SEPTEMBER 2025
Santa Monica
Aging and Disability
Action Plan
City of Santa Monica
Housing and Human Services Department
Homelessness Prevention and
Intervention Division
SANTA MONICA AGING AND DISABILITY ACTION PLAN - TABLE OF CONTENTS P.2 Table of
Contents
Acknowledgements
Executive Summary
Equity By Design: The Action Plan Advisory Committee
Values, Vision, Mission
Demographics Snapshot - Older Adults, People with Disabilities, and Caregivers
Community Needs Assessment
Process & Findings
Findings by Domain of Livability
Strategic Goals for Santa Monica’s Aging and Disability Action Plan Mobility, Access, & Inclusive Public Spaces
Connected & Resilient Community
Coordinated Communication & Outreach
Housing Stability & Affordability
Inclusive Emergency Preparedness
Next Steps
3 5
7 8
9 12
12 14
Appendices
18 18
20 22
23 24
26 P.3
Acknowledgements
Santa Monica City Council
City of Santa Monica, Housing and Human Services Department, Homelessness Prevention and Intervention Division
California Department of Aging - Local Aging & Disability Action Planning Grant Program AARP
Action Plan Advisory Committee Members
Suleman Adeyemi, Co-Representative from City of Santa Monica Disabilities Commission Chris Baca, Community Member
Michael Baroff, Community Member
Glenda Berg, Community Member
Barbara Browning, Co-Representative from WISE & Healthy Aging Rene Buchanan, Community Member
Daphne Dennis, Community Member
Richard Diaz, City of Santa Monica Housing Division
Alex Elliott, Co-Representative from City of Santa Monica Disabilities Commission Janie Gates, Co-Representative from WISE & Healthy Aging John Kotick, Representative from Disability Community Resource Center Noelle Lewis, Community Member
Melissa Lo, Community Member
Patrick Nulty, City of Santa Monica Fire Department
Danny Price, City of Santa Monica Recreation & Arts Department Alfredo Torales, City of Santa Monica Department of Transportation Willa Wells, City of Santa Monica Human Services Commission
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Collaborative Partners
Disability Community Resource Center
WISE & Healthy Aging
Project Facilitators
City of Santa Monica Housing & Human Services Department Homelessness Prevention and Intervention Division
Alana Riemermann, MSW, Senior Human Services Analyst
Elizabeth Anderson Consulting
Elizabeth Anderson, MSW, MPH, Principal and Founder
Rachel Behl, MSW, MPH, Consultant
Jason Harley, M.Ed., MSW, PhD, Consultant
Abbe Land, Consultant
Community Open House and Photography Support
Emeritus Program of Santa Monica College
Photography by Christopher Franco
Thank you to Santa Monica community members and partners who engaged in the needs assessment process by sharing their time, insights and feedback to shape the Action Plan.
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Executive
Summary
Introduction
The Santa Monica Aging and Disability Action Plan is a three-year roadmap (from 2026 to 2029) to make Santa Monica a more age- and disability-friendly community.
Background
Santa Monica began developing its Aging and Disability Action Plan in fall 2023, when the City’s Housing & Human Services Department secured a grant from the California Department of Aging. This funding launched the City’s effort to create a local age- and disability-friendly action plan addressing the current, emerging, and future needs of older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. In spring 2024, the City kicked off the project, retaining a team from Elizabeth Anderson Consulting, and forming the Action Plan Advisory Committee in fall 2024.
Process
The Advisory Committee - composed of older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, subject matter experts, City staff, and commissioners - led a community-driven planning process. The group adopted core values to guide its work, analyzed community demographics, and guided the design of the spring 2025 community needs assessment using the World Health Organization’s Domains of Livability as a framework. The needs assessment included a widely publicized community survey as well as a community open house event and a series of focus groups.
Community Insights
Nearly 70% of Community Survey respondents favorably rated Santa Monica as an age-and disability-friendly community - due to the City’s significant investments in agingand disability-focused work. Through the needs assessment activities, the community shared valuable insights into their lived experience in Santa Monica. A cross-cutting
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theme in these community dialogues was a deeply felt sense of vulnerability across the Domains of Livability which are the community features that impact well-being, including outdoor spaces, transportation, civic participation and employment, housing, health services and community supports, social participation, respect and inclusion, and communication and information. Based on these findings, the Advisory Committee created a set of responsive goals to address the most pressing community priorities.
Action Plan Goals & Themes of Community Livability
This Action Plan identifies achievable, strategic goals organized under five themes of community livability, as follows:
1. Mobility, Access, & Inclusive Public Spaces: Improve streets, public spaces, and transit to support safe, accessible mobility for older adults and people with disabilities, day and night.
2. Connected & Resilient Community: Strengthen community by expanding social connections, volunteerism, and support systems.
3. Coordinated Communication & Outreach: Provide timely, clear, and multilingual information through both digital and traditional channels.
4. Housing Stability & Affordability: Expand affordable housing and improve access to resources that help residents of all ages and abilities to remain stably housed.
5. Inclusive Emergency Preparedness: Boost community resilience through preparedness education, neighborhood support, and inclusive emergency services.
These goals advance equity, access, and quality of life for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers.
Implementation and Next Steps
Led by the Homelessness Prevention and Intervention Division in the Housing and Human Services Department, the team will coordinate the Action Plan implementation efforts. The Division will partner with a collaborative of City and community representatives to ensure lived experience remains central to implementation. This group will identify workflow processes and resources needed to reach each goal. The community will be updated regularly on progress towards the Action Plan’s goals through regular community presentations and information posted on the city website.
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Equity
By Design:
The Action Plan Advisory Committee
The Santa Monica Aging and Disability Action Plan is intentionally designed as a community-driven, equity-focused initiative grounded in the lived experience of older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers who live and/or work in Santa Monica.
To ensure the plan reflects the realities and aspirations of the community, the City of Santa Monica and its consulting team facilitated a community-centered design process from the outset.
At the heart of this effort is the 16-seat Action Plan Advisory Committee – comprised of community members, subject matter experts, caregivers, older adults, people with disabilities, and representatives from City departments and commissions.
The Committee was formed through a broad outreach and recruitment effort to ensure diverse representation and a variety of expertise.
The Advisory Committee played a central role in shaping every aspect of the plan since their first convening in fall 2024. Members adopted shared values, reviewed demographic data, designed the community needs
assessment, and engaged in deep listening to understand what matters most to Santa Monica community members. Their contributions are the vision, values,
and strategic goals of the plan, providing a shared
commitment to building an even more inclusive,
responsive, and compassionate city—one where
all people can age and live with dignity, connection,
and purpose.
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Developed by the Advisory Committee
Values, Vision, Mission
Values
The Santa Monica Aging and Disability Action Plan is grounded in values that shape both process and outcomes:
• Respect – We honor the dignity of all individuals and value diverse viewpoints and lived experiences.
• Participation – We support active engagement, creating space for every voice to contribute meaningfully.
• Inclusiveness – We commit to communication and engagement that is accessible and culturally responsive.
• Joy in Process – We foster connection and community by making room for joy and shared moments.
• Care – We prioritize compassion and mutual support as essential to building an equitable city.
• Deep Listening – We practice active listening, ensuring feedback leads to thoughtful dialogue and responsive action.
Vision
The City of Santa Monica is a community where people of all ages, including older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers, are respected, valued, included, and empowered to live with dignity, joy, and connection.
Mission
The City of Santa Monica honors and supports older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers by advancing inclusive policies, accessible infrastructure and a culture of respect, care, and participation. Through deep listening and communitycentered investment, we strive to create a livable city where everyone thrives.
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Older Adults,
People with Disabilities,
and Caregivers
Demographics
Snapshot
Older Adults
Santa Monica is home to a significant and growing population of older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. Today, nearly 20% of Santa Monica’s residents are 65 or older, which is a higher percentage than in Los Angeles County and the State of California. Of those, nearly half are over the age of 75, and more than one-third live alone—factors that increase vulnerability and highlight the need for tailored support systems. Ensuring language access is also essential for this community. Around 34% speak a language other than English at home, and nearly 18% have limited English proficiency, highlighting the need for multilingual services. Among the most common languages other than English are Amharic, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Farsi. While the older population is predominantly White (69.4%), a significant portion—about 30.6%—identify as people of color, including Latino, Asian, and Black residents. This racial and ethnic diversity, combined with language differences and varying health and income levels, shapes the diverse landscape of aging in Santa Monica.
