PowerPoint Presentation — Santa Monica City Council, January 28, 2025

Santa Monica Airport
Conversion Project
Presentation to City Council
January 28, 2025
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2 Staff Recommendations to City Council:

1. Adopt the finding that the recommended actions herein do not constitute a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and are exempt under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15262, and 15306, and file a notice of exemption pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15062;

2. Hold a study session to review and comment on the five Guiding Principles for vetting and evaluating the feasibility of features, amenities, programs, technical performance requirements, financial strategies, phasing, and planning scenarios related to the closure of the Airport and alternative land-use scenarios post-closure (collectively, “the Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project, or the Project”);

3. Consider the commencement of feasibility analysis for three planning scenarios for the Airport Conversion Project (“Phase 3”), based on the draft Guiding Principles; and

4. Provide direction to staff on how to proceed with respect to Phase 3.

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3 Agenda

1. Project Overview

2. Community Engagement Summary

3. Draft Guiding Principles

4. Phase 3a Direction
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4 Project Overview
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5 The Airport Site
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6 Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project:

A new purpose for this site
With the closure of the Santa Monica Airport at the end of 2028, there is an exciting and unique opportunity to develop a vision for nearly 200 acres of public land to serve generations to come.

In all of its work, the City strives for a community that is vibrant, safe, sustainable, resilient, mobile, culturally rich, ethnically diverse, and equitable to serve the needs of the entire community and to foster a thriving local economy. Therefore, the project and this land, which was originally purchased for a public park, must be in service of this vision.

This project will explore the feasibility of a preferred scenario for the conversion of the Santa Monica Airport, centered on a great park (consistent with Measure LC),
after its closure at the end of 2028.

More information: www.SMACproject.com
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7 The February 28, 2017, City Council Resolution No. 11026 constitutes a decision by the City Council to close the airport as of midnight on December 31, 2028. Therefore, no environmental review is required at this time for closure.

However, environmental review is required for any future use of the site as determined through the Airport
Conversion Project.

Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project:

Airport Closure Decided
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8 Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project Timeline
Spring
2024
Winter
2025

DESIGN PHASES

ENGAGEMENT PHASES
PHASE 1:

Charting the
Course
PHASE 2:

Discovering
the Place &
Setting the
Stage
PHASE 3B:

Defining the
Future of
Place:

Preferred
Scenario
PHASE 3A:

Defining the
Future of
Place: 3
Scenarios
PHASE 4:

The Path
Ahead:

Implementation
PHASE 5:

Preferred
Scenario Plan
Vision Book
● Project website
● 1 Community event
● 1 Online survey
● 2 Virtual educ.
session
● 4 Pop-up events
● 1 Community event
● 1 Online survey
● 1 Virtual educ. session
● 4 Pop-up events
● 1 Community event
● 1 Online survey
● 1 Virtual educ. session
● 4 Pop-up events
● 1 Community event
● 1 Online survey
● 2 Virtual educ. session
● 4 Pop-up events
● 1 Community event
● Engagement
summary
● Website updates
We’re here
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9 Community Engagement
Summary
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10 Phase 1 Community Engagement Summary
Community
Workshop
214 sign-ins
218 comment
cards
Online Survey
1,921 complete responses
Project Website
+14,000 total views
4 Pop-up
Events
66 sign-ins
107 comment
cards
Virtual Education
Sessions
+2,700 total views
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11 Phase 2 Community Engagement
Draft
Guiding
Principles
Final Draft
Guiding
Principles
Phase 1
Engagement
Summary
Survey 2A
collects community
preferences and
priorities
B&C
Meetings
Pop-up
Events Community
Conversations
12/7
Community
Event 2
Survey 2B
B&C
Meetings
City
Council
For final
approval
(Anticipated
1/28/2025)
Guiding Principles We’re
here!
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12 Survey Demographics for Surveys 1, 2a, and 2b
Survey results skewed older
than the 2020 Census data for
Santa Monica
Age
Survey results skewed more
white than the 2020 Census
data for Santa Monica
Racial/Ethnic Identity
Survey results showed that
across all three surveys,
respondents were largely from
Santa Monica zip codes.

Survey 1 = 60%,
Survey 2a = 70%
Survey 2b = 76%
The top 10 zip codes were all
self-reported from Santa
Monica or adjacent zip codes.

Zip Codes
Engagement reports can be found on www.smacproject.com under the “Resources” tab.

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13 Phase 2 Community Conversations
20 Small Group Discussions, +370 Participants
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14 Potential Project Uses Based on Survey 2a Results
Top 10 Uses were park
and park supporting
uses.

Most Liked
Least Liked
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15 Potential Project Uses Based on Survey 2a Results
Top 10 Uses were park
and park supporting
uses.

Most Liked
Least Liked
• The top ten land uses were Park or Park
supporting land uses.
• Of the top fifty land uses, per measure LC,
83% wouldn’t require a ballot measure,
and 17% would.
• Of the Most Liked uses, 62% of them are
some form of recreational activity.
• Housing ranked 39th on most liked and
2nd on least liked.

