1 David Yakobson
From: Josh Kurpies
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 4:24 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Letter from Rep. Lieu to Santa Monica City Council - RE Item 12 A (RAND) Attachments: CTL RAND Santa Monica Letter 7-29-25.pdf
I have provided a hard copy of the letter to each of the Councilmembers. -josh
Josh Kurpies
Council Office & Legislative Affairs Liaison
(310) 458-2201 ext. 5501
Resources for Californians Impacted by Los Angeles Fires From: Rodriquez, Nicolas <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 2:27 PM
To: Josh Kurpies <[email protected]>
Subject: Letter from Rep. Lieu to Santa Monica City Council
EXTERNAL
Josh,
Just wanted to share this letter of support from Rep. Lieu to the Councilmembers.
NICOLAS RODRIQUEZ
Deputy Chief of Staff
District Director
Congressman Ted W. Lieu (CA-36)
Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus
Pronouns: He/Him/El
Ofϐice Locations:
Los Angeles
1645 Corinth Ave., Suite 101
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: 323.651.1040
Subscribe to periodic e-mail updates from Rep. Ted Lieu here.
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3 David Yakobson
From: Wendelin Slusser <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 2:55 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Lana Negrete
Cc: councilmtgitems; Armine Chaparyan; Roxanne Tanemori Subject: Yes on RAND’s Proposal
EXTERNAL
Good afternoon, Commissioners,
My name is Dr. Wendelin Slusser. I'm a Professor and Pediatrician and have lived and worked in Santa Monica for 20 years.
I practiced and taught pediatric residents at the Venice Family Clinic Simms-Mann Pico site. One story that continues to inspire me is our collaboration revitalizing Virginia Avenue Park. At the time, it was considered unsafe—even in broad daylight. But through dedicated community collaboration, that space was transformed.
Today, it’s a vibrant hub of health and connection—where families shop the farmers’ market, youth attend after school classes, and neighbors gather outdoors and there is even a library there now! That change wasn’t just physical—it was social and emotional. It became a public health intervention that continues to foster well-being across generations.
And this is where Santa Monica shines. The city has long been a leader in building a flourishing community. Years ago, it helped shape a well-being index, setting the tone nationally for how cities can prioritize health, equity, and quality of life.
Supporting RAND’s proposal builds on that legacy.
RAND is seeking flexibility to adapt its underused building at 1776 Main Street. This isn’t just about space—it’s about revitalization. Increased foot traffic means safer streets, stronger local businesses, and renewed civic vibrancy.
As a public health professional, I see the alignment clearly. A fully activated building supports mental and physical health, promotes economic equity, and strengthens community ties.
RAND has shown consistent dedication to the city—from direct investments in education and nonprofits to opening its doors to community groups.
Virginia Park taught me that the right partnerships can transform dead space into community lifelines. RAND is offering that same partnership today. This amendment isn’t just about updating zoning—it’s about choosing vitality over vacancy, connection over isolation. Let’s give 1776 Main Street the chance to become Santa Monica’s next success story.
Thank you.
Wendelin Slusser, MD, MS, FAAP
Listen to our
UCLA LiveWell podcasts
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4 Watch 2025: Food as Medicine panel: Aspen Ideas Institute Health Wendelin Slusser’s UCLA TedX talk
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5 David Yakobson
From: Jeff Jarow <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 1:39 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Cc: councilmtgitems; Armine Chaparyan; Roxanne Tanemori Subject: RAND DA AGREEMENT - 12A
EXTERNAL
July 28, 2025
Item 12.A
City Council Members:
I’m writing in support of the adoption of a second amendment to the 2000 RAND Corporation Development Agreement.
When the first DA was approved, RAND believed that its Santa Monica oƯice building would be its permanent home. At that time, they had no way of predicting how a pandemic would innovate remote work platforms, boost users dramatically, and how some staƯ would be shifted to east coast oƯices.
Although the DA was well-intentioned in 25 years ago, the restrictions in the DA limited RAND’s ability to lease or sell the building. RAND is being forced to operate a large building at only about 17% of full occupancy. Right now, RAND averages less than 250 employees in a building designed for over 1,000 employees. The entire 5th floor is closed down. RAND needs the freedom to right-size its facility.