Table 1: Demographic Snapshot of the Older Adults in Santa Monica
SANTA MON ICA LA COUNTY
Total Population
Older Adults (65y+)
% of Total Population
White 65y+
BIPOC 65y+
65y+ in Poverty
65y+ Living Alone
Non-English Speaking 65y+
Female 65y+
Adults 75y+
17,611
19.6%
12,222 (69.4%)
5,389 (30.6%)
2,941 (16.7%)
6,410 (36.4%)
3,117 (17.7%)
10,038 (57.0%)
8,418 (47.8%)
1,448,571
15%
549,008 (37.9%)
899,563 (62.1%)
208,594 (14.4%)
301,303 (20.8%)
524,383 (36.2%)
811,200 (56.0%)
605,503 (41.8%)
89,939 9,663,345
COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT
Source: American Community Survey (ACS, 2023)
Percentages in parentheses reflect proportions of the older adult population age 65+.
SANTA MONICA AGING AND DISABILITY ACTION PLAN - DEMOGRAPHICS SNAPSHOT Today, nearly 20% of Santa Monica’s residents are 65 or older, which is a higher percentage than in Los Angeles County and the State of California. Of those, nearly half are over the age of 75, and more than one-third live alone
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People with Disabilities
People are living with disabilities across their lifespan in Santa Monica and rates increase sharply with age. Disability rates under age 65 hover around 13%, but this statistic is likely underreported. Roughly 18% of residents aged 65 to 74 have at least one disability, and the prevalence increases to 42% among those 75 and older. These disabilities range from mobility and sensory challenges to cognitive and mental health conditions. Approximately 70% of older adults with disabilities in Santa Monica are women, highlighting important gender considerations in service planning (ACS, 2023).
Table 2: Percent of population with a disability in each age group Health Status
Chronic health conditions and social isolation are areas of concern as well. Data from Los Angeles County shows that Latino and Black older adults experience higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and limited social support compared to their White and Asian peers. Additionally, the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias is increasing across Los Angeles County - this is currently the third leading cause of death among adults 65 and older, and dementia cases are expected to nearly double by 2030. In Santa Monica, these health condition trends are present as well, especially among residents who live alone or have limited English proficiency (LA County Public Health Reports, 2020; California Department of Public Health Alzheimer’s Disease Program, 2022).
SANTA MON ICA LA COUNTY
Under 5
5 to 17
18 to 34
35 to 64
65 to 74
75+
0.0%
3.5%
3.6%
6.0%
17.6%
42%
0.6%
4.3%
5.3%
9.4%
23.4%
50%
AGE GROUP
Source: American Community Survey (ACS, 2023)
Disability rates under age 65 hover around
13%, but this statistic is likely underreported.
Roughly 18% of residents aged 65 to 74 have
at least one disability, and the prevalence
increases to 42% among those 75 and older.
Latino and Black
older adults
experience higher
rates of diabetes,
hypertension,
and limited social
support compared
to their White and
Asian peers.
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SANTA MONICA AGING AND DISABILITY ACTION PLAN - DEMOGRAPHICS SNAPSHOT P.11 Income and Housing Status
Economic security is a growing challenge. The median income for older adults in Santa Monica is about $59,000, yet nearly 18% live below the federal poverty level—higher than the county average. People of color, particularly Latino and Asian older adults, are disproportionately represented among older adults living in poverty. Based on state-level data, an estimated 22% of people with a disability between the ages of 21 and 64 live below the poverty line (American Community Survey, 2023). Housing cost burden is especially high among older renters and homeowners with mortgages, many of whom spend more than 30% of their income on housing (American Community Survey, 2023). Among people experiencing homelessness on the Westside, 15% are aged 60 or older, and 41% are living with a disability (Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority Homeless Count data, 2024).
Caregivers
Caregivers are another critical support for older
adults and people with disabilities in Santa Monica.
In the broader Westside region, nearly one in four
adults provides care for a loved one. Many caregivers are older themselves or balancing multiple roles, such as employment and parenting. With dementia rates rising and a large percentage of older adults living alone, the need for both formal and informal caregiving support is expected to grow (UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, 2020).
Conclusion
Together, these demographic insights provide the foundation for Santa Monica’s Aging and Disability Action Plan. The Action Plan’s strategic goals are directly informed by this data and the voices of community members who participated in the 2025 Aging and Disability Action Plan community needs assessment.
Economic security is
a growing challenge.
The median income
for older adults in
Santa Monica is about
$59,000, yet nearly
18% live below the
federal poverty
level—higher than
the county average.
In the broader Westside
region, nearly one in four
adults provides care for
a loved one.
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Process & Findings
Community Needs
Assessment
Needs Assessment Process
To ensure the Action Plan goals are community-driven, the Advisory Committee developed the needs assessment to center the lived experience of Santa Monica’s older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. The needs assessment collected people’s opinions, insights and experiences in Santa Monica across the Domains of Livability. The needs assessment was conducted February - April 2025 and promoted widely through City networks, community partners and a month-long advertising campaign in the Santa Monica Daily Press, both online and in print. The needs assessment offered opportunities to engage virtually, in-person, and in multiple languages, including American Sign Language.
The following activities brought a diverse perspective of community thoughts, needs and ideas into conversation:
Survey respondents were asked to voluntarily provide demographic information, which was reported as follows:
COMMUNITY
SURVEY
AGE
Average: 71.6 years
Median: 73 years
GENDER
Female: 75%
Male: 25%
RACE/ETHNICITY
White: 78%
Black: 5%
Latino/a: 7%
Asian: 7%
Native American: 3%
DISABILITY STATUS
35% indicated having
at least one disability
CAREGIVER STATUS
Current caregiver:
Unpaid: 10%
Paid: 3%
Former caregiver:
Unpaid: 39%
Paid: 5%
Not a caregiver: 43%
ZIP CODE
90401: 9%
90402: 9%
90403: 24%
90404: 22%
90405: 30%
Outside
Santa Monica: 7%
ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME
Under $25,000: 21%
$25,000 - $49,999: 19%
$50,000 - $99,999: 14%
More than $100,000: 20%
Decline to state: 26%
HOUSEHOLD SIZE
1 person: 53%
2 people: 35%
3 people: 7%
4 people: 3%
More than 4: 2%
484 responses
COMMUNITY
OPEN HOUSE
50 attendees
COMMUNITY MEMBER
FOCUS GROUP
SERVICE PROVIDER
FOCUS GROUP
10 attendees 10 attendees
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The framework for gathering community input for the Action Plan was designed using the World Health
Organization’s Domains of Livability;
created to help cities become more
age- and disability-friendly. The
domains include key areas such
as housing, transportation, social
participation, and access to health
services—factors that influence
how well people can age and live
with dignity in their communities.
Needs Assessment Findings
Overall, community sentiment is positive - nearly 70% of survey respondents rated Santa Monica favorably as an age- and disability-friendly community. The focus groups and community conversations provided valuable insights into what is working well, what could be improved, and what steps can help make
Santa Monica even more age- and disability-friendly
moving forward.
A cross-cutting theme in the focus groups and community conversations was a deeply felt sense of vulnerability.
This vulnerability presented in people’s stories about
feeling isolated and disconnected from community life;
their concerns about housing affordability and aging in the community as their needs change; and facing barriers
and safety concerns related to using public transit,
sidewalks, busy crosswalks and other public open spaces.
SANTA MONICA AGING AND DISABILITY ACTION PLAN - COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT Nearly 70% of survey respondents rated Santa Monica favorably as an age- and disability-friendly community.
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Findings by Domain of Livability
Community Needs
Assessment
Community Needs
Community Needs
The community would benefit from expanded and flexible
options that accommodate diverse mobility needs,
including evenings and weekends.
There is a need for well-maintained, accessible sidewalks, pathways and streets, increased public restroom availability, improved lighting, and inclusive design that supports people of all abilities.
Most common ways of getting around:
70% drive own car
70% walk
39% take Big Blue Bus
Public transit concerns are safety related:
61% while riding
55% at bus stops
75% say city libraries were rated the most
age- and disability-friendly city facilities
Beaches and city hall were rated as less
age- and disability-friendly city spaces
74% say sidewalks meet needs
40% are satisfied with sidewalk maintenance
Key concerns about the public right of way are:
48% unsafe intersections
42% streets
SURVEY INSIGHTS
SURVEY INSIGHTS
TRANSPORTATION
OUTDOOR SPACES
AND BUILDINGS
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98% have health insurance and a regular place
for healthcare
15% find it difficult to afford food
56% have been caregivers
Top caregiving challenge is emotional stress
and burnout (selected by 73% of caregivers)
75% reported daily social contact and
81% feel satisfied with their current level
of social contact
65% participate in community activities
34% want to participate but cannot
Community Needs
Community Needs
There is a need for more coordinated services,
expanded access to in-home care, and increased
support for caregivers to sustain their own health
and independence as they care for others.