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16 Phase 2: Setting the Stage
Community Event 2 - Photos
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17 Draft Guiding Principles: Community Comments Summary Item 7-A
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18 Phase 2 Community Engagement Summary
Community
Workshop
444 sign-ins
201 comment cards
372 Balance Builder
responses
Online Survey 2b
884 complete
responses
Project Website
+42,000 total views
4 Pop-up
Events
Virtual Education
Session 3
+1,100 total views
Online Survey 2a
2,383 complete
responses
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19 Work to Date Community Engagement Summary
Community
Workshops
658 sign-ins
365 comment
cards
Community
Conversations
+370 participants
Project Website
+42,000 total views
8 Pop-up
Events
Virtual Education
Sessions (1-3)
+3,800 total views
Online Surveys
5,188 complete
responses
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20 Questions for City Council

1. Does City Council have feedback on the draft Guiding Principles, before finalization?

2. Does City Council authorize staff to explore the feasibility of three alternative scenario concepts in Phase 3, based on the Guiding Principles?

3. Does City Council authorize staff to explore the feasibility of the spectrum of community preferred land uses including one scenario that is consistent with Measure LC without a vote?

1. Does City Council have feedback on the draft Guiding Principles, before finalization?

2. Does City Council authorize staff to explore the feasibility of three alternative scenario concepts in Phase 3, based on the Guiding Principles?

3. Does City Council authorize staff to explore the feasibility of the spectrum of community preferred land uses including one scenario that is consistent with Measure LC without a vote?

4. Does City Council authorize staff to explore the feasibility of traditional and innovative financing structures and explore alternative organizational structures and/or partnerships to construct, operate, maintain, program, and manage the site?
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22 Draft Guiding Principles
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23 What are Guiding Principles?
● Value statements describing the aspirations and expectations for the conversion of the Santa Monica Airport.
● These principles will be used to explore design proposals and serve as definitions of success.
● Each guiding principle is organized through a thesis, a description, and key goals.
www.smacproject.com/guiding-principles
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24 Guiding
Principles
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25 Survey 2b Results Support Neutral Oppose
GP1: Start with Nature 79.6% 9.6% 10.9%
The project should have spaces
where visitors can be immersed
in nature.

86.4% 7.2% 6.3%
The project should support a
wide variety of plants and plant
communities by creating
microclimates based on
topographical and hydrological
design.

69.1 % 20.1% 10.9%
HIGHEST Support Goal
LOWEST Support Goal

1. Strong support for green spaces, trees, and wildlife, with a focus on sustainability and biodiversity.

2. Support for protecting open space
and limiting residential and
commercial development.

3. Interest in using sustainable practices
like reclaimed water and climate
resilience in the park design.

4. Desire for recreational areas like
soccer fields, trails, and quiet spaces
for relaxation.

5. Support for blending nature with
urban life, including community
gardens, native plants, and habitat
restoration.

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26 GP1) START WITH NATURE
Examples of uses from the survey:

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27 Survey 2b Results Support Neutral Oppose
GP2: Inspire Wonder 75.2% 13.2% 11.6%
Play should integrate park
design, with a diversity of
inclusive play typologies
including imagination,
adventure, athletics, sports,
interactions with nature, and
exploration.

77.5% 1 2.8% 9.7%
Wayfinding, interpretation, and
storytelling should be
multimodal to create an intuitive
experience for all visitors,
regardless of age, culture, or
ability.
53% 28.5% 1 8.5%
HIGHEST Support Goal
LOWEST Support Goal

1. Support for sports fields, walking
trails, and recreational spaces like
Pétanque and pickleball.

2. Strong interest in arts and culture,
including amphitheaters, public art,
and performance areas.

3. Desire for green spaces with native
plants, nature trails, and
environmental education
opportunities.

4. Support for affordable housing
alongside park and community
spaces.

5. Focus on creating accessible spaces for all ages and abilities with a mix of structured and open areas.

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28 GP2) INSPIRE WONDER
Examples of uses from the survey:
* Indicates land uses that would or could require a vote per measure LC.

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29 HIGHEST Support Goal
LOWEST Support Goal
Survey 2b Results Support Neutral Oppose
GP3: Balance Economics 70.4% 15.4% 14.2%
Potable water uses should be
limited to where necessary for
drinking water or cooling stations.

Any future water features should be
water efficient and recirculating.

Stormwater should be managed
on-site, captured, infiltrated,
detained, and treated through green
infrastructure systems.

80.8% 1 2.4% 6.8%
Project elements should balance
more expensive amenities with
lower-cost project uses. Higher
revenue-generating uses should
balance low or no revenuegenerating uses.

62.5% 22.2% 1 5.2%

1. Support for all space as public open space

2. 26 comments supporting including housing
on the site, with a focus on affordable
housing, while 16 comments strongly oppose
any housing on the site.

3. Focus on sustainability, including energy
efficiency and water conservation.

4. Preference for funding the park through
existing leases and bonds, not housing
development.

5. Interest in cultural and recreational
amenities like an amphitheater, gardens,
and art, with minimal commercial
development.

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30 GP3) BALANCE ECONOMICS
Examples of uses from the survey:
* Indicates land uses that would or could require a vote per measure LC.