Financial proceeds from the sale or partial leasing of the Santa Monica oƯice building would directly fund RAND’s independent research, enabling deeper research that helps shape policy issues that benefit local governments, educational institutions, community organizations, and nonprofits.
Also, the amendment would produce an immediate windfall to City’s budget. In exchange for receiving relief from the 2000 DA restrictions, RAND has will contribute $5.5 million to the City, including $3.5 million up front upon City Council approval of the DA Amendment.
The ongoing fiscal benefits will be significant. The estimated fiscal and economic benefits from the for-occupancy of the property include $3.3 million annually in City tax revenue and $3.6 million annually in county and state tax revenue. It’s estimated that amending the DA to allow RAND to sell their building could result in $20 – $25 million in Measure GS transfer taxes upon the building’s sale. These taxes could total ~$125M for Santa Monica by the end of the DA term.
RAND has played a critical role in our city since 1948. It has helped brand the City of Santa Monica, and it’s been a good partner to the City, and a great corporate citizen. It’s time to unshackle RAND and allow flexibility. I urge you to adopt the amendment.
JeƯ Jarow
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1 Mitchell Kois
From: Julie Baczewski <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 28, 2025 3:22 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Cc: councilmtgitems; Armine Chaparyan; Roxanne Tanemori Subject: RAND
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
EXTERNAL
July 28, 2025
Dear City Council Members,
We are writing to express our strong support for the RAND Corporation’s request to amend the 2000 Development Agreement for its existing facility.
As Growing Place leadership, we are proud to serve children from three months to six years old. One of our core goals is to ensure that at least 15% of our student population consists of low-income Santa Monica residents, providing them with access to highquality early childhood education.
This amendment is especially important to us because RAND has been a steadfast supporter of the Lab School. Each year, RAND contributes approximately $40,000 to our tuition assistance fund, a commitment they have offered to extend if the development agreement is amended. This funding is vital for supporting the families who participate in our program.
Additionally, RAND has generously allowed our staff to park in their parking lot, saving us over $60,000 annually. These savings are redirected entirely toward tuition assistance, enabling us to support 15% of our families.
RAND has consistently demonstrated its commitment to being a positive community partner for both the Growing Place and the Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.
We are grateful for RAND’s hands-on involvement in shaping the futures of Santa Monica’s children and we respectfully urge you to vote yes on this important amendment.
Sincerely,
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2 Julie Baczewski
Interim Executive Director | Growing Place
Cris Lozon, EdD
Executive Director | Growing Place
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. http://www.growingplace.org Julie Baczewski
Interim Executive Director | Growing Place
1802 4th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-434-3811
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For the privacy and protection of our families, this email is intended for the sole use of the original recipient(s). Images or documents contained within belong to Growing Place. If you are not the intended recipient, we request that you please notify us, by reply email, and destroy all copies of the message and any attachments. Thank you for your cooperation.
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4 Mitchell Kois
From: Michael Rich <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 27, 2025 9:08 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; [email protected]; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Cc: councilmtgitems; Armine Chaparyan; Roxanne Tanemori Subject: RAND Development Agreement Amendment- Support
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
EXTERNAL
I am writing to urge approval of the proposed Amendment to Santa Monica’s Development Agreement with the RAND Corporation. As you know, the Planning Commission gave this amendment their unanimous support and I urge the Santa Monica City Council to do the same.
As a former leader of RAND, I led the negotiations on the original Agreement on behalf of RAND, working closely with Deputy City Manager Gordon Anderson. It was important then for RAND to have some flexibility when it came to owning and operating its new headquarters building and the City recognized that need. A quarter of a century has now passed and there is a pressing need for even more flexibility given the dramatic changes in societal patterns and technology that have facilitated remote work. The proposed Amendment will benefit RAND by enabling it to more effectively adapt to these changes and realize the full value of its award-winning headquarters for its research and graduate-school operations.
I also support the proposed Amendment as a 43-year resident of Santa Monica. Additional flexibility will enable RAND to pursue arrangements that would repopulate the Civic Center area, in line with the original vision of the Civic Center Specific Plan for a vibrant and diverse community that supports local businesses and enriches the City’s civic infrastructure. Santa Monica has often been a national leader when it comes to addressing new challenges; taking this step to help revitalize the Civic Center will be another example.
