The revised FY 2023-25 Citywide Budget amounts to approximately $745 million and $750.6 million for FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25, respectively. The operating budget for the city is $641 million and $664.7 million for the respective fiscal years. 

Read More: https://smdp.com/2023/06/26/approval-of-dollar641m-annual-budget-anchors-tuesday-council-meeting/

The Rent Control Board on Thursday approved a mandated 2.8 percent rent increase that kicks in September 1 and opted to place a $67 cap.

Read More: https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2023/June-2023/06_23_2023_Rents_to_Rise_in_September.html

The final showdown in a seven-year voting rights lawsuit against the City that could alter the future of both state and local politics will take place Tuesday.

At 9 a.m., the California Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case that claims Santa Monica's at-large elections for City Council violate the rights of Latino voters.

Read More: https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2023/June-2023/06_23_2023_Final_Showdown_Tuesday_In_Voting_Rights_Case.html

Now, this Facebook post sheds light on a bigger issue facing Santa Monica. Poor planning, inconsiderate design, and weak communication have made it tough for residents to navigate our city’s man-made environment. We’re talking about parking structure signs blocking our view of oncoming traffic, misbehaving bus benches, unenforced noise regulations, and infrequent bus service (although it is improving now, to be fair). It’s a mess that affects folks of all ages, not just seniors.

Read More: https://smmirror.com/2023/06/a-comfortable-city-for-all/

The Santa Monica Rent Control Board has announced a 2.8 percent general adjustment (annual rent increase) to controlled rents effective September 1, 2023. Following a public hearing on June 8, the Board voted to limit the amount of the increase to $67 for units with current Maximum Allowable Rents (MARs) of $2,375 and above. 

Read More: https://www.santamonica.gov/blog/rent-control-board-announces-2023-general-adjustment-of-2-8

However, different parts of L.A. have very different rules on rent increases. Some cities have local forms of rent control. Others don’t. These rules can be very confusing. To sort it all out for you, we’ve put together a short guide to the laws in different parts of Southern California.

Read More: https://laist.com/news/housing-homelessness/how-much-can-my-rent-go-up-increase-los-angeles-california-rent-control-rso-ab-1482-pasadena-burbank-inglewood-santa-monica-baldwin-park-santa-ana-county-culver-city-west-hollywood

by  Mathew Millen

AB 12 is simply not a solution. I know owners who allow applicants to spread their security deposits over a couple of months. There are supplemental programs to help Californians get and stay housed, like Section 8. We need similar programs to help Californians with security deposits. One potential solution may be some kind of renter security deposit loan program, because at the end of the day renters who don’t destroy property get their deposits back.

Read More: https://smdp.com/2023/06/21/rental-housing-providers-need-solutions-not-limitations-to-keep-californians-housed/

The night’s agenda had no specific item related to the subject meaning Council was prevented from addressing the speakers directly but the theme of the criticism was clear: patience is wearing thin when it comes to chronic homelessness and crime in the city.

Read More: https://smdp.com/2023/06/21/resident-anger-and-frustration-over-homelessness-response-reaches-city-council/

The City's Climate Action & Adaptation Plan calls for increased local solar to help reach a goal of 80% carbon emissions reduction by 2030. To support this goal, the City is relaunching Solar Santa Monica, a free service to help residents and businesses looking to go solar. Through Solar Santa Monica, owners of residential and commercial properties can find resources and experts with unbiased technical advice to help them navigate the various rules, incentives, and financing options for solar arrays, battery storage, and more.

Read More: https://www.santamonica.gov/blog/how-to-go-solar-in-santa-monica

Those victories are evidence, advocates say, that renters are gaining influence in the Capitol. Though groups representing landlords and real estate continue spending millions on lobbying and supporting candidates, tenants rights groups are starting to chip away at their influence. 

Read More on page 2: https://s3.amazonaws.com/smdp_backissues/061623.pdf