Community members are seeking more culturally relevant, local, and inclusive opportunities for connection to reduce isolation and foster community belonging.
SURVEY INSIGHTS
SURVEY INSIGHTS
SOCIAL
PARTICIPATION
COMMUNITY AND
HEALTH SERVICES
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Santa Monica welcomes all: 84% agree
Feel respected: 82% agree
Feel included: 77% agree
Mobility challenges is the most common
disability-related barrier to participation: 66%
58% of respondents do not feel financially
secure for retirement
32% are employed or looking for work
36% currently volunteer
There is a need to promote public awareness about
aging and disabilities, including dementia-friendly
practices, to ensure all individuals feel seen, respected, and valued in community spaces.
The community would benefit from increased access
to flexible and meaningful volunteer and employment
opportunities, as well as easier pathways to civic
participation.
SURVEY INSIGHTS
SURVEY INSIGHTS
CIVIC PARTICIPATION
AND EMPLOYMENT
RESPECT AND
INCLUSION
Community Needs
Community Needs
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SANTA MONICA AGING AND DISABILITY ACTION PLAN - COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT P.17 Cited as the most pressing reasons people would
consider moving:
49% Housing costs
39% Cost of living
62% are not aware of aging-in-place resource
During an emergency:
21% need assistance from emergency personnel
30% need transportation assistance
32% are not prepared or need help preparing for
a 72-hour emergency
Top sources of information:
65% Santa Monica Daily Press
47% SaMo News
46% word of mouth
40% internet websites
Preference for printed materials and personal outreach
To ensure everyone can stay informed and connected,
clear, simple, multilingual, and accessible communication is needed across both digital and non-digital platforms.
There is a growing demand for more affordable, accessible, and diverse housing options that support residents to age in the community as their needs change.
SURVEY INSIGHTS
SURVEY INSIGHTS
Community members would benefit from inclusive,
easy-to-understand emergency preparedness resources—
especially those that do not rely solely on digital access.
SURVEY INSIGHTS
COMMUNICATION
AND INFORMATION
Community Needs
HOUSING
Community Needs
EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS
Community Needs
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For Santa Monica’s Aging and Disability Action Plan
Strategic Goals
The Action Plan identifies achievable, strategic goals organized under five themes of community livability.
The Action Plan’s strategic goals advance City Council priorities of economic opportunity and growth; clean streets and safe neighborhoods; and affordable, livable and secure housing for all.
The Action Plan also connects with interdepartmental strategic plans spanning mobility, homelessness, housing, equity and diversity, ADA accessibility, parks and recreation, behavioral health, public safety, and emergency preparedness, as well as regional and statewide initiatives like Purposeful Aging Los Angeles and the California Master Plan for Aging.
Quotes below are from community members who
participated in the 2025 needs assessment activities.
MOBILITY, ACCESS, & INCLUSIVE PUBLIC SPACES
Domains of Livability: Transportation; Outdoor Spaces
and Buildings
Community priorities in this area inform the focus on improving the public right-of-way and creating more vibrant, welcoming outdoor spaces and public facilities that ensure accessibility for the diversity of ways people move, rest, and navigate in these environments throughout the day and night. Additionally, there is a focus on increasing flexibility, comfort, and accessibility of transit choices while acknowledging that driving and walking continue to be an important option for older adults and people with disabilities to safely get to and from community locations. "I think it has the
ability to be a really
great age friendly
city in terms of
accessibility,
especially [since]
certain areas are
so walkable.”
– Community Member
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“You can’t get
across Wilshire
Boulevard before
the light changes.”
– Community Member
Goals:
a. Expand On-Demand Transit - Expand operating hours of the Mobility on Demand Every Day (MODE) transportation service for adults aged 65+ or 18+ with a disability to 8am - 6pm, seven days a week. Note: current operating hours are M-F, 8am-4:30pm; Saturday, 8:30-4pm,
Sunday service is currently suspended.
Complete by Year 3.
b. Place Seating at More Bus Stops - Install and
maintain seating at 85% of all bus stops in the City,
prioritizing high-usage routes and areas with higher
concentrations of older adults and people with
disabilities. Complete by Year 3.
c. Enhance Safety on Public Transit - Big Blue Bus to continue its focus on cleanliness and safety by maintaining transit security officer hours on local bus routes. Implement Year 1- Year 3. d. Create an Aging Lens for Equity - Informed Mobility and Safety Enhancements – Create tools to determine and map density and location of older adults and people with disabilities. This data would be used by City departments (Public Works Department and Department of Transportation) when evaluating roadway and public right of way safety enhancements (e.g., crosswalks enhancements and sidewalk repairs).” Complete by Year 3.
e. Repair Sidewalks on a Regular Basis - Public Works Department to continue its focus on public safety and accessibility by repairing two sidewalks a month per City Sidewalk Repair Policy.
Implement Year 1- Year 3.
f. Increase Accessibility in City-Owned Facilities -
Propose a Capital Improvement Project in the City’s
FY 26-27 Biennial Budget to conduct the City’s
required ADA compliance audit of City-owned facilities
(buildings, parks, outdoor spaces) to create an ADA
transition plan, with an enhanced recommendation
or wayfinding to support access and circulation
Implement Year 1; Complete by Year 3.
“I need a bench every few
blocks…it’s not a luxury,
it’s how I can still leave
the house without fear.”
– Community Member
"I would love to
join a garden group,
but the path there
is gravel and I use
a walker.”
– Community Member
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CONNECTED & RESILIENT COMMUNITY
Domains of Livability: Community and Health Services; Social Participation; Respect and Inclusion; Civic Participation and Employment Community priorities in this area focus on strengthening community by creating social experiences, volunteer opportunities and spaces to purposefully connect older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. The focus also includes enhancing public system readiness to respond to the unique needs of this population.
Goals:
a. Enhance Social Opportunities for Youth with Disabilities - Identify internal or external funding sources to reinstate Santa Monica Adaptive Recreation and Sports Social Club, and Explorer's Program, to create social experiences for people with disabilities ages 13+, and their friends, via weekly social connection, and monthly excursions, supported by a City staff member and volunteers. Complete by Year 3.
b. Strengthen Intergenerational Connections - Pilot four intergenerational programs at existing community hubs with potential partners to include City departments and community organizations and groups. Complete by Year 2. c. Explore Feasibility of a Santa Monica Village - Study models and funding sources to determine feasibility of seeding a grassroots, neighbor-to-neighbor Santa Monica Village, which is a volunteer-driven organization that builds community through social programs, and coordinates support services like
non-medical household tasks and
transportation. Complete by Year 3.
d. Increase Caregiver Support -
Expand and promote support
programs for family caregivers in
partnership with community organizations, with the goal of increasing caregiver participation; inclusive of
support groups, trainings, caregiver
check-ins, respite care, and mental
health help. Complete by Year 2.
“Want to go out at
night? Apparently
we don’t. Want to go
to church on Sunday?
You can’t get there
without a car…
it’s hard to find
someone to help.”
– Community Member
“Just tell me
where to go and
what I can do.
I’m not done
giving back.”
– Community Member
“It’s a very
frustrating and
lonely endeavor
to be a caregiver…
we need a support
social group where
we can vent, exchange guidance,
and feel heard.”
– Community Member
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e. Reduce Isolation and Strengthen Connection to Community Services - Complete an inventory of friendly calling programs serving older adults and people with disabilities in Year 1. Use findings to identify service gaps, inform upcoming funding opportunities, and guide updates to the City’s online resource listings. Complete Year 1.
f. Increase Awareness about Government Benefits -
Host annual in-person resource fairs focused on topics
such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and care
services at libraries, senior centers, and other community locations. Host two events annually, helping 200+ people each year. Implement Year 1 - Year 3.
g. Host Community and Health Services Information
on City Website - Create a comprehensive listing of
community and health services on the City’s website to
be shared with residents via a variety of communication methods. Resources to include links to City programs, non-profit agencies, social events/clubs, and other government services for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. Complete by Year 3.
h. Enhance Police Responsiveness to the Needs of Elder and Dependent Adults - Every two years, provide training to educate Santa Monica Police Department’s sworn officers on how to best respond to and assist elder and dependent adults. Implement Year 1 - Year 3.
