National Media Focuses on Santa Monica

The Wall Street Journal and MSN checked in on Santa Monica’s economic struggles caused in large part by the decline in retail shopping nationally that’s impacted the Promenade, the global pandemic, and the decline in international tourism in recent years (the so-called “Trump Slump.” The picture presented isn’t the prettiest: business owners interviewed for the article cite homelessness, public safety concerns, and the loss of nearby customers following the Palisades Fire as additional obstacles to recovery.

The article also highlights steps the City has taken to reverse those trends, including increasing police staffing, streamlining business permitting, expanding outdoor dining and entertainment, and investing in efforts to attract visitors ahead of the FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games. While there are signs of improvement, particularly on the Promenade, the Journal concludes that Santa Monica’s recovery remains a work in progress as city leaders seek to rebuild the local economy while addressing long-standing quality-of-life concerns.

You can read the entire piece, paywall free, at MSN by clicking here.

About The Author

Damien Newton

Damien is the executive director of the Southern California Streets Initiative which publishes Santa Monica Next, Streetsblog Los Angeles, Streetsblog San Francisco, Streetsblog California and Longbeachize.

See author's posts