Memo
To: Oliver Chi, City Manager
From: Lana Negrete, Mayor
Date: September 2, 2025
Re: A Request that the City Council Consider Directing the City Manager to Create a Micro Grant Program to Address Habitability of Rent-Controlled / Deed Restricted Units One of the common concerns that the City hears from those residing in rent-controlled and deed restricted housing units relates to issues of habitability. In an effort to address this particular ongoing issue, I am requesting that the City Council support my motion to direct that staff develop a pilot habitability improvement grant program for owners of rent-controlled / deed restricted units.
Through this program, I would envision that rent-controlled and deed-restricted property owners in Santa Monica would be able to apply for and receive micro grants. Those micro grant funds could then be eligible for use towards addressing and improving rehabilitation, housing quality standards, and the overall habitability of rent-controlled / deed restricted units.
Please place this item on the September 9 agenda for full City Council consideration.