By Jorge Casuso
July 14 -- Andrew Thomas, a staunch advocate of zoning changes that are helping revive an economically crippled Downtown district, unexpectedly announced his resignation Friday.
During his three-year tenure as CEO of Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM), Thomas oversaw initiatives to enhance the Promenade's offerings that helped spur diverse business openings ("Investment Downtown Signals Revitalization Underway, Officials Say," June 21, 2024).
Thomas, who served as the operations manager for the once-bustling Downtown from from 2001 to 2010, also oversaw efforts to expand homeless outreach, step up maintenance and launch a new security program.
"When I returned to DTSM, Inc. in 2022, it truly felt like coming home," Thomas said in a statement Friday. "I knew the energy, passion, and potential that define this remarkable place.
"Together, we rebuilt the foundation, reimagined the future, and reignited the spirit and pride of our downtown," he said.
Thomas, who was tasked with reviving a Downtown where nearly half the storefronts on the Promenade were empty, lobbied the Council to update the City's zoning rules to allow new uses ("Council Changes Zoning Rules to Enliven Downtown," October 25, 2024).
The zoning changes -- meant to make the Downtown more dynamic by offering unique "experiences" and innovative venues -- paved the way for outdoor uses and removed barriers to open small businesses.
Thomas also oversaw the launching last month of Southern California's first Entertainment Zone, as well as other marketing and economic development campaigns "that introduced Downtown Santa Monica to new audiences (and) attracted new businesses and residents," Downtown officials said
"We are deeply grateful to Andrew for his unwavering dedication and steady leadership during some of the most challenging times our downtown has faced," DTSM Board Chair Michele Aronson said in a statement.
"His vision and commitment have left a lasting impact, and we look forward to building on the strong foundation he helped create."
Thomas assumed the post as the City, along with its Central Business District, was attempting to recover from the three-year-long coronavirus emergency, riots that swept through the Downtown in May 2020 and an entrenched homeless problem.
When Thomas took over the agency, the cash-strapped City was in dire financial straits and its Police Department had a historically high vacancy rate that continue to plague the force ("Police Launch Website to Fill Record Vacancies," July 10, 2025).
In the meantime, many Promenade storefronts sat empty or were rented on a temporary basis as property owners pushed to crack down on crime and homelessness and held out for higher rents when the market recovered.
Downtown office use also fell after the coronavirus shutdown spurred a shift to remote work, depriving the Promenade of the return of its once-vibrant daytime customer base.
The DTSM board also radically shifted, from one where property owners represented about half of the DTSM Board, to one where they dominated ("Council Shakes Up Two Major Boards," July 11, 2024).
While Thomas gave no reason for stepping down, his decision came as the Board was in the midst of negotiating a new contract.
The minutes for the April 25 DTSM Board meeting show a deeply divided Board, with six of the 13 Boardmembers voting in closed session to initiate contract negotiations with Thomas.
The four dissenting Board members -- who were critical of Thomas' handling of public safety and his perceived ties to the City's liberal establishment -- made an unsuccessful motion to "issue a Request for Proposals seeking interested individuals."
Two Board members abstained from both votes, and one board seat is vacant.
Thomas said Downtown's accomplishments "reflect the incredible collaboration and commitment of so many partners" and the dedication of DTSM's staff, which he called "the heartbeat of the organization."
"Andrew is a stellar Downtown leader," said Kathleen Rawson, who ran the Downtown District for 25 years before stepping down in January 2022 to run Hollywood's high-profile Business Improvement District.
"I have great respect and admiration for him, and he and his team did great things while he was there," Rawson said.
Thomas will remain in his post to ensure a smooth transition in leadership, Downtown officials said.
"Serving this community has been the honor of a lifetime," Thomas said. "I will always carry with me the pride and love I feel for this remarkable place and its people."