Thank you for taking up the proposed Amendment and being open to hearing the views of the residents you represent.
Sincerely,
Michael Rich
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5 Mitchell Kois
From: Judy Abdo <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 25, 2025 2:06 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Cc: councilmtgitems; Armine Chaparyan; Roxanne Tanemori Subject: Re RAND item 12.A.... I support
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Flag Status: Flagged
EXTERNAL
City Councilmembers,
I am writing to support RAND Corporation's request for an amendment to the 2000 Development Agreement for RAND’s existing facility.
As a former Santa Monica City Council member and Mayor, I've appreciated RAND's history in Santa Monica, and its reputation as a top-tier research facility and dependable community member. Over several decades, I've participated in many meetings at the building and have been impressed by RAND’s wonderful research and education environment, but 21 years after its opening, there is simply too much office and meeting space to foster the kind of collaborative work that "think tanks" thrive on. The proposed amendment would release RAND from its very restrictive DA and allow them to lease out part of the space or sell the building and put down roots elsewhere. Either of those options would be more sustainable than the way it is now configured, and would help reactivate the area.
I would also like to express my appreciation for RAND's involvement in early childhood education in our community. As a former teacher and current member of the Early Childhood Task Force, I value RAND’s hands-on effort to affect the futures of Santa Monica’s children.
Please vote yes on this important amendment.
Thank you.
Judy Abdo
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6 Mitchell Kois
From: Bryan Gabbard <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 25, 2025 10:34 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; Armine Chaparyan; Roxanne Tanemori Cc: Bryan Gabbard; Betty Ashford
Subject: Yes on RAND’s Proposal, Agenda Item 12.A " or "RAND DA Amendment- Support, Agenda Item 12.A
Attachments: RAND DA Amendment- Support - Gabbard (7.22.2025).pdf Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members.
Please find attached my letter of strong support for proposed Rand DA Amendment initiative, Item 12A on the docket for your meeting on Tuesday, July 29th.
I would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
Regards,
Bryan
C. Bryan Gabbard, Ph.D.
Former President and CEO
NeuroGen Technologies, Inc.
Malibu/ Santa Monica California
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23805 Stuart Ranch Road ● Suite 135 ● Malibu, CA 90265 ● 818-519-3438 (mobile) neurogentech.com
Neuroscience, bio-behavioral and social sciences solutions NeuroGen Technologies, Inc. NeuroGen Technologies, Inc.
July 22, 2025
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to recommend that the Santa Monica City Council approve RAND’s recent request to modify the 2000 Development Agreement (DA) between the RAND Corporation and the City of Santa Monica, as proposed. The proposed DA modification shows no adverse impacts for either party and will significantly strengthen the City's general welfare. As you know, the Planning Commission gave this amendment their unanimous support.
My affiliation with both parties has been long and valued…over 50 years. I have supported RAND as an employee (multiple times), a Principal Investigator in RAND research projects, a Center Director, and a division leader. I continue to support them philanthropically and as an Adjunct Senior Scholar.
Santa Monica has been a home to many of the important activities of my adult life, culturally and educationally. All my children attended Santa Monica schools, including Santa Monica High School and Santa Monica College. It has provided a business environment that facilitated my helping to start five companies in the national security, technology development and behavioral neurosciences sectors.
Throughout this period, I have seen first-hand the value that each party adds to the other. I contributed to the 2000 DA, which has greatly benefited Santa Monica and RAND, as expected.
RAND fully met all the terms of this agreement. This proposed amendment will continue that tradition and sustain a valuable partnership between RAND and the City. The amended DA will bring significant new revenues into Santa Monica over the term of the agreement ($100M- $150M), including an immediate cash payment of $3.5M. It will sustain an Early Childhood Laboratory through a $40K per year endowment to support the underserved populations of Santa Monica. Importantly, it will also facilitate continued resilience, growth, and depth of RAND’s core research mission by providing resources enabling a deeper exploration of policy issues, including those of consequence to Santa Monica such as homelessness, health care, law enforcement and entertainment and media futures.