“It’s not just
about getting
services — people
want to be part of
something. They
want to feel like
they still belong.”
– Community Member
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COORDINATED COMMUNICATION & OUTREACH
Domains of Livability: Communication and Information;
Community and Health Services
Community priorities in this area inform the focus on empowering people with easy to understand, timely, and multilingual information via channels that take advantage of technology while continuing to use traditional, printed, and interpersonal communication methods.
Goals:
a. Inventory of Outreach and Promotion Tactics - Produce an inventory of existing communication and outreach tactics across departments.
Complete by Year 1.
b. Standardize Outreach and Promotion Tactics - Enhance the City’s communication/outreach protocol with standardized guidance on how to promote information through tactics that connect with the range of ways people get information beyond digital, e.g. print, word-of-mouth, flyers, mail, billboards, information posted at City and community-partner locations; leverage digital accessibility standards, and provide guidance on strategies to equitably engage diverse older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. Complete by Year 3.
“Make it bigger.
Make it simple.
No fancy
language.”
– Community Member
“So many people I
know don’t use the
computer. It becomes
a clique – those who
get the information
and the rest of us who
don’t hear anything.”
– Community Member
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HOUSING STABILITY & AFFORDABILITY
Domains of Livability: Housing
Community priorities in this area focus on increasing housing stability by expanding affordable options and making housing resources focused on retention easier to find, understand, and use for people across ages, abilities and incomes.
Goals:
a. Expand Rental Assistance - Increase the number of older adults and people with disabilities receiving financial assistance to maintain housing or cover basic living expenses by 30%. Complete by Year 3.
b. Expand the City’s Preserving our Diversity (POD) Program - Increase the number of participants in the POD program from 220 to 300 people.
Complete by Year 3.
c. Increase Awareness about Housing Resources - Host three housing workshops annually with information for older adults and people with disabilities —held at libraries, parks, or nonprofit community partners—focused on resources that support housing retention and address housing crises, reaching a total of 100 attendees. Implement Year 1- Year 3.
d. Develop more Affordable Housing for Older Adults
and People with Disabilities - Develop or enter into predevelopment for 50 low income, 50 very low income, and 50 extremely low income units for older adults and people with disabilities, for a total of 150 affordable units.
Complete by Year 3.
"...I feel like I am part
of the community. I
have lived here. It’s
my community."
– Community Member
“Every year the rent
goes up. I don’t know
how much longer I
can stay where I am.”
– Community Member
SANTA MONICA AGING AND DISABILITY ACTION PLAN - STRATEGIC GOALS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
P.24
INCLUSIVE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Domains of Livability: Emergency Preparedness
Community priorities in this area inform the focus on fostering community resilience by expanding emergency preparedness education, strengthening neighborhood capacity, ensuring support for residents with access and functional needs.
Goals:
a. Increase Support Available to Vulnerable
Populations during Emergencies - Host four
community enrollment events annually to encourage
older adults and people with disabilities to register
for the Santa Monica Fire Department’s Community
Connect – a free emergency preparedness program
which allows residents to share details about their
household’s access and functional needs (including
pets) to inform the Fire Department’s situational
awareness during emergencies. Goal to outreach
to 1,000 households total from this target population.
Complete by Year 3.
b. Increase Emergency Preparedness among Older Adults and People with Disabilities - Host four emergency preparedness educational and outreach events annually with a specific focus on preparing older adults and people with disabilities. Work with Santa Monica Neighborhood Councils, places of worship, libraries, non-profit organizations, schools, and other community-based settings to promote the trainings. Implement Year 1 - Year 3.
c. Support Property Manager Readiness for Emergency Evacuations - Identify and promote existing resources that outline evacuation steps for building managers and provide to 100% of Assisted Living and Senior Housing facilities in Santa Monica. Complete by Year 2.
“If the power
goes out, I lose my
oxygen. I need to
know someone
will come help me.”
– Community Member
SANTA MONICA AGING AND DISABILITY ACTION PLAN - STRATEGIC GOALS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
P.25
d. Enhance City’s Emergency Management Plans for Safe
Evacuation of People with Access and Functional Needs – In alignment with Local Hazard Mitigation Plan commitments, City emergency management, first responders and other service providers to create all-department city evacuation plan, focusing on wildfire, tsunami and dam inundation evacuation.
Plan to include processes to support the safe evacuation of people with access and functional needs, including those in assisted living or high-rise buildings and those without access to private transportation. Complete by Year 1.
e. Enhance Transit Partners Readiness for Emergency Evacuations – As part of city’s evacuation planning process, City Office of Emergency Management and Santa Monica Fire Department to convene local transit partners to contribute to city’s emergency evacuation planning process. Once plan is approved, transit partners to review annually for updates (e.g., evaluating evacuation routes, potential of expanding Big Blue Bus MODE service area or services hours under emergency declaration). Complete by Year 2.
f. Increase Availability of High-Rise Building Evacuation Tools - Santa Monica Fire Department to identify and secure external funding resources to install evacuation chairs or other emergency evacuation devices (e.g., Med Sled) in 5 high-risk buildings. Complete by Year 3.
“We don’t need a
flashy plan—we need
to know someone
has our back.”
– Community Member
SANTA MONICA AGING AND DISABILITY ACTION PLAN - STRATEGIC GOALS
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P.26
Moving from Planning to Action
Next Steps
The Santa Monica Aging and Disability Action Plan marks the beginning of a three-year effort to make the community even more age- and disability-friendly.
With strategic goals in place, the next steps focus on partnership, implementation, and progress tracking.
To build community awareness and broad momentum around Santa Monica’s priority to become even more age- and disability-friendly, progress towards the Action Plan goals will be shared with the community via regular community presentations, written updates to City Council, on the City website, and via social media posts. At the end of the three-year implementation, the City will assess the impact of implementing the plan and submit a progress report to AARP as part of expectations of being a member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.
The City is committed to transparency, deep listening, working with community partners and an adaptive implementation of the process to reach the goals of Santa Monica’s Aging and Disability Action Plan.
We invite the community to stay engaged - this is your plan! Online: santamonica.gov/aging-and-disability-action-plan Phone: (310) 458-2200 x. 5771
Email: [email protected]
City of Santa Monica
Housing and Human Services Department
Homelessness Prevention and Intervention Division
SANTA MONICA AGING AND DISABILITY ACTION PLAN - NEXT STEPS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Appendices: Santa
Monica Aging and
Disability Action Plan
SEPTEMBER 2025
Appendix A: Community Demographics Summary
Appendix B: Community Assets by Domain of Livability
Appendix C: Community Survey
Appendix A: Community Demographics Summary
Appendix A – Community Demographics Summary
Purpose
This report provides an overview of relevant publicly available data to inform the development of the Santa Monica Aging and Disability Action Plan (“Plan”) which is focused on improving community livability, and planning for the current and future needs of older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. This data summary includes information about community demographics, health status, economic conditions, and caregiving needs. Where possible, Santa Monica-specific data is cited from the U.S.
Census and other sources; when needed, Los Angeles County trends are interpreted as a baseline projection for the Santa Monica community.
The forthcoming Plan is informed by a combination of the publicly available data below, and feedback from an extensive needs assessment process that engaged community members through surveys, focus groups, and a community open house.
Geography and Government Structure
Santa Monica covers 8.4 square miles on the western edge of Los Angeles County and is part of the county’s Service Planning Area 5 (SPA 5), which encompasses other Westside communities, including Beverly Hills, Culver City and Council District 11 of the City of Los Angeles. SPA 5 provides regional context and data beneficial for comprehensive health and social planning.
Santa Monica operates under a council-manager form of government. The sevenmember City Council acts as the city's legislative body, with policies implemented by the City Manager. This governance model supports effective administration and responsive services tailored to local needs.
Appendix A: Community Demographics Summary
Older Adult Population
Santa Monica has a significant and growing older adult population. Current estimates are detailed below:
Santa Monica LA County
Total Population 89,939 9,663,345
Older Adults (65y+) 17,611 1,448,571
% of Total Population 19.6% 15%
White 65y+ 12,222 (69.4%) 549,008 (37.9%)
BIPOC 65y+ 5,389 (30.6%) 899,563 (62.1%)
65y+ in Poverty 2,941 (16.7%) 208,594 (14.4%)
65y+ Living Alone 6,410 (36.4%) 301,303 (20.8%)
Non-English Speaking 65y+ 3,117 (17.7%) 524,383 (36.2%) Female 65y+ 10,038 (57.0%) 811,200 (56.0%)
Adults 75y+ 8,418 (47.8%) 605,503 (41.8%)
Source: American Community Survey (ACS, 2023),
*Note: Percentages in parentheses reflect proportions specifically of the senior population (65+).
