16 ITEM
Request of Councilmember Torosis, Councilmember Zwick, and Councilmember Negrete that the City Attorney and City Manager prepare the City of Santa Monica for the Presidential Transition
The City of Santa Monica remains committed to protecting and uplifting all residents, guided by values of equity, inclusion, and justice. In light of the upcoming 2025 presidential transition, potential shifts in federal policy may create challenges for the community, particularly for those most vulnerable to systemic inequities. During times of uncertainty, local governments play a critical role as stewards of democracy, human rights, and opportunity for all.
This commitment is grounded in the Council-adopted five strategic priorities, emphasizing justice and equity as the Council continues to govern with courage, compassion and innovation. Policies and practices must prioritize the needs and voices of those historically excluded from power and resources. Through the empowerment of city staff, engagement with community groups, and the cultivation of meaningful community partnerships, Santa Monica seeks to remain a leader in progress, innovation, and inclusion and ensure we guard against any negative impacts on our residents and stakeholders.
This motion affirms the City’s resolve to act boldly in the face of adversity, ensuring that all residents, regardless of background or circumstance, are able to live with dignity, thrive in the community, and trust in their local government to safeguard their rights and aspirations.
We therefore move that the Council:
1) Reaffirm the City’s commitment to its core values of diversity, equity, and inclusivity by reasserting Santa Monica’s longstanding policies, including the 2017 Resolution (attached), of not enforcing federal immigration laws, not sharing information with federal immigration authorities absent a judicial warrant, and designating City facilities, such as libraries, schools, parks, beaches, bus stops, and community centers as safe spaces that the City will not permit to be used to assist or facilitate federal immigration enforcement. 2) Direct the City Attorney and City Manager to, within 90 days, take the following actions and return to Council with a comprehensive report on progress:
a. Regulatory Review: Conduct a review of local laws, policies, and regulations to identify any changes needed to strengthen protections for vulnerable community members, including considering an emergency declaration if warranted.
b. Evaluate Financial Impacts: Assess the potential funding and operational impacts of any reductions in federal or state funding tied to immigration- related policies or actions and develop a contingency plan to address potential gaps.
c. Legislative Advocacy: Monitor and evaluate the potential impacts of proposed federal, state, and regional legislation on Santa Monica residents, particularly those affecting immigrant and vulnerable communities, and seek opportunities to support or oppose such measures through legislative advocacy, including joining or initiating amicus briefs as appropriate. d. Legal Advocacy: Authorize the City Attorney, at the City Attorney's discretion and authority, to join the City of Santa Monica as amicus support (friends of the court) when requested in cases challenging actions from the presidential administration that are inconsistent with the City’s core values or legislative priorities. Additionally, work with the County Office of Immigrant Affairs, Represent LA, Immigrants are LA, and Familias Latinas Unidas (FLU) to partner on funding for legal counsel for immigrants in active removal proceedings. Finally, review the City’s existing laws and evaluate whether new laws need to be passed to ensure that LGBTQIA+ individuals are protected from discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity in all areas, including housing, schools, places of public accommodation, and locally funded programs. These protections should be implemented in the provision of all municipal services. e. Programmatic Support. Direct the City Manager to evaluate and develop, if necessary, new programming and additional services in the case of programs being reduced or eliminated by the new presidential administration. Further, explore the prohibition of any city agency from collecting information about immigration status unless required by court order or state or federal law. f. Community and Staff Reassurance: Partner with local organizations including but not limited to FLU, community leaders, and stakeholders to develop strategies, messaging, and programming reassuring members of the community and City staff who may feel vulnerable due to national origin, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or immigration status. In coordination with FLU, conduct community engagement to review and update the City’s 2017 Resolution with any recommended amendments.