Approval will add value to RAND by relieving it of the burden of wasted space and infrastructure that could be of immediate benefit to Santa Monica. The improved land use in Santa Monica will nurture business growth in multiple professional sectors by drawing new and existing companies and personnel into Santa Monica to support schools, malls, and cultural and civic center activities.
Thank you for considering this important initiative.
Sincerely,
C. Bryan Gabbard, Ph.D.
Former President and CEO
NeuroGen Technologies, Inc.
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7 Mitchell Kois
From: Eric Peltz <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 25, 2025 5:55 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Cc: councilmtgitems; Armine Chaparyan; Roxanne Tanemori Subject: RAND DA and CCSP Amendment Requests, 7/29 Meeting Agenda Item 12.A Attachments: RAND Letter to SM City Council 07242025.pdf Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
Attached please find our letter explaining our requested amendments and why we believe these would be beneficial for both the City of Santa Monica and RAND. We look forward to the hearing to present our case in more depth and to answer your questions.
Thank you for your consideration of our applications,
Eric
Eric Peltz
SVP, Finance & Operations
RAND | www.rand.org
(310) 393-0411 x7609
[email protected]
_________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____
This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain information that is sensitive, proprietary, and/or privileged. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.
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ERIC PELTZ 1776 MAIN STREET TEL 310.393.0411 X 7609
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT P.O. BOX 2138 FAX 310.393.4818
FINANCE AND OPERATIONS SANTA MONICA, CA [email protected]
90407-2138
OBJECTIVE ANALYSIS. EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS.
RESEARCH AREAS
Children, Families,
and Communities
Cyber and Data Sciences
Education and Literacy
Energy and Environment
Health, Health Care,
and Aging
Homeland Security
and Public Safety
Infrastructure and
Transportation
International Affairs
Law and Business
National Security
and Terrorism
Science and Technology
Social Equity
Workers and the Workplace
OFFICES
Santa Monica, CA
Washington, DC
Pittsburgh, PA
Boston, MA
Cambridge, UK
Brussels, BE
Rotterdam, NL
Canberra, AU
www.rand.org
July 24, 2025
VIA EMAIL
Santa Monica City Council
Re: Applications to Facilitate Full Occupancy and Beneficial Activation of RAND’s Underutilized Building
Address: 1776 Main Street
Agenda Item 12A
Dear Councilmembers:
On behalf of The RAND Corporation ("RAND"), I ask the City Council to approve our proposed amendments to RAND’s Development Agreement and the Civic Center Specific Plan as recommended by City Staff and the Planning Commission.
RAND looks forward to presenting this proposal to broaden the categories of uses permitted within RAND’s existing office building at 1776 Main Street (the “Existing Building”) consistent with City goals and policies to cultivate a vibrant blend of uses in the Civic Center district. Our proposal also includes additional community benefits and will produce positive fiscal and economic impacts. We are confident that this outcome will be a “win-win” for RAND and the City. We are not aware of any opposition.
About RAND
RAND is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving communities worldwide by making them safer, healthier, and more prosperous. We tackle complex public policy challenges through rigorous research and analysis, driven by facts, evidence, and a steadfast commitment to nonpartisanship. As a mission-driven organization, we focus on directing as much of our resources as possible toward independent research on critical policy issues that governments are unable or unwilling to fund. Responsible financial stewardship is central to our mission, ensuring our work delivers meaningful impact where it is needed most.
Why and When
As explained in the Staff Report, RAND’s Development Agreement was approved in 2000 and essentially restricts occupancy of the Existing Building to RAND (or a very narrow field of similar non-profit research organizations) and prevents the sale or leasing of the Existing Building without a Development Agreement amendment. These limiting terms reflect that, in 2000, RAND’s main focus was securing vested rights to construct and occupy the building. RAND assumed it would remain in this building for its entire useful life. In line with these expectations, the Development Agreement does not expire until 2055.
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OBJECTIVE ANALYSIS. EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS.
Now, almost 25 years later, and following major changes in technology and sponsor needs, both how and where RAND employees work have changed significantly. RAND’s daily utilization of our Existing Building averages less than 20% of its capacity. This severe underutilization has remained relatively stable in post-pandemic years. Indeed, even in the years leading up to the pandemic, RAND had already seen the building’s daily utilization drop to less than 50% due to work-from-home flexibility and declining staffing in Santa Monica due to business conditions that led us to shift staffing to other locations.