Racial/Ethnic Composition
Santa Monica’s older adult population (65 and over) is majority White with representation from Asian, Black and Latino populations in the minority. The table below compares racial/ethnic groups for the population 65+.
Population 65y+ by Race and Ethnicity
Santa Monica LA County
Asian 10.40% 20.20%
Black 4.70% 8.40%
Latino 12.50% 31.00%
White 69.40% 37.90%
Other 3.00% 2.50%
Source: American Community Survey (ACS, 2023)
Appendix A: Community Demographics Summary
Language
Among Santa Monica residents aged 65 and older, approximately 6,829 (34%) speak a language other than English at home. Of these, 3,577 individuals—representing 17.7% of the older adult population—report speaking English less than “very well.” Common languages spoken include Amharic, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Farsi.
Sources: American Community Survey (2023); UCLA Center for Health Policy Research Population Living with a Disability
Data from Santa Monica and Los Angeles County show that disability rates rise sharply in older adulthood—particularly among those aged 65 to 74. In Santa Monica, 17.6% of residents in this age group report having a disability, compared to 6.0% of people ages 35 to 64.
Percent of population with a disability in each age group Age
Group
Santa
Monica
LA
County
Under 5 0.0% 0.6%
5 to 17 3.5% 4.3%
18 to 34 3.6% 5.3%
35 to 64 6.0% 9.4%
65 to 74 17.6% 23.4%
75+ 42% 50%
Source: American Community Survey (ACS, 2023)
Types of disabilities among people ages 65+ with a disability in Santa Monica Disability Type Prevalence
Sensory 16%
Physical 31%
Mental 16%
Self-care 14%
Go-outside-home 24%
Source: American Community Survey (ACS, 2023)
Racial/Ethnicity/Gender
Disability prevalence by race and ethnicity is relatively consistent—ranging from 8% to 10% across Asian, Black, Latino, and White populations. However, there is a Appendix A: Community Demographics Summary
noteworthy gender difference - an estimated 65% of older adults with disabilities in Santa Monica are women.
Sources: American Community Survey (2023)
Health Conditions by Race/Ethnicity (Ages 50 and Over)
Health Disparities
Health status among older adults varies significantly by race and ethnicity, particularly in Los Angeles County. County-level data serves as a baseline to estimate disparities in Santa Monica. Among people ages 50 and older, Latino and Black adults experience notably higher rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension compared to their White and Asian counterparts. Mental health and social wellbeing also show disparities—Asian and Latino older adults are more likely to report limited social support and lower levels of physical activity. Health disparities in Santa Monica may appear less pronounced than rates in LA County but remain important, particularly when intersecting with language access and living arrangements.
Health Conditions by Race/Ethnicity for Age 50+ in LA County Latino White Black Asian
Diabetes 28.10% 13.60% 27.10% 18.10%
Hypertension 43.30% 39.90% 57.10% 43.30%
Depression 16.00% 19.30% 21.70% 11.10%
Limited Social Support 34.80% 10.90% 10.40% 39.60%
Gets Adequate Aerobic Exercise 20.20% 31.50% 29.40% 28.80% Source: LA County Public Health Reports (2020)
Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias have a profound and growing impact on older adults across Los Angeles County. This is currently the third leading cause of death among adults 65 and older. Dementia cases are expected to nearly double by 2030—especially among Latino, Asian, and Black communities. Santa Monica can anticipate a similar prevalence of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, which should be considered in the context of other demographic data points.
Appendix A: Community Demographics Summary
Older adults with Alzheimer’s or other dementias may be impacted by memory loss, disorientation, and managing daily activities. These challenges are magnified when individuals lack consistent support, which is important to consider given that 36% of Santa Monica’s older adults live alone. People living alone may face delayed diagnoses, difficulties following care plans, or increased safety concerns due to isolation.
Sources: LA County Public Health Reports (2020); California Department of Public Health Alzheimer’s Disease Program (2022).
Caregivers
Family caregivers are essential to the well-being of older adults and people with disabilities, often serving as the primary source of day-to-day support. In Los Angeles County, approximately 17% of adult men and 18% of adult women provide unpaid care.
While city-specific data is not available, Santa Monica is part of Service Planning Area 5 (SPA 5), where an estimated 24% of adults report providing care to a friend or family member in the past 30 days. Many of these caregivers are older adults themselves or are juggling multiple responsibilities like careers and parenting.
The demand for both unpaid and professional caregiving in Santa Monica is expected to grow, driven by several intersecting factors: an aging population, a high percentage of older adults living alone, and the predominance of women—who are statistically more likely to serve as caregivers and to need care as they age. Chronic illnesses and dementia-related conditions will further intensify this need.
Source: UCLA Center for Health Policy Research (2020)
Income and Expenses
Income and Poverty
Many older adults in Santa Monica rely on a mix of Social Security, pensions, retirement savings, and, in some cases, continued employment. However, income levels vary widely, and a significant portion of the older population lives on fixed incomes that struggle to keep pace with the city’s high cost of living. The median income for Santa Monica residents aged 65 and older is approximately $59,000, which is lower than the median for older adults in Los Angeles County. Poverty is present, 17.9% of Santa Monica’s older residents live below the federal poverty level—a rate higher than the Appendix A: Community Demographics Summary
county average. Among people with a disability ages 21-64, state-level data indicates 22% live below the poverty line (American Community Survey, 2023).
Older adults in Santa Monica experience poverty at higher rates than the general adult population. While 17.9% of residents aged 65 and older live below the federal poverty level, only 10% of adults ages 18 to 59 fall below that threshold. When poverty data among older adults is disaggregated by race and ethnicity, disparities emerge. For example, although White residents make up the largest share of the older adult population, Latino and Asian older adults are disproportionately represented among those living in poverty. The table below shows the racial and ethnic distribution of Santa Monica residents aged 65 and older who are below the federal poverty line.
Of Total Ethnic Group, Percent of Older Adults 65+ below Federal Poverty Line Santa
Monica
Los Angeles
County
Asian 3.36% 3.13%
Black 3.77% 2.70%
Latino 3.16% 1.53%
White 3.49% 2.45%
Source: American Community Survey (ACS, 2023)
Of Ethnic Group Population below Federal Poverty Line, Percent who are Older Adults 65+
Santa
Monica
Los Angeles
County
Asian 32.49% 27.65%
Black 16.37% 13.63%
Latino 33.19% 9.77%
White 29.88% 25.06%
Source: American Community Survey (ACS, 2023)
While local data on labor force participation among people with disabilities is not available for this report, national trends suggest that individuals with disabilities in Santa Appendix A: Community Demographics Summary
Monica likely experience lower employment rates and reduced income-earning opportunities compared to the general population.
Labor Force Participation Rate
Santa Monica LA County
16 to 19 16.4% 26.3%
20 to 24 90% 71%
25 to 29 94.4% 85.1%
30 to 34 95.9% 85.6%
35 to 44 86.7% 83.6%
45 to 54 87.7% 82.5%
55 to 59 84.9% 75.5%
60 to 64 63.3% 62%
65 to 74 38.2% 30.9%
75 + 11% 8.5%
Source: American Community Survey (ACS, 2022)
Housing Status and Costs
Housing affordability remains a key determinant of economic stability for older adults.
Cost burdens vary significantly based on housing tenure—whether individuals rent, own with a mortgage, or own their homes outright. The table below presents the total number of renter and owner households in Santa Monica, along with the percentage of occupants by age group. Overall, approximately 73% of Santa Monica households are renters, while 27% are homeowners. Noteworthy, home ownership is concentrated in the 55+ population, which represents 61.5% of all Santa Monica homeowners.
Appendix A: Community Demographics Summary
Santa Monica Housing Status by Age
Age
Owner
Occupied
Renter
Occupied
15 to 24 0.55% 3.48%
25 to 34 6.07% 24.59%
35 to 44 13.30% 21.12%
45 to 54 18.58% 15.63%
55 to 59 10.39% 7.60%
60 to 64 10.90% 6.94%
65 to 74 21.81% 11.69%
75 to 84 12.86% 6.02%
85+ 5.53% 2.94%
Total 100% 100%
Source: American Community Survey (ACS, 2023)
The tables below illustrate housing cost burdens among older adults in Santa Monica and Los Angeles County across these categories. Notably, a substantial proportion of older renters and homeowners with mortgages in Santa Monica spend more than 35% of their income on housing, indicating a high level of financial vulnerability. Even older adults who own their homes without a mortgage are not exempt from cost pressures, facing ongoing expenses such as property taxes, maintenance, and utilities. These burdens, when coupled with fixed incomes and rising healthcare costs, increase the risk of housing instability.