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31 HIGHEST Support Goal
LOWEST Support Goal
Survey 2b Results Support Neutral Oppose
GP4: Amplify Versatility 74.8% 14.4% 10.8%
The project should support running,
walking, and biking, providing many
trail experiences that complement
the City's existing trail and bicycle
networks.

85.1 % 8.0% 7%
The project should limit single-use
programs to those meeting specific
recreational needs or providing a
clear revenue opportunity to support
the park's operations. This should
include both free programs and
amenities and ticketed programs,
event spaces, or recreational
facilities.

56.5% 27.9% 1 5.6%

1. Support for soccer fields, sports
facilities, and recreational amenities.

2. Emphasis on accessible
transportation options like buses and
bike paths.

3. Interest in art and cultural activities,
including performance spaces and
installations.

4. Opinions of housing are divided: 13
comments oppose housing and
affordable housing, while 11 support
affordable housing together with the
park to promote inclusivity.

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32 GP4) AMPLIFY VERSATILITY
Examples of uses from the survey:

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33 HIGHEST Support Goal
LOWEST Support Goal
Survey 2b Results Support Neutral Oppose
GP5: Celebrate Place 57.1% 24.6% 18.2%
The planting design should
include local native species and
plant communities, and
reference existing City planting
typologies.

72.9% 1 7.6% 9.6%
The project should have a
unique sense of place - or
genius loci - where visitors must
know they are here, within Santa
Monica, and nowhere else in the
world.

50.9% 29.6% 1 9.4%

1. Interest in reusing existing buildings like
the Museum of Flying to preserve history.

2. Emphasis on sustainability, native
plants, and honoring indigenous
history.

3. Desire for recreational and community
spaces, such as art studios, concert
venues, and nature areas.

4. Strong opposition to housing in the park,
favoring green and public spaces.

5. Support for affordable housing outside
the park, focusing on historically
displaced communities.

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34 GP5) CELEBRATE PLACE
Examples of uses from the survey:
* Indicates land uses that would or could require a vote per measure LC.

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35 Key Takeaways
● Broad support for the draft guiding
principles as written.
● Excitement for the project and planning
process.
● Desire/need for uses beyond those
mentioned in Measure LC that would or
could require a vote
● Variety of opinions about housing
● Seeing the need for revenue-generating
uses as well, including restaurants, cafes
and other venues.
● The community expressed gratitude for
learning about the realities to make a
project of this magnitude possible.

Phase 2 Engagement
Some of the key themes that came out
of all of the engagement opportunities
in Phase 2a and 2b.

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36 Questions for City Council

1. Does City Council have feedback on the draft Guiding Principles, before finalization?

2. Does City Council authorize staff to explore the feasibility of three alternative scenario concepts in Phase 3, based on the Guiding Principles?

3. Does City Council authorize staff to explore the feasibility of the spectrum of community preferred land uses including one scenario that is consistent with Measure LC without a vote?

1. Does City Council have feedback on the draft Guiding Principles, before finalization?

2. Does City Council authorize staff to explore the feasibility of three alternative scenario concepts in Phase 3, based on the Guiding Principles?

3. Does City Council authorize staff to explore the feasibility of the spectrum of community preferred land uses including one scenario that is consistent with Measure LC without a vote?

Phase 3a Considerations
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40 If all or part of the Airport land is permanently closed to aviation use, no new development of that land shall be
allowed until the voters have approved limits on the uses and development that may occur on the land. However, this section shall not prohibit the City Council from approving the following on Airport land that has been permanently closed to aviation use: the development of parks, public open
spaces, and public recreational facilities; and the
maintenance and replacement of existing cultural, arts and education uses.

Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project:

Measure LC
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41 CEQA is intended to inform government decisionmakers and the public about the potential environmental effects of proposed land use scenarios and alternatives to study with less environmental impacts but decisionmakers
should not pre-suppose any particular land use scenario before defining “the Project” for CEQA analysis.

Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project:

CEQA Planning & Feasibility Studies
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42 Phase 3: Defining the Future of Place (Scenario
Alternatives + Preferred Scenario)
Phase 3A: Defining the Future of Place:
3 Scenarios
Phase 3B: Defining the Future of Place:

Preferred Scenario
February - May, 2025 June - September, 2025
Design tasks:
● 3 Planning Concept Scenario Alternatives
● ROM Opinion of Probable Cost and Timeframe
● Comparison Matrix
Engagement tasks:
● 1 Community event
● 1 Online survey
● 1 Virtual education session
● 4 Pop-up events
● Council Meeting, Board & Commission
Meetings
Design tasks:
● Preferred Concept Scenario
● Revised ROM
Engagement tasks:
● 1 Community event
● 1 Online survey
● 2 Virtual education session
● 4 Pop-up events
● Council Meeting, Board &
Commission Meetings
Next Steps
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43 Phase 3: Defining the Future of Place (Scenario
Alternatives + Preferred Scenario)
Phase 3A: Defining the Future of Place:
3 Scenarios
Phase 3B: Defining the Future of Place:

Preferred Scenario
February - May, 2025 June -September, 2025
Design tasks:
● 3 Planning Concept Scenario Alternatives
● ROM Opinion of Probable Cost and Timeframe
● Comparison Matrix
Engagement tasks:
● 1 Community event
● 1 Online survey
● 1 Virtual education session
● 4 Pop-up events
● Council Meeting, Board & Commission
Meetings
Design tasks:
● Preferred Concept Scenario
● Revised ROM
Engagement tasks:
● 1 Community event
● 1 Online survey
● 2 Virtual education session
● 4 Pop-up events
● Council Meeting, Board &
Commission Meetings
Next Steps
Phase 3 is when
the drawing
starts!
And
Engagement is
continuing!
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44 Three different
scenarios
highlighting a
variety of
community
supported uses
Next Steps
Phase 3: Defining the Future of Place
(Scenario Alternatives + Preferred Scenario)
Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3
Phase 1 + Phase 2 engagement inputs & site analysis
Phase 3A
Phase 3B
?
? ? ?
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45 Questions for City Council

1. Does City Council have feedback on the draft Guiding Principles, before finalization?

2. Does City Council authorize staff to explore the feasibility of three alternative scenario concepts in Phase 3, based on the Guiding Principles?

3. Does City Council authorize staff to explore the feasibility of the spectrum of community preferred land uses including one scenario that is consistent with Measure LC without a vote?

1. Does City Council have feedback on the draft Guiding Principles, before finalization?

2. Does City Council authorize staff to explore the feasibility of three alternative scenario concepts in Phase 3, based on the Guiding Principles?

3. Does City Council authorize staff to explore the feasibility of the spectrum of community preferred land uses including one scenario that is consistent with Measure LC without a vote?

4. Does City Council authorize staff to explore the feasibility of traditional and innovative financing structures and explore alternative organizational structures and/or partnerships to construct, operate, maintain, program, and manage the site?
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47 Balance Builder Bonus Card Input: Total Votes
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48 Community Event Finacial Feasibility Input ● As part of the community event and Survey 2b a variety of questions were asked about
what funding strategies might be possible
for this project. Each of these ideas also
have an impact on the time it will take to
implement the project incrementally
● For example, if the project is city funded, it
could take longer than utilizing Public-
Private Partnerships. This is what we
anticipate studying in Phase 3a when we
have actual scenarios to apply funding
strategies.
● Further, to understand how to pay for some
of the recreation uses shown as community
preferences (e.g. aquatics center, skate
park, etc.) staff anticipates a Letter of
Interest (LOI) process to best understand the
cost, funding opportunities, and timelines for
such uses.

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49 • Exploring financial structures for community supported uses through a variety of means, such as:
• Letter of Interest for Public-Private Partnerships
• “Friends of” entities
• Special Financing District (i.e. EFID, CRD, etc.)
• Corporate Sponsorship / Naming Rights
• Green Infrastructure (solar generation, water facilities, etc.) Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project:

Funding Opportunities
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50 Questions for City Council

1. Does City Council have feedback on the draft Guiding Principles, before finalization?

2. Does City Council authorize staff to explore the feasibility of three alternative scenario concepts in Phase 3, based on the Guiding Principles?

3. Does City Council authorize staff to explore the feasibility of the spectrum of community preferred land uses including one scenario that is consistent with Measure LC without a vote?

3. Consider the commencement of feasibility analysis for three planning scenarios for the Airport Conversion Project (“Phase 3”), based on the draft Guiding Principles; and

4. Provide direction to staff on how to proceed with respect to Phase 3.

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Engagement Summary | Online Survey 2B
Key Survey 2b Takeaways:

Draft Guiding Principles
Guiding Principle Support Neutral Oppose
GP1: Start with Nature 79.6% 9.6% 10.9%
GP2: Inspire Wonder 75.2% 13.2% 11.6%
GP3: Balance Economics 70.4% 15.4% 14.2%
GP4: Amplify Versatility 74.8% 14.4% 10.8%
GP5: Celebrate Place 57.1% 24.6% 18.2%
● All draft guiding principles received over 70% support except for “Celebrate Place” which received 57.1% support.
● All draft guiding principles received less than 15% opposition except for “Celebrate Place” which received 18.2% opposition.

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55 Key Takeaways: Draft Guiding Principles
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56 Key Takeaways: Draft Guiding Principles
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57 GP1) START WITH NATURE
Project design should consider the impact of any future intervention on the natural environment, and the airport land’s ability to regenerate species and build community resiliency against climate change. This project should include curated planting areas and restoration or ‘rewilding’ spaces, celebrating pollinator gardens, showcasing local biodiversity, and demonstrating ecosystem services. This project should exemplify Santa Monica’s climate goals, provide climate resilience, and be a model for sustainable stewardship. The creation and operations of the project should not deplete natural resources. The project should be designed to serve many generations and contribute to a regenerative urban ecology.

Description
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58 GP1) START WITH NATURE
• The project should have spaces where visitors can be immersed in nature. • The project should celebrate local and regional plant and animal communities.

