Downtown Santa Monica reported a 26% visitor boost with 3.3 million visits during World Cup events. The city plans to reinvent the Third Street Promenade, aiming to bring it forward rather than restore it. DTSM held a meeting that included executive elections and restructuring.
EconomyPublished Oct 1, 12:00 AMAdded Oct 3, 11:05 AM
A new RAND study indicates that Santa Monica's economy has declined more sharply than neighboring cities. While concerns about retail sales are warranted, the report suggests assumptions regarding crime and homelessness are more nuanced across the city. The research analyzed data from 2015 to 2025.
EconomyPublished Oct 1, 12:00 AMAdded Oct 3, 11:05 AM
A RAND Corporation study found that while Santa Monica hotels reached 76% occupancy by March 2026, they are earning less revenue than regional competitors. The report suggests this gap between rising occupancy and falling revenue indicates price cuts to fill rooms.
EconomyPublished Oct 1, 12:00 AMAdded Oct 3, 11:05 AM
A RAND Corporation study indicates that despite housing reforms in Santa Monica, a typical project still requires over six years from application to move-in. The report notes the city built fewer new homes per resident than comparable LA-area jurisdictions between 2018 and 2025.
EconomyPublished Oct 1, 12:00 AMAdded Oct 3, 11:05 AM
A RAND Corporation study indicates that taxable sales at Santa Monica businesses fell to nearly 60% of their 2015 level by early 2026. The report also noted that the city's retail vacancy rate has been among the highest in the region, with the Third Street Promenade reporting a 31% vacancy rate.
EconomyPublished Oct 1, 12:00 AMAdded Oct 3, 11:05 AM