Santa Monica City Manager to Meet with Residents

Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect the fact the budget shortfall is anticpated to be $3.6 million in the 2014-2015 fiscal year, not $4.5 million in 2013-2014.

By Lookout Staff

October 31, 2012 -- Santa Monica City Manager Rod Gould will be holding a series of meetings in November to inform residents about safety and quality-of-life issues.

Formerly called “Can We Talk?”, the series of three meetings -- starting November 10 -- will give residents a chance to talk face-to-face with Gould and city staff about issues concerning the future of Santa Monica, including the impending $3.6 million million budget shortfall that officials predict will hit the city in 2014-2015 financial year.

“The Santa Monica Talks meetings are opportunities for the community and staff to engage in conversation about City services, and current and future projects,” said Gould. “The dialogue will inform the City’s fiscal year 2013/15 budget.”

“The meetings are designed to improve communication and relationships between the City and residents, provide essential information about safety and quality-of-life issues,” City officials said.

In each of the meetings, residents will get to talk to staff about public safety, transportation, parking, planning, housing, human services, community spaces and programs, technology, sustainability, and "Be Excited! Be Prepared" capital improvement projects.

Gould will also give a presentation at each meeting.

“I will share how we are managing City resources, the challenges that lie ahead and strategies for the future,” he said.

The first meeting, on November 10, will be at Franklin Elementary School and will run from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The next meeting will be held at the Civic Auditorium from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.

For those who can't make either of thsoe meetings, there will be a third chance on November 15 at The Writers Boot Camp, Bldg. I (2525 Michigan Avenue) again from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. This meeting will have simultaneous translation services and bilingual staff present.

“A free light meal will be provided at each meeting. Free childcare, bike valets and Big Blue Bus vouchers will also be available,” staff said.

Residents can get comment forms and RSVP for the free meetings at smgov.net/smtalks.

All locations are wheelchair accessible. For additional disability- related accommodations please call (310) 458-8301.

“All of the input gathered from the meetings will inform the development of the City’s 2013-2015 budget,” staff said.