This includes areas dedicated to meaningful habitat creation through restoration planting, reforestation, rewilding, and planning for ecological succession. The project should support animal habitats, including gardens and species that feed and shelter insects, birds, amphibians, and mammals.
• The project should restore the land after 100 years of aviation operations and uphold the original intention to enhance park and public open spaces in Santa Monica.
• The project should support a wide variety of plants and plant communities by creating microclimates based on topographical and hydrological design. • The project's green infrastructure should showcase ecosystem services, such as stormwater management, and sustainable municipal facilities, and be used to support biodiversity.
• The project’s landscapes should only use reclaimed water for irrigation and the designers will prioritize drought-resistant and adaptive, low-water use planting and indigenous planting strategies.

Goals
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59 GP1) START WITH NATURE - Feedback
Survey 2b Results Support Neutral Oppose
GP1: Start with Nature 79.6% 9.6% 10.9%
The project should have spaces where visitors can be immersed in nature. 86.4% 7.2% 6.3% The project should support a wide variety of plants and plant communities by creating microclimates based on topographical and hydrological design. 69.1 % 20.1% 10.9% Community Event 2 Results

1. Strong support for green spaces, trees, and wildlife, with a focus on sustainability and biodiversity.

2. Support for protecting open space and limiting residential and commercial development.

3. Interest in using sustainable practices like reclaimed water and climate resilience in the park design.

4. Desire for recreational areas like soccer fields, trails, and quiet spaces for relaxation.

5. Support for blending nature with urban life, including community gardens, native plants, and habitat restoration.

HIGHEST Support Goal
LOWEST Support Goal
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60 GP2) INSPIRE WONDER
The project should connect individuals in powerful and far-reaching ways uniting people of all backgrounds and ages in meaning, happiness, and heightened energy. The project should support planned and unexpected wonder and connection. Spaces for events, athletics, and celebrations should be designed to complement and work with ecological programs, either for community gatherings or limited to a single visitor experience. The project should support, enable, and showcase creativity and art. The project should provide a diversity of play experiences for all age groups, and highlight inclusive play that engages nature, natural elements, and healthy activity.

The project should feel safe and welcoming to all. The project should enable accessible mobility, provide spaces for rest and sport, and include supportive mobility infrastructure, so all visitors can enjoy the park experience when they arrive.

Description
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61 • The project should be a place for visual art, supporting art in public space, and the creation of art.
• Play should integrate park design, with a diversity of inclusive play typologies including imagination, adventure, athletics, sports, interactions with nature, and exploration.
• Play should not be limited to playgrounds or certain age groups. Play could include curated nature experiences, interactive art and water features, exercise, signage and wayfinding, and even collaborative creation spaces. • The design should be culturally and generationally inclusive, and prioritize safety, belonging, and comfort for the diversity of our community’s population. • Wayfinding, interpretation, and storytelling should be multimodal to create an intuitive experience for all visitors, regardless of age, culture, or ability. • The project should include ‘active’ and ‘quiet’ spaces and programs, providing amenities and places that will feel inviting, exciting, and comfortable for the full spectrum of human physicality and neurodiversity.
• Showcasing the site’s legacy of innovation and creativity of the physical environment, inspiring civic pride, and amplifying the safety and care of future generations are important.

Goals
GP2) INSPIRE WONDER
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62 GP2) INSPIRE WONDER - Feedback
Survey 2b Results Support Neutral Oppose
GP2: Inspire Wonder 75.2% 13.2% 11.6%
Play should integrate park design, with a diversity of inclusive play typologies including imagination, adventure, athletics, sports, interactions with nature, and exploration.

77.5% 1 2.8% 9.7%
Wayfinding, interpretation, and storytelling should be multimodal to create an intuitive experience for all visitors, regardless of age, culture, or ability. 53% 28.5% 1 8.5% Community Event 2 Results

1. Support for sports fields, walking trails, and recreational spaces like Pétanque and pickleball.

2. Strong interest in arts and culture, including amphitheaters, public art, and performance areas.

3. Desire for green spaces with native plants, nature trails, and environmental education opportunities.

4. Support for affordable housing alongside park and community spaces.

5. Focus on creating accessible spaces for all ages and abilities with a mix of structured and open areas.

HIGHEST Support Goal
LOWEST Support Goal
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63 GP3) BALANCE ECONOMICS
This project should achieve economic equilibrium by balancing revenue with construction, operations, maintenance, and programming costs. This principle suggests that capital investments be strategic and vetted, balancing the programmatic needs of the project with the financial plans, agreements, and strategies needed to fund those investments. Financial responsibility for the project to be defined as the composite of revenue-generating activities, capital strategies, and funding allocations required to avoid an unfunded liability for the City government, shall be adhered to. The project infrastructure should anticipate a fossil-free future, and a warmer, less stable climate. The project economy should target circularity, with zero-waste goals for construction and operations plans, net-zero energy, and a high standard of water self-sufficiency.

