Santa Monica Council Surprises Downtown Board, Ousts Business Appointees Mid-Term

Emergency Measures Taken by Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. Board

In response to a proposed action by the Santa Monica City Council, the Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) board convened an emergency meeting on Tuesday afternoon. Lucian Tudor, a current board member of DTSM, confirmed that the meeting was held to address the council's plan to replace six of its appointed board members mid-term. During this session, the board voted to amend its bylaws, requiring the city council to provide a valid reason before removing any of its appointed members. Tudor stated that these updated bylaws will be presented to the council ahead of the vote.

Tudor expressed confusion and concern over the city’s response, noting that officials claimed the emergency meeting did not meet legal definitions of an emergency. “They’re saying our meeting wasn’t legitimate, but theirs was,” he said. “It’s confusing—and concerning.”

The Proposed Vote and Procedural Concerns

The Santa Monica City Council is set to vote on the mid-term replacement of six of its appointees to the DTSM board. This move has been criticized by DTSM as politically motivated and retaliatory. The proposal was added as a special item to the regular council meeting agenda less than 24 hours before the meeting. According to the city charter, items can be added within this timeframe if supported by either the mayor or four councilmembers. In this case, the item was brought forward by Councilmembers Barry Snell, Caroline Torosis, and Jesse Zwick, with a fourth unnamed signatory. Mayor Lana Negrete clarified the procedural legality in a social media post, stating that the action complied with the Brown Act.

The item is currently scheduled for 5:35 p.m., though it may be heard later in the evening depending on the flow of the meeting.

Background on Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.

Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. is a nonprofit organization responsible for managing the city's downtown business improvement district, which includes the Third Street Promenade and surrounding commercial zones. 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 issued ahead of the vote, DTSM described the proposed removals as “alarming and politically motivated.” The organization emphasized that the move was made “without cause, without transparency, and without regard for the residents and businesses we serve.” DTSM argued that its board members represent a diverse cross-section of the community and suggested that the proposed changes were a reaction to recent policy disagreements.

Policy Disagreements and Community Impact

One such disagreement involved a city staff proposal to eliminate free parking in public structures. DTSM board members opposed this move, advocating instead for expanding free parking to three hours. They argued that this change 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.”

Additionally, the board is undergoing a leadership transition. CEO Andrew Thomas announced his resignation earlier this year after a split vote by board members failed to secure a new contract. A subsequent vote to open the position to outside candidates did not pass. The board then created an ad hoc committee to review performance standards and define the leadership role.

Concerns Over Unusual Removal Process

Former Mayor Phil Brock, who previously served on the City Council, noted that removing appointed members before the end of their terms is unusual. “We let people finish their terms,” he said. “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 shakeup. 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.

Public Response and Community Representation

Mayor Negrete reiterated 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 said.

A vote on the matter could occur later in Tuesday's meeting, pending the order of agenda items.