A nearly vacant office building does no one any good. It harms the vitality of the surrounding area and makes for a poor work environment. Given the severe and ongoing underutilization of our Existing Building, we filed applications in August 2023 to reasonably broaden the categories of uses to be permitted within the building. We quickly came to a mutual agreement with City Staff on the range of commercial uses that should be permitted within the Existing Building; however, the community benefit negotiations associated with amending the DA were lengthy. All stakeholders would now benefit from rapid final approval of these changes given the proposed amendment’s significant benefits to the City from higher occupancy of the Existing Building, the associated activation of the area, and the large financial benefits that would come with a change of user. As stated in the Staff Report, no new floor area or construction is proposed.
What and How
RAND is seeking to amend the Development Agreement to allow our Existing Building to be sold or leased to another user or users (“Second Amendment”). To enable this, there needs to be a reasonable range of uses permitted within the Existing Building. In the Second Amendment, we propose to allow uses that would use the Existing Building much like RAND does—just by different types of organizations—such as Business and Professional offices, Creative offices; Media Production, Support Facility only; life-science Research and Development (but not production, assembly or manufacturing); and the possibility of ground floor uses such as restaurants or retail.
Once that range of uses is allowed, RAND would be able to freely market the property for sale or lease so that RAND can right-size its office space, leading to a better work environment, additional resources for independent research, and reduced operating costs. These changes would also maximize the value of the building for the community. A true win-win outcome.
Community, Fiscal & Economic Benefits
As part of the negotiated community and public benefits package, RAND has agreed to contribute $5,500,000 to the City, with $3,500,000 being paid “up front” (at ordinance effective date) rather than upon exercise of the rights approved by the amendment (e.g. occupancy by a new user or sale of the building). In addition, RAND has agreed to continue and extend our annual $40,000 contribution to the Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School to offset tuition costs for low-income Santa Monica resident families. RAND has further agreed to provide the City with a right of first offer to lease unused parking in the building’s underground garage.
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OBJECTIVE ANALYSIS. EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS.
Importantly, increased occupancy of the Existing Building will generate significant increases in local business commerce and positive community activation in the surrounding area. In addition to those benefits, third party financial consultant RCLCO estimates that for-profit occupancy of the Existing Building would generate approximately $3,300,000 per year in additional City tax revenue and $3,600,000 per year in additional County and State tax revenue.
Moreover, sale of the property is estimated to result in a one-time transfer tax of $20,000,000- $25,000,000 for public schools and affordable housing per Measure GS.
Conclusion
In sum, RAND is proposing to amend its Development Agreement and the Civic Center Specific Plan to broaden the allowable uses within our Existing Building and provide additional community benefits. These amendments are consistent with the City's General Plan, including its Land Use and Circulation Element, and will facilitate future higher occupancy of the Existing Building and activation of the surrounding area. Consistent with City Staff’s recommendation, we respectfully request your approval of the proposed amendments to the Development Agreement and Civic Center Specific Plan.
Sincerely,
Eric Peltz
Senior Vice President
Finance and Operations
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From: Leonard Schaeffer <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2025 5:24 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Cc: councilmtgitems; Armine Chaparyan; Roxanne Tanemori Subject: Yes on RAND’s Proposal, Agenda Item 12.A
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
I am writing to express my strong support for RAND's proposal to amend its Development Agreement. As a member of RAND’s board of trustees, a philanthropic supporter of the organization, and a former city resident still living in the area and with a business located in Santa Monica, I believe that this amendment is vital for both RAND and our community.
Since its founding in 1948, RAND has been a pillar of policy research that generates impactful insights for multiple stakeholders, including local governments, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. However, the current development agreement limits RAND's ability to adapt its Santa Monica office space to the evolving needs of the organization. This restriction results in a building operating at only around 17% of its capacity, which is detrimental not only to RAND but also to the City of Santa Monica, which misses out on significant fiscal and economic benefits from a more activated building.