Description
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64 • The combined income from the site’s land uses and amenities should provide suitable income for the operations, maintenance, and programming expenses needed to keep the project in good condition. • The project capital costs should be linked to a reliable funding source(s). • Project elements should balance more expensive amenities with lower-cost project uses. Higher revenuegenerating uses should balance low or no revenue-generating uses. • High-value investment programs should provide clear and defensible community benefits for the Santa Monica community.
• Project features should be brought online incrementally as funding allows. Innovative financing structures, such as a ‘Friends of’ or ‘Creative Financing District,’ or athletic league sponsorships, may be explored. • Landscape and buildings within the Santa Monica Airport site should be net zero energy for future operations through on-site energy production, energy efficiency, and electrification of all systems. • The project should mitigate local climate change impacts and provide a heat refuge for Santa Monica community members in the future to build resiliency for the environment, municipal operations, and regional economy.
• The project should minimize demolition waste by prioritizing reusing and recycling existing materials and structures and should have a waste management plan for future project operations. This plan may include on-site green waste processing, such as compositing.
• Potable water uses should be limited to where necessary for drinking water or cooling stations. Any future water features should be water efficient and recirculating. Stormwater should be managed on-site, captured, infiltrated, detained, and treated through green infrastructure systems.

Goals
GP3) BALANCE ECONOMICS
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65 GP3) BALANCE ECONOMICS - Feedback
Survey 2b Results Support Neutral Oppose
GP3: Balance Economics 70.4% 15.4% 14.2%
Potable water uses should be limited to where necessary for drinking water or cooling stations. Any future water features should be water efficient and recirculating. Stormwater should be managed on-site, captured, infiltrated, detained, and treated through green infrastructure systems.

80.8% 1 2.4% 6.8%
Project elements should balance more expensive amenities with lower-cost project uses. Higher revenue-generating uses should balance low or no revenue-generating uses.

62.5% 22.2% 1 5.2%
Community Event 2 Results

1. Support for all space as public open space

2. 26 comments supporting including housing on the site, with a focus on affordable housing, while 16 comments strongly oppose any housing on the site.

3. Focus on sustainability, including energy efficiency and water conservation.

4. Preference for funding the park through existing leases and bonds, not housing development.

5. Interest in cultural and recreational amenities like an amphitheater, gardens, and art, with minimal commercial development.

HIGHEST Support Goal
LOWEST Support Goal
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66 GP4) AMPLIFY VERSATILITY
The project should be vibrant in the ‘every day’ and the ‘big day,’ working for the Santa Monica community for large events and unprogrammed day-to-day activities with active and passive amenities. Flexibility in public spaces and programs should allow for different uses to cohabitate, and for the site to adapt to changing needs over time. As an intergenerational space, the project should anticipate fluctuations in community interest for certain uses and activities, and be able to reorganize accordingly. This project should prioritize versatility, so visitors of many backgrounds, needs, exercise goals, and recreational desires can use individual spaces or programs. At the same time, the project programs should be immediately useful to visitors, with programs that maximize utilization and active recreation. Partnered with project programs should be operations and maintenance facilities - and these facilities will need to be developed in a bespoke manner matching the versatility and requirements needed to support a high standard of care for the project and future recreation facilities.

The project should contribute to physical, mental, and spiritual wellness, regardless of users' religion, ability, or age. Physical well-being should be enhanced and celebrated through group amenities, sports fields and courts, and individual fitness infrastructures. Mental and spiritual well-being should include spaces specifically dedicated to mindfulness and presence.

Description
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67 • The project should prioritize amenities that enable consistent and regular use. • The project should balance specific action-oriented high-use programs with flexible and passive spaces.
• The project should support performing arts, such as providing spaces for music, dance, theatrical productions, and more.
• The project should welcome large groups for big events, small groups, and individuals for personal recreation and wellness, and will choreograph many simultaneous experiences and uses in harmony.
• The project should invite visitors from all cultural backgrounds to share a sense of community and collective ownership and include spaces to host cultural celebrations. • The project should limit single-use programs to those meeting specific recreational needs or providing a clear revenue opportunity to support the park’s operations. This should include both free programs and amenities and ticketed programs, event spaces, or recreational facilities. • The project should support active recreation for groups such as flexible fields and courts. The project should include individual fitness infrastructure, such as outdoor equipment for strength/flexibility training.
• The project should support running, walking, and biking, providing many trail experiences that complement the City’s existing trail and bicycle networks. • The project should prioritize biking/walking/transit to the site. • The project should include spaces for meditation, with dedicated spaces for contemplative rest, like forest bathing, or active mindfulness, like yoga decks and sensory gardens.

Goals
GP4) AMPLIFY VERSATILITY
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68 GP4) AMPLIFY VERSATILITY - Feedback
Survey 2b Results Support Neutral Oppose
GP4: Amplify Versatility 74.8% 14.4% 10.8%
The project should support running, walking, and biking, providing many trail experiences that complement the City's existing trail and bicycle networks. 85.1 % 8.0% 7% The project should limit single-use programs to those meeting specific recreational needs or providing a clear revenue opportunity to support the park's operations. This should include both free programs and amenities and ticketed programs, event spaces, or recreational facilities.

56.5% 27.9% 1 5.6%
Community Event 2 Results

1. Strong opposition to housing in the park, focusing on public open space.

2. Support for soccer fields, sports facilities, and recreational amenities.

3. Emphasis on accessible transportation options like buses and bike paths.

4. Interest in art and cultural activities, including performance spaces and installations.

5. Opinions of housing are divided: 13 comments oppose housing and affordable housing, while 11 support affordable housing together with the park to promote inclusivity.

