An Update on Santa Monica Boards and Commissions

February 16, 2021 8:27 PM
by Constance Farrell

Santa Monica’s Boards and Commissions help shape local policies and programs by providing recommendations to the City Council. Like so many aspects of life in 2020, many Board and Commission meetings were put on hold. In December 2020, through a supplement to Santa Monica’s local COVID-19 emergency, Boards and Commissions were invited to resume their meetings through teleconference on a quarterly basis through June 2021. Whether and when to meet is led by dedicated members of these bodies based on topics coming before the City Council. 

In April 2021, the City Clerk’s Office will bring before the City Council an item to assess and review the status of  Santa Monica’s appointed Boards and Commissions. The discussion will center on the mix of focus areas and whether the current structure meets the needs of the community today and can be effectively supported by City staff given changes to City operations, including reduced staffing support for Boards and Commissions, as a result of COVID-19.  

If you are looking for a way to get involved in your local community, Boards and Commissions are a fantastic way to share your expertise and to contribute to civic life in Santa Monica. Here are all open opportunities, including for the City's newest commission - the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission. 

Below is a list of all Santa Monica Boards and Commissions with a status update and upcoming meetings, if scheduled. (Last updated February 16, 2021) 

Airport Commission 

Status: Has continued to meet regularly during the pandemic 

Next meeting: February 22 at 4 p.m. 

 

Architectural Review Board 

Status: Has met at least once per month during the pandemic 

Next meeting: February 16 

 

Arts Commission 

Status: Has met occasionally during the pandemic 

Next meeting: None scheduled; met February 8, 2021 

 

Audit Subcommittee 

Status: Has met throughout the pandemic 

Next meeting: February 16, 2021 

 

Building and Fire-Life Safety Commission 

Status: Has met twice during the pandemic 

Next meeting: None scheduled 

There are two openings on the Building and Fire-Life Safety Commission. Learn more and apply 

 

Clean Beaches & Ocean Parcel Tax Citizens Oversight Committee 

Status: Resumed meeting in February 2021 

Next meeting: May 6, 2021 

 

Commission for the Senior Community 

Status: Has not met during the pandemic 

Next meeting: February cancelled; March and April undetermined 

 

Commission on the Status of Women 

Status: Has not met during the pandemic 

Next meeting: February cancelled; March and April undetermined 

 

Disabilities Commission 

Status: Has not met during the pandemic 

Next meeting:  February cancelled; next meeting planned for March 

 

Housing Commission 

Status: Has met occasionally during the pandemic 

Next meeting: Met in January; Next meeting in the second quarter of 2021 will be held between April and June at a date to be set. 

 

Landmarks Commission 

Status: Has met as-needed during the pandemic 

Next meeting: Met in January; Next meeting planned for March 

 

Personnel Board 

Status: Has met throughout the pandemic 

Next meeting: February 25 

There’s a new opportunity to join the Personnel Board. Learn more about the position and body, which advises the City Council and Human Resources Department on personnel matters. 

 

Planning Commission 

Status: Has met regularly during the pandemic 

Next meeting: February 17 

 

Recreation and Parks Commission 

Status: Has met occasionally during the pandemic 

Next meeting: February 18, 2021 

 

Rent Control Board 

Status: Has continued to meet regularly during the pandemic. 

Next meeting:  February 11th, March 11th  

 

Santa Monica Library Board 

Status: Has met regularly during the pandemic 

Next meeting: March 4, 2021 

 

Social Services Commission 

Status: Has not met during the pandemic 

Next meeting: Special meeting scheduled February 22, 2021 

 

Task Force on the Environment 

Status: Resumed meetings in early February 2021 

Next meeting: Tentatively scheduled for March 15, 2021 

 

Urban Forest Task Force 

Status: Has not met during the pandemic 

Next meeting: Tentatively scheduled for May 26, 2021 

 

 

 

Authored By

Constance Farrell
Communications & Public Information Manager