The proposed changes to the agreement would unlock valuable resources that can be redirected to RAND's independent research efforts. The financial proceeds from the potential sale or leasing of portions of the Santa Monica office building would enhance RAND's capabilities to explore pressing policy issues that significantly affect public welfare. This adaptive shift would allow RAND to operate more effectively and provide crucial funding for high-quality research that local entities often lack the budget to commission.
When the Development Agreement was approved in 2000, RAND anticipated that its Santa Monica office would remain its “forever home.” Back then, there was no foresight into the dramatic changes in work environments that we now experience, particularly the increasing prevalence of remote work and a shift in staffing to our East Coast offices. As a result, the restrictions from 2000, while well intentioned, are preventing RAND from maximizing its contributions to our community.
As you know, the Planning Commission gave this amendment their unanimous support. I urge the Santa Monica City Council to view this amendment not just as a change in regulations, but as an opportunity to foster more robust public policy research and activate a valuable community resource, ultimately benefiting all of Santa Monica.
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9 Thank you for considering my support for this important proposal.
Sincerely,
Leonard D. Schaeffer
Board of Trustees Member, RAND Corporation
Founding Chairman & CEO, WellPoint (now Elevance)
Judge Robert Maclay Widney Chair and Professor, USC
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From: Frank J Gruber <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2025 3:08 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item 12-A, July 29 City Council Meeting Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
EXTERNAL
Dear City Councilmembers,
I am writing regarding Agenda Item 12-A to give my support to the amendments RAND has proposed to the Development Agreement (DA) for their office building in the Civic Center.
By way of background, I have been involved with, or at least I have been paying attention to, developments at the Civic Center, including the RAND site, since 1993, when the City began the planning and design process that resulted in the Civic Center Specific Plan (CCSP). As an interested resident I actively participated in the 1993 process, and as a columnist for the Lookout I observed the amendment process that occurred after the City purchased most of RAND’s land. Then later on I was a member of the ill-fated task force charged with coming up with a plan to save the Civic Auditorium.
The CCSP was approved by City Council on a 7-0 vote. The approval, however, was then challenged by a signaturegathering campaign that put the CCSP on the June 1994 ballot. The argument against the CCSP was largely that it would was too much development that would create too much traffic. I was the Treasurer of the pro-CCSP campaign. The voters approved the plan by a margin of 60-40 percent.
As mentioned in the Item 12-A staff report, one of the purposes of the CCSP was to “create a diverse mix of uses and activities in the Civic Center, including government uses, parks and open space, affordable, workforce and market-rate housing, retail, office and cultural uses,” and a "vibrant mixed-use district.” Unfortunately this didn’t happen. The area is not “vibrant.” Why? Much less development occurred at the Civic Center than was contemplated in the original CCSP. Under the original version, approved by 60% of voters, RAND was entitled to develop approximately 425,000 more square feet than it ultimately built. This diminution of development was caused both by RAND not using all of its entitlements for its main office and other entitled development it had under the CCSP, and because the City ultimately removed 250,000 square feet of permitted development after it acquired most of the land from RAND. Under the original plan, this development, 250,000 square feet of either office or housing, was to be located where Tongva Park is now, which would have intensified the area across the freeway from downtown and facing City Hall. Instead of a park along the freeway, a park would have been located at the southeast corner (4th and Pico) of the Civic Center, where it could better serve both the Civic Center and Ocean Park.
I bring up this history because it is a sad fact that the Civic Center lacks the intensity of use that was originally planned for and which the voters overwhelmingly approved. The purpose of the plan, as mentioned above, was to turn the Civic Center area in a vibrant district surrounding our most important public buildings. The current situation is made even worse because, as discussed in the staff report, RAND is now using only a fraction of its main office. Hopefully this can be remedied in part by changing the uses of the RAND office building.
For these reasons, as well as the benefits RAND has agreed to, I urge you to approve the recommended amendments to the Development Agreement.
Thank you.
