With the pressure to address housing affordability reaching its peak, Santa Monica is taking notable steps by transforming several city-owned properties into affordable and supportive housing developments. As reported by the City of Santa Monica, in an adopted plan from October 2022, known as the Housing Element, Santa Monica has outlined its strategy to meet the state's ambitious housing requirements for this cycle.
The importance of the Housing Element — which imposes a mandate for Santa Monica to facilitate the creation of 8,895 new housing units, where a striking 69 percent must be affordable — cannot be overstated. This target marks a significant increase from the previous cycle's 1,674 units and paves the way for the construction of 6,168 wallet-friendly residencies for the community, as per the City of Santa Monica. Land, the ever-so-costly barrier to housing development, is being addressed by allocating city-owned spots for potential building sites.
A major family-focused housing project at 1318 4th St. is set to break ground in winter 2027, bringing 122 apartments to the area by 2029. Additionally, the city is advancing plans for affordable senior and family housing at 1146 16th St., 1217 Euclid St., and 1217 14th St. Following a Request for Proposals in June, an agreement with Hollywood Community Housing Corporation was amended in August, contingent on securing 1402 Wilshire Blvd, according to the City of Santa Monica.
However, some key sites remain in limbo. No formal plans have emerged for 1333 4th St., 1324 5th St., or the Bergamot Arts Center at 2500 Olympic Blvd. The Housing Element timeline calls for a new RFP by mid-2025, with city staff expected to recommend the next priority site early next year, as the city continues its push to deliver more affordable housing.