HIGHEST Support Goal
LOWEST Support Goal
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69 GP5) CELEBRATE PLACE
Santa Monica is an iconic city, with a unique history and culture, and the airport site has witnessed many eras of historic significance. The future project should embrace the layers of the site’s history, and share the stories of the place and region, from pre-colonial to the history of aviation on the site. The planting and materiality of the project should be contextual to the current airport and wider community architectural and horticultural expressions. The project should value and celebrate the wider connections to the sea, the mountains, and the city as well as the innovation and inspiration histories of this place. The project should invite visitors from all cultural backgrounds to share a sense of community and collective ownership and provide spaces for cultural celebrations. Celebrating place is both about honoring the past and empowering our future.

Description
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70 • The project should have a unique sense of place - or genius loci - where visitors must know they are here, within Santa Monica, and nowhere else in the world. • The project should acknowledge and celebrate the history of this place, both the pre-colonial regional history and the history of aviation on site.
• The project should adaptively reuse buildings of cultural interest and structural viability, and celebrate the history of the uses of those buildings in parallel with supporting new programs. • The project should recognize and enhance the important role of the current museums, art galleries, maker spaces, theater, and play in the project and continue those uses in the future design. • The planting design should include local native species and plant communities, and reference existing City planting typologies.
• The materials should prioritize material reuse on-site, and regional and local materials and products. • The project should reinforce key viewsheds, strategic gateways with multi-modal connectivity, and activities that reflect and enhance the relationships to the sea, mountains, and urban community. • The project should attempt to accommodate event spaces for small and large events, including anticipatory infrastructure, such as stages, media, power, and lighting. • The approach to the project should celebrate the uniqueness of place, gateway experiences, and pedestrian and bicycle mobility, fitting the Santa Monica commitment and culture of prioritizing carbon-free mobility.

Goals
GP5) CELEBRATE PLACE
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71 GP5) CELEBRATE PLACE - Feedback
Survey 2b Results Support Neutral Oppose
GP5: Celebrate Place 57.1% 24.6% 18.2%
The planting design should include local native species and plant communities, and reference existing City planting typologies. 72.9% 1 7.6% 9.6% The project should have a unique sense of place - or genius loci - where visitors must know they are here, within Santa Monica, and nowhere else in the world. 50.9% 29.6% 1 9.4% Community Event 2 Results

1. Strong opposition to housing in the park, favoring green and public spaces.

2. Support for affordable housing outside the park, focusing on historically displaced communities.

3. Interest in reusing existing buildings like the Museum of Flying to preserve history.

4. Emphasis on sustainability, native plants, and honoring indigenous history.

5. Desire for recreational and community spaces, such as art studios, concert venues, and nature areas.

HIGHEST Support Goal
LOWEST Support Goal
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72 Phase 1 Engagement Takeaways
HOPES
Prioritize Parks & Recreational Needs
There was a priority is placed on maintaining the site
primarily for park and recreational purposes, not for
commercial or residential development.

Passive / Nature Park
Many community members saw the size of the site as a
unique opportunity to focus on passive recreation and
landscape uses, which were discussed as lacking in Santa Monica today.

Non-LC Land Uses
Many community members expressed a desire/need for
uses beyond those mentioned in Measure LC. Most of
these comments focused on housing.

A Sense of History
While many are excited, others lament the loss of the
airport's history and function and underscored the
importance of this history for the legacy and identity of Santa Monica. There is interest in celebrating this history in any future airport conversion.

FEARS
Fear that the Airport won’t Close
Many community members expressed enthusiasm that the
airport was closing and appreciation for a process to determine the future of the site.

Traffic & Congestion
Comment included worry over increased traffic and congestion resulting from the project, both during construction phases and after completion.

Development Concerns
There's worry about potential overdevelopment or misuse of the land. Many expressed distrust in the final decision- making process that would result in all the land being used for development at the expense of park space.

Environmental Concerns
Concerns were expressed both about the existing potential contamination on site and impacts of future construction.

Unhoused & Safety
There were many concerns shared on potential homelessness issues and safety in the future park space.

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73 Phase 2 Community Conversations
Excited by… Need… Concerns…
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74 Santa Monica is a beautiful place and this
is a great opportunity to use incredibly
valuable land for the benefit of everyone.

Phase 2 Community Conversations
Super Quotes
It’s important that the project
remains inclusive and equitable,
offering opportunities for all
groups to participate.

Allocating resources to this project could
foster inclusivity, cultural exchange, and
community-building, making it a priority
for Santa Monica’s future.

I want to stress how important it is to incorporate
cultural spaces in the redevelopment plans.

Giving smaller communities like ours a platform
would enhance the diversity and vibrancy of
Santa Monica, ensuring that all residents feel
represented in the city’s future. Today, we need accessible recreation spaces, support services for autistic individuals, and resources for seniors. We, as Ethiopian Community in Santa Monica, are very
excited for the opportunity to
have a place as a community
center, where we can share
our cultural heritage with
broader Santa Monica
Communities as well as our
own young generation.

