Last night, the Santa Monica City Council approved two controversial measures: reforms to how the city funds neighborhood groups and an extension of the Off-Site Affordable Housing Program first launched in August.
Off-Site Affordable Housing Program
In August, the city approved a pilot program aimed at speeding up the delivery of affordable housing. Under the plan, developers can combine the affordable units required in multiple projects into a single 100% affordable building, rather than scattering them across several sites. The pilot authorized 1,000 units, which were fully claimed within 24 hours.
On Tuesday, the Council voted to extend the program to cover the 3,400 affordable units already in the approval pipeline. For more background, see this op-ed published Friday.
The motion passed 5-1 with one abstention. Mayor Lana Negrete voted against the proposal. Councilmember Barry Snell abstained because a client with his accounting firm is planning to take advantage of the new program.
Neighborhood Association Reforms
The Council also approved a motion by Councilmember Dan Hall to change how city funding is allocated to “approved” neighborhood groups. Instead of receiving a flat communication allowance, groups will now receive funds based on the number of residents they represent. In addition, groups will be required to complete a demographic survey.
More detailed coverage of both measures will be published in the coming days.
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