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Item 12-A
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Item 12-A
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Item 12-A
July 29, 2025
3 Mitchell Kois
From: Judy Kruger <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 28, 2025 8:42 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Cc: councilmtgitems; Armine Chaparyan; Roxanne Tanemori; Paula Larmore; Jeremy Rawitch Subject: Council Mtg Agenda Item 12.A - RAND
Attachments: Chamber Ltr to City Council re RAND.pdf
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
EXTERNAL
Good Morning Mayor and Councilmembers:
Please see attached letter from the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce in support of Agenda Items 12.A to be heard at City Council on July 29, 2025.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Best Regards,
Judy
Judy Kruger
CEO & President
213-703-1340
[email protected]
smchamber.com
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July 28, 2025
Santa Monica City Council
City Hall
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
RE: RAND’s Update to Development Agreement – Support
Dear Mayor Negrete and Members of the Council:
On behalf of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, we are writing to express our support for RAND Corporation’s proposed amendment to its Development Agreement with the City of Santa Monica.
This proposal offers clear and substantial benefits to our community. RAND has also committed to providing $5.5 million in direct community benefit payments and continuing its annual support for early childhood education through a $40,000 contribution to the Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School. If RAND is able to sell its building, it will generate an estimated $3.3 million annually in new tax revenue for the City, as well as a one-time transfer tax payment of $20 to $25 million that will directly support public schools and affordable housing under Measure GS.
Further, increased activation of the building will boost local business activity and enhance the vitality of the surrounding area, bringing renewed energy to our downtown.
Importantly, these benefits are achieved without any expansion of the building’s footprint or impact on neighborhood scale.
We believe this amendment reflects a responsible and forward-thinking approach that aligns with the City’s economic development goals while supporting a longtime institutional partner. We respectfully urge the Council to approve this proposal.
Sincerely,
Judy Kruger
President & CEO
Board Executives
Chair
Paula Larmore
Harding, Larmore,
Kutcher & Kozal LLP
Past Chair
Charlie LopezQuintana
ETC Hotels
Treasurer
Addie VanGessel
Tavern on Main
Vice-Chair
Dustin Peterson
Fairmont Miramar
Hotel & Bungalows
Vice-Chair
Jeremy Rawitch
RAND
Vice-Chair
Vee Gomez
Beach Yoga SoCal
Vice-Chair
Melissa Cohen
Boston Properties
Vice-Chair
Elias Garcia
Kaiser Permanente
Directors
Eddie Guerboian
Jeweler
Neil Carrey
Attorney
Elnie Vannatim
Cedars-Sinai
Gina Gribow
EKA Public Affairs
Directors
Jessica Rincon
Sanbourne
Lilit Avagyan
US Bank
Jenn Verma
Lionsgate
Ben Marcus
UP Partners
Yvette Sims
Hair by Yvette
Cheree
Michael Altchule
UCLA Health
Shanna Johnson
Regent
Shari Davis
Santa Monica
College
Wesly Hernandez
SNAP Inc.
Berta Negari
XYZ Rent
Garrett Childers
SM Fire 1109
Doreen Lahav
Prism Places
Kara Block
DHF Architects
Carlos Madrid
SMPD POA
Jared Amerson
Providence Saint
John’s
Item 12-A
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1 Mitchell Kois
From: Santa Monica Forward <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, July 28, 2025 7:50 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; councilmtgitems
Subject: ITEM 12A -- RAND HQ Item - SM Forward Support Letter
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and Councilmembers,
Santa Monica Forward is working for a diverse, progressive, sustainable and equitable Santa Monica. We stand for fact-based, inclusive and civil public discourse that respects the many viewpoints of our residents, workers, businesses, representative neighborhood and community organizations, and other
stakeholders.
We are writing to express support for RAND’s proposed
amendment to its Development Agreement. We believe that a revised DA represents a logical and future-focused step that benefits both RAND and the Santa Monica community as a whole.
Since its founding in Santa Monica, RAND has conducted rigorous, nonpartisan research to tackle many of the world’s most urgent challenges, from healthcare and education to environmental sustainability, water and climate resilience and food security. Santa Monica has benefited from the prestige and impact of this organization. It is time to release it from the old DA.