Appendix A: Community Demographics Summary
Housing Cost Burden by Housing Status
Older Adult Renters
Cost Burden Santa Monica LA County
Less than 30% 54% 43%
More than 30% 46% 57%
Older Adult Homeowners with a Mortgage
Cost Burden Santa Monica LA County
Less than 30% 61% 57%
More than 30% 39% 43%
Older Adult Homeowners without a Mortgage
Cost Burden Santa Monica LA County
Less than 30% 74% 83%
More than 30% 26% 18%
Source: City of Santa Monica and LA County Housing Data (2020) Homelessness
The challenges facing older adults and people with disabilities are even more acute among people experiencing homelessness. According to the 2024 Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) Point-in-Time Count, 15% of people experiencing homelessness in Service Planning Area 5 are aged 60 or older, and 41% are living with a disability. The most commonly reported disabilities include substance use disorders, physical limitations, and serious mental illness.
Sources: American Community Survey (ACS, 2022 & 2023); City of Santa Monica and LA County Housing Data (2020); LAHSA Point-in-Time Count (2024); Appendix B - Community Assets by Domain of Livability
Appendix B - Community Assets by Domain of Livability
Outdoor Spaces & Buildings
Summary: The City of Santa Monica is committed to creating safe, accessible, and inclusive outdoor spaces and buildings that support the health and well-being of residents of all ages and abilities. From well-maintained parks and walking paths to agefriendly public buildings and rest areas, Santa Monica prioritizes design that encourages social connection, physical activity, and ease of access. Parks, sidewalks, and buildings that are clean, safe, and easy for everyone to use.
Assets include:
• Beach Accessibility: Santa Monica provides beach access paths leading to the water's edge and offers electric beach wheelchairs for day use, enhancing beach accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. • Pier Access: The Santa Monica Pier is fully wheelchair accessible, including ramps and elevators, and features tactile and visual wayfinding elements. • Universally Accessible and Inclusive Playgrounds: North Beach, South Beach, Ishihara Park, and Marine Park Playgrounds are universally accessible playgrounds designed for children of all abilities, ensuring inclusive play opportunities. Douglas Park Playground will be reconstructed as an additional fifth inclusive playground, with the playground opening expected in Fall 2025. • Community Gardens - The City currently has five outdoor gardens that provide active living opportunities to Santa Monica residents and a way to engage in urban agriculture and create unique, biodiverse habitats that support our efforts to be a sustainable city through local food production, sustainable land stewardship, community composting, water conservation practices, and community engagement. The City is also working on two additional gardens: 19th Street Community Farm and Reed Park Community Garden. Community gardens are a source of pride for the community, and we actively look for ways to engage the greater community through our monthly programs, workshops and events. Gardens are therapeutic, energizing and an opportunity for socialization and community engagement.
Transportation
Summary: The City of Santa Monica offers a range of accessible transportation options designed to support the independence and mobility of older adults and people with disabilities. The City is focused on making transportation choices available that are safe, reliable, and convenient.
Appendix B - Community Assets by Domain of Livability
Assets include:
• Mobility On-Demand Every Day (MODE): Big Blue Bus has partnered with Lyft to introduce Mobility On Demand Every Day (MODE), the City of Santa Monica's shared-ride service for older adults and persons with disabilities. The MODE program provides members with greater options for freedom and mobility, by offering curb-to-curb, on-demand transportation - including wheelchair accessible rides, convenient payments, and much more.
• Active Aging Program Pilot: Supported adults aged 65 and older in utilizing various transportation options to enhance mobility, safety, and health. The program encouraged walking, bicycling, and transit use, aiming to improve older adults' quality of life.
Housing
Summary: The City offers affordable older adult housing options, including rentcontrolled apartments and Below Market Housing waitlists. Additionally, organizations like Wise & Healthy Aging provide various services to support older adults in housing.
The City is dedicated to helping older adults and people with disabilities find affordable housing and live comfortably as they get older or to remain living independently in the community.
Assets include:
• Below Market Housing (BMH) Waitlist: City-wide waitlist for affordable apartments in Santa Monica. Apartments in the BMH program are designated for households that make up to the area median income, and include units at both non-profit and market rate properties. Older adult-only buildings in the program include Magnolia Villas and Greenway Meadows, as well some apartments designated for households needing accessibility features. • Senior Section 8 Waitlist: Specifically for older adults, for three affordable buildings in Santa Monica: Santa Monica Christian Towers, Westminster Towers, and Nielson Villas. (Note: the waitlist is currently closed, but is active for those with existing applications).
• Preserving Our Diversity (POD): Provides cash-based assistance to lowincome, long-term Santa Monica residents aged 65 and older living in rentcontrolled apartments, helping them achieve a minimum monthly after-rent income.
• Low-Income Disabled Tenant Fee Waiver: This program waives the annual Rent Control registration fee for very-low-income tenants with qualifying disabilities, potentially reducing monthly rent costs.
• Very Low-Income Senior Fee Waiver: This program waives the annual Rent Control registration fee for very-low-income older adults (62 years or older), potentially reducing monthly rent costs.
Appendix B - Community Assets by Domain of Livability
• Home Access Program - The Independent Living and Home Access Program, operated by the Disability Community Resource Center (DCRC), specifically supports housing stability and community living by funding home modifications for their program participants. These modifications are aimed at helping people— particularly older adults and individuals with disabilities—remain in their homes safely and independently.
• Continuum of Care Program: Managed by the Santa Monica Housing Authority, the program helps people with disabilities experiencing chronic homelessness secure permanent housing—either through tenant-based vouchers or referral to permanent supportive housing in the City of Santa Monica.
Social Participation
Summary: Santa Monica offers a vibrant array of programs and services to promote social participation among older adults and individuals with disabilities, fostering community connection, lifelong learning, and well-being. The City offers fun activities where people can meet others and feel part of the community.
Assets include:
• Santa Monica Public Library Programs & Events: Offers a variety of free programs, including author events, film screenings, concerts, and technology workshops, promoting lifelong learning and social engagement. • Santa Monica Reads: One of the longest-running community-wide reading programs in the United States, offering a unique opportunity for individuals to come together, read a shared book, and participate in enriching discussions and events. This program fosters a sense of connection and community, encouraging dialogue, understanding, and a shared love of literature across diverse audiences.
• Club de Oro para Adultos Mayores: A weekly program at Virginia Avenue Park that provides social and cultural activities for older Spanish-speaking adults, fostering community engagement.
• Memories & Movement Senior Club: A bi-weekly social club for older adults held at Virginia Avenue Park. Each week focuses on something new – including exercise, socializing, and learning from guest presenters on a variety of topics. • Club WISE: Wise and Healthy Aging offers a social club for older adults that provides weekly exercise classes, special community events and various workshops.
• WISE Diner: provides healthy lunches at the Ken Edwards Center and Reed Park in the City of Santa Monica to promote food security and social participation by older adults.
• Farmers Markets - Santa Monica Farmers Markets creates thriving, vibrant communities that are inclusive, connected, and diverse by promoting the prosperity of California farmers and small food businesses, preservation of the Appendix B - Community Assets by Domain of Livability
agricultural arts and sustainable food systems. Four weekly markets on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, bring the farmers to Downtown, Main Street, and Pico neighborhoods.
Respect & Social Inclusion
Summary: Santa Monica is committed to fostering a community where all individuals regardless of age or ability feel valued and included. Through accessible public events and inclusive facilities, as well as meaningful community engagement efforts, the City ensures that older adults and people with disabilities are actively represented and supported in shaping the services and spaces that impact their lives.
Assets include:
• Accessible Public Events & Facilities - City events and cultural programs are designed to be inclusive, with accessible venues, sign language interpretation, mobility support, and outreach to older and disabled residents to encourage participation.
• Community Engagement & Representation- Through ongoing initiatives like the citywide Aging and Disability Action Plan, the City involves residents in shaping services and their environments. Feedback from older adults and people with disabilities directly informs planning, ensuring their needs and perspectives are respected and included.
Civic Participation & Employment
Summary: Santa Monica supports opportunities for all residents to actively participate in civic life. Through inclusive volunteer programs and advisory bodies like the Disabilities Commission and Human Services Commission, the City empowers community members to contribute their voices, shape local policies, and help build a more equitable and inclusive Santa Monica.
