Santa Monica Council Replaces Business Board with Housing Advocate

Political Tensions Emerge in Santa Monica's Downtown Management

Santa Monica City Council is set to make a significant decision on Tuesday night regarding the mid-term replacement of six appointees on the Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) Board. This move has sparked controversy, with DTSM labeling it as politically motivated and retaliatory. The proposal was added to the council meeting agenda at the last minute, raising questions about its legitimacy and intent.

The item was introduced less than 24 hours before the meeting, which is permissible under the city charter if supported by the mayor or four council members. In this instance, the initiative came from Councilmembers Barry Snell, Caroline Torosis, and Jesse Zwick, along with an unnamed fourth signatory. Mayor Lana Negrete confirmed the procedural compliance with the Brown Act through a social media post, emphasizing that the process was legally sound.

The vote is scheduled for 5:35 p.m., but could be delayed depending on the meeting’s flow. DTSM, a nonprofit organization responsible for managing the city’s downtown business improvement district, includes the Third Street Promenade and surrounding commercial areas. Its 13-member board consists of six members appointed by the City Council, six elected by downtown property owners, and one designated by the City Manager.

In a public statement, DTSM criticized the move as "alarming and politically motivated," claiming it was made "without cause, without transparency, and without regard for the residents and businesses we serve." The organization highlighted that its board members represent a diverse community and suggested that the proposed removals were a response to recent policy disagreements.

One such disagreement involved a city staff proposal to eliminate free parking in public structures. DTSM board members opposed this plan, advocating instead for extending free parking to three hours. They argued that this would benefit small businesses and increase foot traffic. DTSM warned that the city’s proposal could "push people away, punish residents, and hurt downtown recovery."

The board is also undergoing a leadership transition. CEO Andrew Thomas resigned earlier this year after a split vote failed to secure a new contract. A subsequent attempt to open the position to outside candidates did not pass, leading the board to create an ad hoc committee to review performance standards and define the leadership role.

Former Mayor Phil Brock, who previously served on the City Council, noted that removing appointed members before their terms end is unusual. "We let people finish their terms," he said in an interview. "I haven’t seen anything like this before."

In a memo submitted by Snell and his colleagues, the councilmembers cited concerns over transparency and accountability as the reason for the proposed changes. However, no specific allegations or public complaints against board members were included. Snell later told the Santa Monica Daily Press that the timing was tied to the CEO hiring process and that the current board is too heavily composed of business and property owners.

Mayor Negrete reiterated her concerns about recent development decisions in an Instagram post, encouraging residents to stay engaged. DTSM, in its statement, urged the public to view the proposed removals as a threat to community representation. "This move doesn't help residents. It doesn't help businesses. And it doesn't help the city's future," the organization stated.

A vote could occur later in Tuesday's meeting, pending the order of agenda items. The outcome of this decision could have far-reaching implications for the management and direction of Santa Monica's downtown area.