We look forward to a variety of open spaces
for kids to play and run, a large space to open
up possibilities for the entire community
(similar to Central Park).

Some people believe that a small
part of the airport land should be
used to build affordable housing
to address the housing crisis.

We are concerned about the
expected profit the Santa Monica
Council may expect from this
investment…We are concerned that if
the Council chooses this route over
free public access, it will greatly
discourage youth from using them.

The opportunity to create a grand public space that
makes an uplifting statement and projects a people and
nature-first attitude that inspires and serves as a
benchmark for other cities in the US and across the globe.

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75 Online Survey 2A Highlights
2,383
complete responses
3,791
partial responses
6,173
total response count

38.5%
completion
rate
*Online Survey 2A window 9/16/24-10/20/24
Did you participate in
any of the project
engagement events or
activities in Phase 1?
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76 Question 1 (3,924 out of 6,173 answered)
Which zip code do you currently reside within?
SITE
Top Ten Zip Codes
90405 - 1,569 responses
90403 - 443 responses
90404 - 409 responses
90066 - 351 responses
90402 - 224 responses
90291 - 148 responses
90064 - 125 responses
90401 - 85 responses
90025 - 71 responses
90049 - 62 responses
90405
90404
90402 90403
90401
90291
90025
90049
90064
90066
133
zip codes
represented
2,321 (37.5%) Responses
from Santa Monica Zip
Codes
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77 Question 2 (3890 out of 6173 answered)
If you live in Santa Monica, how long have you lived here? 0-2 years: 194 | 4.9%
3-5 years: 318 | 8.1%
6-10 years: 393 | 10.1%
11-20 years: 668 | 17.1%
20+ years: 1309 | 33.6%
I do not live in Santa Monica but I used to: 464 | 11.9% I do not live in Santa Monica and never have: 544 | 13.9% Blank: 2,284 | 36.9%
10 years and under

23.1%
11+ years

50.7%
Do not live in SM

25.8%
Above % does not include
blank submissions.

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78 Demographics
Which is your age range?
Under 45
years

33.9%
Over 45
years

66.1%
What describes your racial/ethnic identity?
(3943 out of 6173 answered) (4228 out of 6173 answered) Item 7-A
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79 Question 28 (2334 out of 6173 answered)
Which sustainability practices and
features are most important to you
as we plan for the conversion of the
Santa Monica Airport?
Top practices focus on
nature, ecology, water &
climate change
Which potential benefits will INCREASE
your support for a plan for the future of
the Santa Monica Airport site?
Top practices focus on
nature, recreation,
sustainability, and
community
Question 31 (2341 out of 6173 answered)
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80 Question 33 (2291 out of 6173 answered)
Thinking about the potential future of the airport site, how do you want to FEEL on the site after its anticipated closure and conversion after 2028? Select as many as apply.

Rank Response # of Responses
1 Safe 1529
2 Calm/relaxed 1430
3 Active/healthy 1351
4 Clean 1286
5 Comfortable 923
6 Joyful 829
7 Curious/wonderful 764
8 Playful 721
9 Excited 659
10 Supported/uplifted 526
11 Educated/inform 413
12 Entertained 367
13 Other - Write in 203
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81 Take-aways from the survey
• Biggest response for passive uses, balanced to a lesser degree with active recreation uses
• Connection to and restoration of nature is very important • Explore a variety of ways to pay for the park including “Day 1” activations
• People want to feel safe, relaxed, healthy, inspired, culturally enriched
• Write-in comments had a lot of keep the airport and/or include a variety of housing
• Preservation of the Compass Rose has support as does
celebration of the history
• There is broad support for many types of play.
• There is support for community centers, including youth and senior centers.
• There is strong support for arts, including both galleries, performing arts, and event spaces.

Extending
non-aviation
leases beyond
2028– 73%
Youth Opinion
Matters – 69%
First
Responders
Presence –
80%
Explore PublicPrivate
Partnerships – 76%
Balance Neighborhood Amenities
with Destination Activities – 68%
Slightly more
support for
passive (73%)
but active
was high too
(69%)
Airport should cont.
in emergency /
resiliency role - 69%
Adaptively Reuse
Existing
Buildings/
Structures - 69%
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82 Balance Builder Activity Results: Physical + Online format Item 7-A
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83 Balance Builder Activity Results: Online Game
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84 21st Century Government
Great Park Goals
Living Community Challenge
Hierarchy of goals to provide accountability, sustainability, and inclusivity Project Goals
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85 Project Goals
21st Century Government
Great Park Goals
Living Community Challenge
• Addressing homelessness
• Clean and Safe Santa Monica
• Cultivate Economic Recovery and Expand
Community & Cultural Offerings
• Racial Justice, Equity, and Social Diversity
• Sustainable and Connected Community
Accountability to the Community – 5 Council Priorities
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86 Project Goals
21st Century Government
Great Park Goals
Living Community Challenge
Inclusive and self-sustaining community space
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87 Project Goals
21st Century Government
Great Park Goals
Living Community Challenge
Triple bottom line sustainability for multiple generations Item 7-A
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Santa Monica City CouncilJanuary 28, 2025

Santa Monica City Council
January 28, 2025