Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) announced last Friday that Chief Executive Officer Andrew Thomas will step down after three years.
“When I returned to DTSM in 2022, it truly felt like coming home,” said Thomas. “I knew the energy, passion, and potential that define this remarkable place. Together, we rebuilt the foundation, reimagined the future, and reignited the spirit and pride of our downtown.”
Under Thomas’s leadership, DTSM, launched a controversial private security program (more on that below) at the Promenade, expanded homeless outreach services, and strengthened cleaning and maintenance initiatives. Thomas also oversaw marketing and economic development campaigns that introduced Downtown Santa Monica to new audiences, attracted new businesses and residents, and encouraged new commercial development.
More recently, Thomas and DTSM pushed for the Entertainment Zone on the Third Street Promenade, in an effort to strengthen the Promenade’s brand in a time when the competition for tourism dollars has heated up as Americans return to travel and international travelers increasingly choose not to come to America.
But in the statement announcing his resignation, Thomas chose to focus on the positives of his time, including a slow return of foot traffic to the Downtown as visible homelessness declined, and businesses returned after the pandemic shutdowns.
“These accomplishments reflect the incredible collaboration and commitment of so many partners,” Thomas said. “From our dedicated Board of Directors and the City of Santa Monica to local nonprofits and business organizations, this success belongs to the entire community.”
Thomas expressed deep gratitude to the DTSM staff, whom he described as the “heartbeat of the organization,” and credited their passion and dedication as the foundation of the downtown’s renewed momentum.
But it wasn’t always easy. Thomas also had to deal with the headache of what can best be described as a “don’t come to the Promenade” campaign by business owner John Alle and the Santa Monica Coalition. During the entirety of Thomas’ tenure, Alle used his vacant storefront on 3rd Street as a canvas board to hoist whatever bizarre banner he could think of that painted Santa Monica as a dystopian drug den.
Bringing on an armed private security firm to help police the Promenade was perhaps the most controversial issue taken under Thomas. In 2023, DTSM recommended the firm Covered 6 for the contract and the City Council unanimously approved the budget that included this program despite vigorous debate over whether or not it made sense for there to be private armed security in a public space. It turned out that Covered 6 was co-founded by an anti-LGBT, anti-trans rights activist and his co-founder lied about their working relationship. When pressed for answers, Covered 6 decided to withdraw from the contract rather than face any scrutiny.
As he prepares to transition out of his role, Thomas will remain with DTSM to ensure a smooth handover to new leadership. He looks forward to supporting the district from afar and staying connected to the community that holds a special place in his heart.
“Serving this community has been the honor of a lifetime,” Thomas said. “I will always carry with me the pride and love I feel for this remarkable place and its people.”