Assets include:
• Disabilities Commission: Advises on policies and programs to enhance accessibility and inclusion, aiming to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in Santa Monica.
• Human Services Commission: Advises the City Council on priorities and strategies involving the well-being, equity, and needs of vulnerable residents, including older adults and people with disabilities.
Communication & Information
Summary: Santa Monica is dedicated to ensuring that all residents can easily access clear, inclusive, and accessible information. Through resources like the Santa Monica Appendix B - Community Assets by Domain of Livability
Public Library, the City’s official website, and the guidance of the ADA Coordinator, the City promotes digital inclusion, ADA compliance, and effective communication to keep the community informed, connected, and engaged.
Assets include:
• Santa Monica Public Library Programs & Events: Offers a variety of free programs, including author events, film screenings, concerts, and technology workshops, promoting lifelong learning and social engagement. • City's Official Website: Offers comprehensive information on programs and services for older adults and individuals with disabilities, ensuring accessible communication.
• City of Santa Monica's ADA Coordinator: Plays a key role in ensuring that the City complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and promotes accessibility and inclusion across all City programs, services, and facilities.
Community Support & Health Services
Summary: Santa Monica offers a diverse network of health and social services designed to support the well-being of all residents, with a strong focus on older adults and individuals with disabilities. Through partnerships with organizations like WISE & Healthy Aging, Meals on Wheels West, the Disability Community Resource Center, and St. Joseph Center, the City ensures access to essential services such as meal delivery, transportation, case management, and specialized care. These coordinated efforts promote independence, reduce isolation, and enhance quality of life particularly for the most vulnerable members of the community.
Assets include:
• WISE & Healthy Aging: A nonprofit organization offering meal services, support groups, case management, peer counseling, and referrals to promote independent living among older adults.
• WISE & Healthy Aging Adult Day Center: Day services for individuals who are elderly and frail with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, Parkinson's, or the vestiges of a stroke.
• Meals on Wheels West: Delivers meals to homebound Santa Monica residents of any age, ensuring nutritional needs are met for those unable to prepare meals themselves.
• Disability Community Resource Center: Center for Independent Living dedicated to supporting the equality of life for people with all kinds of disabilities.
Provides financial assistance to low-income Santa Monica residents with disabilities and older adults experiencing financial hardship. • St. Joseph Center: The Santa Monica Older Adults Health and Wellness Program provides adults aged 55 and older who are living in Santa Monica with Appendix B - Community Assets by Domain of Livability
comprehensive case management to improve their economic stability, health, and wellness.
• WISE & Healthy Aging Care Management program for vulnerable older adults: The WISE Care Management and Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) launched a collaborative program to address the growing challenge of non-emergency 9-1-1 calls, especially from vulnerable, older adult residents in Santa Monica. This program was designed to provide a comprehensive care management system aimed at reducing the strain on emergency services while improving the quality of life for older adults with chronic health issues, social isolation, and other complex needs.
Emergency Preparedness
Summary: Santa Monica is committed to ensuring the safety and resilience of all residents through proactive emergency planning and response. With dedicated first responders and programs led by the Office of Emergency Management and the Police and Fire Departments, the City provides vital tools like Community Connect to support effective, informed emergency response. The City is focused on ensuring inclusive preparedness and coordinated support before, during, and after emergencies.
Assets include:
• Community Connect: Launched through the Santa Monica Fire Department, Community Connect is a vital piece of technology that provides first responders with critical information regarding residences or businesses. This information, which the homeowner or business owner inputs, allows first responders to make strategic and tactical decisions enroute should the need arise for us to respond in an emergency. Having information such as floor plans, pets, or specific medical needs will assist responders in those critical moments when every second matters.
• Office of Emergency Management: Emergency Services & Preparedness (ESP) administers the implementation of extensive disaster planning, training and proactive community-based preparedness programs to ensure that the City of Santa Monica is a disaster resilient community. ESP also oversees the operation of the City's Emergency Operation Center (EOC). The EOC provides a central command center for all City departments and external response stakeholders to work collaboratively to respond to and recover from all unplanned emergencies/disaster events and large planned events within the City of Santa Monica. The Office of Emergency Management has an identified Access and Functional Needs (AFN) Coordinator as part of the City’s EOC staffing to ensure that special attention is given to issues affecting various AFN communities.
AGING AND DISABILITY ACTION PLAN
COMMUNITY SURVEY
City Hall
City Libraries
City Parks - including playgrounds, meeting
rooms, restrooms, gardens, open Space, e.g.,
Marine Park, Reed Park, Palisades Park
City Community Hubs - Virginia Avenue Park
(VAP) Reed Park’s Joslyn Hall, Annenberg
Community Beach House, Swim Center
No
Excellent Good Poor Fair
Your voice matters – the City of Santa Monica is developing an Aging and Disability Action Plan, and we want to hear from you! This short survey will help us to understand your experiences and develop ideas to help Santa Monica become even more ageand disability-friendly.
This survey will take about 15-20 minutes to complete. Individual responses to the survey are confidential and anonymous. Feel free to skip any questions that don’t apply to you.
Your input will help us create the City’s Aging & Disability Action Plan for a more inclusive and supportive community for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. The Action Plan will be presented to the City Council for adoption in September 2025.
Survey responses are due April 1, 2025.
Thank you for helping us build a more age- and disability-friendly Santa Monica! An age- and disability-friendly community supports the inclusion, accessibility, and well-being of individuals across all ages and abilities. It removes barriers and promotes equity, independence, and full participation in community life.
1. Overall, how would you rate Santa Monica
as an age- and disability- friendly
community?
Yes No Don’t Know
Yes No Don’t Know
Yes No Don’t Know
Yes Don’t Know
Other City Facilities - e.g., Santa Monica Institute
(SMI), Childcare Recreation Enrichment Sports
Together (CREST), Police Activities League (PAL)
Yes No Don’t Know
City Beaches - including playgrounds,
restrooms
Yes No Don’t Know
2. Do you feel the following locations in
Santa Monica are age and disability-friendly
spaces?
Appendix C: Community Survey
Appendix C: Community Survey
If there is a specific city location that you feel is not age or disability friendly, please list the location name and details:
3. How do you get around Santa Monica for things like: shopping, dining, errands, health appointments, socializing? (select all that apply) Friend or family drives me
Drive my car LA County Access Paratransit
Taxi/Uber/Lyft Bus- Big Blue Bus
Walk Mobility on Demand Everyday (MODE) - Big Blue Bus
Bus - LA Metro
I do not leave my house On-demand e-scooter/e-bike
Expo Line - LA Metro Bike
Other (please specify):
Accessible sidewalks Yes No Don’t Know
Maintenance and repairs of sidewalks Yes No Don’t Know
Accessible curb ramps Yes No Don’t Know
Well-lit, safe streets for all users (pedestrians,
bicyclists, drivers) Yes No Don’t Know
4. Do these mobility-related features of the city meet your needs when getting around Santa Monica?
Well-lit, safe intersections for all users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers)
Yes No Don’t Know
Affordable public parking lots
Yes No Don’t Know
Accessible public parking payment machines
Yes No Don’t Know
Other (please specify):
If you responded “No” to any of the above, please describe why:
Time allotted for pedestrian crossing signals
Transit options for older adults and people
with disabilities
Yes No Don’t Know
Yes No Don’t Know
Appendix C: Community Survey
5. Do you have any concerns about fully relying on Santa Monica’s public transit system instead of using a car? (select all that apply)
Reliability of transit schedule
Concerned about losing balance and falling
while on transit
Lack of seating at transit stop
Hours of operation Not knowing available routes and schedules Lack of shade at transit stop
Affordability
Personal safety while riding public transit
Lack of secure wheelchair space
Safety around the public transit stop
Other (please specify):
Difficulty boarding public transit
Distance to get to the bus stop from my
home or to my destination
Feel safe spending time outdoors during the day? Yes No Feel safe at night? Yes No
6. Is the neighborhood where you live, a place where you:
If you responded “No” to any of the above, please describe why not:
7. If you were to consider moving out of your home, which of the following reasons would influence your decision? (select all that apply) Housing Costs - unable to afford monthly/annual housing costs.
Interior Accessibility - the interior design of my home will not support independent living (e.g., stairs within my home, narrow doorways in my home).
General Costs of Living - unable to afford costs of basic needs like housing, food, health, and transportation.
Exterior Accessibility - the exterior aspects of my home will not support independent living (e.g., living on an upper floor of my building, stairway into my home).
