City of Santa Monica

City Manager Oliver Chi Takes the Helm in Santa Monica’s Era of Transition

As Oliver Chi steps into his new role as City Manager for Santa Monica, he speaks to a pivotal moment marked by leadership turnover, financial strain, and a lingering sense of disorder. In conversation with TPR, Chi explains why he chose to take the helm now and details his plan for “realignment” through restoring order, reenergizing city staff, and rebuilding confidence among residents and the business community alike.

Santa Monica Councilmember Jesse Zwick on Homelessness, Civic Engagement & Land Use Priorities

TPR interviewed newly elected Santa Monica councilmember Jesse Zwick to hear his policy priorities and views on innovative models of community engagement as the city considers plans for the soon-to-be decommissioned Santa Monica Airport, the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, and other opportunities that lay ahead for the city.

Terry O’Day on Public Accountability & Santa Monica City Governance Challenges

TPR interviewed Terry O’ Day, Santa Monica's outgoing Mayor Pro Tempore, on how the city realigned spending priorities to survive this year’s public health crisis while also navigating a nationwide reckoning with racism in policing.

Rick Cole: Santa Monica's City Manager Champions Innovation & Real Planning

Rick Cole gives his perspective on an initiative to drastically limit development in Santa Monica as well as commenting on the coming Expo Line, efforts for local control of the Santa Monica Airport, and initiatives to address homelessness.

Exit Interview: Rick Cole Trades Population for City Management Authority

As Cole leaves the City of LA for Santa Monica, he gives his assessment of the former's fiscal health, reflects on the bureaucratic challenges that have faced Garcetti’s “back to basics” initiatives, and explains his reasons for heading west.

Santa Monica City Manager Rod Gould: Retiring Observations

Rod Gould provides an overview of Santa Monica’s fiscal health, its development challenges, and its opportunities as Metro light rail connects this city with the greater LA region.

Santa Monica’s Housing Manager: What is Possible when Housing is a Priority!