Why This Amendment Matters
The original DA was adopted by the City Council 25 years ago. In many ways, it prevented flexibility in the use of its building. A revision would give RAND the ability to release important resources toward its core mission. Unfortunately, the restrictions imposed by Item 12-A
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2 the 2000 DA are now holding RAND back, by permitting the organization the ability to lease portions of its underutilized Santa Monica office building, or, as we would urge City Council to consider, sell the building outright. A higher occupancy building would reinvigorate the surrounding area, and enhance
neighborhood vibrancy and safety, achieved without new
construction. In addition, our community would be well served if the historic and continuously operated research facility found a new home in the City.
The revised amendment’s impacts
Under the proposed DA amendment, RAND would gain the
flexibility to right-size its office footprint, lower its operating costs, and reinvest in its research mission. The city, in turn, would gain substantial benefits:
Higher occupancy will breathe new life into the surrounding area, and activating the building will enhance neighborhood vibrancy and safety, all without adding new construction or increasing building size.
$5.5 million in community benefit contributions, which includes $3.5 million paid up front.
New tax revenue, with an estimated $3.3 million per year for the City and $3.6 million per year for the County and State.
A one-time transfer tax of $20–$25 million if the building is sold, funding that will support public schools and affordable housing via Measure GS.
Continued annual funding ($40,000 per year) to support lowincome Santa Monica families at the Early Childhood Lab School.
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3 New economic activity from more tenants in the building, increasing foot traffic and support for local businesses.
Additional parking capacity, with the City receiving the right of first offer to lease unused spaces in RAND’s underground garage.
On Tuesday night, you have an opportunity to amend the 2000 DA and the Civic Center Specific Plan, giving the City an opportunity to bring its policies into alignment with current economic and workplace realities, while also unlocking long-term benefits for the people of Santa Monica.
We ask you to support RAND’s proposal and ensure that this important civic anchor continues to thrive and serve our shared goals for the decades that lie ahead.
Sincerely,
Brad Ewing and Carl Hansen
Co-chairs Santa
--
We are working for a diverse, progressive, sustainable and equitable Santa Monica.
SantaMonicaForward.org
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1 Mitchell Kois
From: Cynthia Rose <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 10:57 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall
Cc: Armine Chaparyan; Roxanne Tanemori; Oliver Chi; [email protected] Subject: Support Agenda item 12A - Rand Corporation DA Second Update Attachments: 2025-07 Support Agenda Item 12A SaMoSSA RAND DA Update.pdf
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Torosis and Santa Monica City Council Members:
Please find attached our letter supporting the proposed second amendment to the RAND Corporation’s 2000 DA.
Cynthia Rose & Cris Guitierrez
Co-Chairs
Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance
--
Cynthia Rose
Co-Chair
Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance
SaMoSafeStreets.org
I acknowledge with respect and gratitude the Tongva, Kizh, and Chumash Peoples on whose traditional territory I live and work.
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RE: Support Agenda item 12A - Rand Corporation DA Second Update Dear Mayor Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Torosis and Santa Monica City Council Members:
The Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance is writing to express our support for the proposed second amendment to the RAND Corporation’s 2000 DA, which will enable RAND to achieve a more sustainable workplace by downsizing its operation in Santa Monica and lease unused space in the building, or find a new and secure home, preferably in Santa Monica.
The original DA is outmoded. Changes in the way Americans work and the distribution of RAND Corporation facilities in the United States have contributed to a substantially smaller local workforce, which is spread out within its current building. This presents a less than optimal working environment.
Think tanks like RAND accomplish more when researchers, educators, visitors and staff members are all able to interact informally and exchange ideas.
RAND is an important community partner and, as one of the world's top research organizations, brings tremendous value to Santa Monica as a city that embraces critical thought and expertise. We encourage the Council to explore all opportunities and possibilities that support keeping Rand in Santa Monica in a new building/location.
In the past, RAND was associated with defense and diplomacy research. But in recent decades, its scope has broadened dramatically, exploring other areas critical to our survival, including deep dives on climate change, transportation, food production and food security, and housing policy. We believe their local facility should be allowed to shift to a more sustainable and efficient configuration to continue this work at a high level.
We urge you to adopt Staff’s recommendation of the second amendment to the RAND DA, and move this important matter to the first reading and adoption of the amendment.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Rose Cris Gutierrez
Co-Chair, Santa Monica Safe Street Alliance Co-Chair, Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance SaMoSafeStreets.org
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