Issues with my landlord - e.g., related to upkeep of my building, renter’s rights issues.
Wanting to be closer to family, friends or other social networks Needing a higher level of care or support services - e.g., assisted living, skilled nursing.
Other (please specify):
Appendix C: Community Survey
8. Do you know there are affordable community resources available to support independent living and aging in place in your home? (e.g., home modifications, in-home caregiving, dementia care, assistive technology)? Yes No
If you responded “Yes” to the above, what resources have you used? Disagree Strongly
Disagree
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Santa Monica fosters a culture of
welcoming people of all backgrounds
I feel respected in Santa Monica
community life
I feel included in Santa Monica
community life
Community decision making and civic
activities welcomes all opinions and ideas
I feel heard when I share my needs or
provide feedback to inform community
decision making
9. Do you agree with the following statements?
I know where to find information about
city meetings and events
If you disagreed with any of the above, please describe why:
Appendix C: Community Survey
10. How do you stay informed or find information about Santa Monica community events, services, or resources? (select all that apply) Santa Monica Daily Press
Flyers posted in businesses (coffee shops, stores,
restaurants)
Social media
SaMo News Emails with digital flyers
Word of mouth
Community based organizations (non-profit or faithbased organizations, food pantries, recreational centers, educational insitutions)
Television
Internet websites Radio
Other (please specify):
Flyers in City spaces (libraries, parks, farmer’s
markets)
Daily Weekly Monthly
11. How often do you have contact with people like friends, family, or neighbors? This contact could be by phone, in person, e-mail, or social media (such as Facebook).
A few times a year Never
12. Is the amount of contact you have with people from the previous question:
Too much Just right Not enough
13. Do you participate in any social, wellness, recreational or spiritual activities in the Santa Monica community?
14. Do you volunteer with any social, wellness, recreational or spiritual groups in the Santa Monica community?
Yes No
Yes No
Appendix C: Community Survey
15. Please indicate who offers the programs you participate in or volunteer with in Santa Monica:
City Recreation
City Arts & Cultural Affairs
Volunteer Participate
Volunteer Participate
City Libraries
City Parks
Volunteer Participate
Volunteer Participate
Local businesses
Faith community
Volunteer Participate
Volunteer Participate
Educational institutions
Nonprofit organizations
Volunteer Participate
Volunteer Participate
Senior centers
My employer
Volunteer Participate
Volunteer Participate
Online programs
Other (please specify):
Volunteer Participate
16. Do available opportunities for social, wellness, recreational or spiritual activities meet your needs?
Yes No
If you responded “No”, please describe why not:
17. Are there aspects of Santa Monica community life that you would like to participate in, but can’t?
Yes No
Appendix C: Community Survey
If you responded “Yes” to the above, describe the biggest barrier to participating:
18. In general, would you say your health is:
Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor
19. Do you have health insurance?
20. Do you have a place you regularly go for health care? If you responded “No” to the above, please share why:
21. Do you have a caregiver?
Yes, an unpaid caregiver (e.g., family member, friend, or other contact) No, but I need a caregiver
Yes, a paid caregiver
No, I don’t need a caregiver
Yes No
Yes No
Appendix C: Community Survey
22. In the past year, have you experienced difficulty affording food to eat due to lack of money or other challenges?
Yes No
If you responded “Yes” to the above, please describe any programs you accessed for assistance: (e.g., CalFresh, food pantry or food bank, low-cost group meals):
23. Do you know where to find information about health and wellness programs in Santa Monica? (e.g., government benefits counseling, community health clinics, free or low-cost food, mental health, substance use treatment) Yes No
24. In the event of an emergency or natural disaster that requires sheltering in place, do you have a plan, supplies and medication prepared to manage 72-hours on your own in your home? (select all that apply)
Yes No Need help preparing
25. What type of assistance will you need to evacuate your home and neighborhood during a disaster? (select all that apply) Evacuation assistance from emergency personnel
Evacuation transportation assistance
As much advance warning of evacuation as possible
Other (please specify):
Appendix C: Community Survey
26. Are you currently, or have you ever been, a caregiver for a family member, friend, or another individual?
Current caregiver, paid
Previous caregiver, unpaid
Current caregiver, unpaid
Previous caregiver, paid
No (If No, skip to Question #31 in “About You” section)
27. If you are a caregiver for a person with a disability or special needs, please select the option that best describes them. (select all that apply) Child, 18 or older
Spouse/partner
Child, under 18
Parent(s)
Other Adult(s), 18 or older
28. Are you caregiving for a person who is experiencing memory problems that may be related to Alzheimer’s or other dementias?
Yes No
29. What are, or were, your top challenges as a caregiver? (Select all that apply) Feeling isolated
Getting respite care so I can take a break
Emotional stress or burnout
Concern that the person I am caring for will wander and get lost Financial burden
I am a paid caregiver and the pay does not keep pace with my household expenses Finding reliable resources to support the independence of the person I care for Getting legal help in planning for care needs or with financial challenges Other (please specify):
Lacking knowledge on caregiving strategies (e.g., dementia care) Appendix C: Community Survey
30. Do you know where to find information about programs and resources available to support caregivers? (e.g., respite services, support groups, education) Yes No
The following demographic questions will only be used to show community trends and themes for the Aging and Disability Action Plan. Individual responses are anonymous and confidential.
ABOUT YOU
31. What year were you born?
32. What is your zipcode?
90402
90403
90401
90404
Zip code outside Santa Monica
90405
33. Do any of the following factors affect your experience in community life? (Select all that apply)
Vision - blind or serious difficulty seeing, even with glasses.
Cognitive challenges - Difficulty with memory, concentration, or decision-making due to a physical, mental, or emotional condition.
Hearing - deaf or significant difficulty hearing.
Mobility - Difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
Daily activity challenges - Difficulty with bathing, cooking, cleaning or dressing.
Community participation challenges - Difficulty running errands alone, such as going to the doctor or shopping, due to a physical, mental, or emotional condition.
Appendix C: Community Survey
34. Which race and ethnicity best describes you? (select all that apply) Asian
Black or African American
American Indian/Alaska Native or Indigenous
Hispanic/Latino/a
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
White
Other (please specify):
Decline to state
35. What is your gender?
Culturally Specific Identify (e.g., Two-Spirit)
Transgender
Male
Non-Binary
Questioning
Other (please specify):
Decline to state
36. Are you a member of the LGBTQ+ community?
Yes No Decline to state
37. What language(s) are you most comfortable speaking in community settings (e.g., city events, healthcare, non-profit programs)? (select all that apply) Spanish
Russian
English
Farsi
Amharic
Other (please specify):
Mandarin
Female
Appendix C: Community Survey
38. How long have you lived in Santa Monica?
5-15 years
16-25 years
Less than 5 years
More than 25 years
I don’t live in Santa Monica
39. Which of the following best describes your current living situation? Owner
Homeless
Renter
Assisted Living/Skilled nursing Facility
Other (please specify):
Decline to state
40. How many people live in your household, including you? 2 3
1 4
More than 4
41. Currently I live: (select all that apply)
With a spouse or partner
With family
Alone
With friend(s)/roomates(s)
In a group setting
Other (please specify):
Appendix C: Community Survey
42. What is your annual household income?
Between $75,000 - $99,999
Under $25,000
Between $150,000 - $199,999
Decline to state
43. What best describes your current employment status? Employed, full-time
Retired
Employed, part-time
Unemployed
If you are employed part-time or unemployed, are you looking for work?
Yes No
44. If you are not yet retired, do you feel secure in your plans for retirement? Yes No
If you responded “No” to the above, please share why:
Between $50,000 - $74,999 Over $200,000
Between $100,000 - $124,999
Between $25,000 - $49,999
Between $125,000 - $149,999
Appendix C: Community Survey
Thank you for completing this survey!
Please return your completed survey to the location where you received it.
For a full list of locations where you can drop off your completed survey, please visit www.santamonica.gov/aging-and-disability-action-plan or call (310) 458-2200 x. 5771
Do you have more to share?
Please join us at our Aging & Disability Action Plan Open House! Saturday, March 22, 2025; 9:00am - 12:00pm
Santa Monica College Emeritus Campus, 1227 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401 *Virtual participation options available*
All are welcome and we kindly ask you register in advance at:
www.santamonica.gov/aging-and-disability-action-plan
Questions?
Phone: (310) 458-2200 x. 5771
Email: [email protected]
www.santamonica.gov/aging-and-disability-action-plan
Appendix C: Community Survey