ballot in November.

Read More:  http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2016/May-2016/05_03_2016_Organizers_for_Santa_Monica_LUVE_Initiative_Say_Signature_Goal_Met.html

As the cost of housing continues to increase, Santa Monica’s most at-risk renters got a little help from the Federal Government last week.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) agreed to significantly increase the value of housing subsidies under the Housing Choice Voucher program, formally known as Section 8, that provides aid to low income renters such as seniors, families and individuals with disabilities.

Read More: http://smdp.com/increased-support-for-rental-subsidies/154967

The Residocracy-backed Land Use Voter Empowerment (LUVE) initiative is being bundled up and prepared to file with the City of Santa Monica, following a city-wide grassroots campaign that saw 10,000 signatures garnered within the allotted time frame.

Read More: http://smmirror.com/articles/News/All-LUVED-Up-and-Ready-to-File---10000-Signatures-LUVE-is-Go/45430

It was heartening to hear the city manager speak of the essential value in preserving the history and identity of our city. Cole went on to say, “Let’s work together to retain the support of all the residents…” Cole’s words spoke to the need for residents to buy in to the future development of Santa Monica. The Land Use Voter Empowerment (LUVE) initiative is important for the future of Santa Monica because the voters, the residents, must have a voice in the responsible growth and destiny of our town.

Read More: http://smdp.com/how-luve-gives-a-voice-to-santa-monica-residents/154926

The City of Santa Monica Housing Authority (SMHA) now has stronger tools to assist tenants with obtaining affordable housing.

Santa Monica rents have increased well above Federal program limits, making rental assistance vouchers noncompetitive in the housing market. In response, the SMHA sought approval from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to significantly increase the amount paid for housing subsidies – and last week HUD agreed.  Advocating on the SMHA’s behalf were U.S. Congressman Ted Lieu, U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, Santa Monica City Councilmembers, and the Santa Monica Housing Commission.

Read More: http://smmirror.com/articles/News/New-Santa-Monica-Payment-Standard-and-HOUSE-Program/45407

Councilwoman Pam O’Connor is unlikely to face any formal reprimand for her role in the Elizabeth Riel case following Council discussions of the issue at their April 26 meeting.

Read More: http://smdp.com/criticism-but-no-punishment-for-councilwoman-oconnor/154871

Civility. Dialogue. Compromise.

Still possible? I truly hope so. I wrote last week that it was getting pretty ugly out there, and it is.

Santa Monica Next, a pro-development group, ran an “editorial” April 8 (except, to run an editorial you have to be a news organization, not propagandists a la Faux “News”) titled, “The LUVE Initiative is No Way to Run a City.” I’m embarrassed to say they likely lifted that from my column of April 6, where I quoted a neighbor I spoke with, and then countered his argument.

Read More: http://smdp.com/peace-luve-and-understanding-in-santa-monica/154857

Learn the basics of the Rent Control Law.

Read More and register: http://www.smgov.net/uploadedFiles/Departments/Rent_Control/Home/Flyer_Images/2016_Tenant_Seminar_Flyer.pdf