City Clerk's Office

The mission of the Santa Monica City Clerk is to serve as the City Elections Official, Political Reform Filing Officer, and Compliance Officer for the Public Records Act, the Brown Act and local statutes. The Records and Election Services (City Clerk) Department facilitates the democratic process by conducting City elections for voters and candidates. The City Clerk’s Office provides support to the City Council and records Council proceedings; manages the City’s records and responds to public requests for information; accepts federal passport applications; and provides mail and printing services to internal Departments.

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Divisions

Administration

The Division carries out the official duties of the City Clerk required by local law and the Brown Act (Open Meetings Law), Public Records Act, and Political Reform Act. Staff prepares and disseminates the City Council meeting agenda and packets; and maintains the legislative history for the City Council, Redevelopment Successor Agency, and Public Finance, Housing and Parking Authorities. The office also administers the Records Management Program; maintains the Boards/Commissions Appointments List, Lobbyist and Domestic Partnership Registries, and Council’s Oaks Initiative Log; accepts service of documents for legal process; and serves as a Passport Acceptance Facility.

Elections

The City Clerk serves as the City’s Elections Official and Filing Officer as required by local and State Election Codes and the State Political Reform Act. The Division conducts special municipal elections, coordinates consolidated regular City Council, Rent Control Board, Santa Monica – Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) Board and Santa Monica City College (SMCC) Board elections with the Los Angeles County Clerk/Registrar-Recorder, and maintains the official election records. The Division is staffed by Administration and Support Services personnel.

Support Services

The Support Services Division provides internal support to City staff and provides all City departments with high quality reprographic services and efficient internal and external mail service. Support Services personnel also provide additional staffing for Administration and Election events.

FAQ

How do I serve legal documents to the City Clerk’s Office?

Documents such as claims, subpoenas, summonses, appeals, etc. must be served on the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall and during regular business hours. After service, you will be referred to the proper Department for follow up.

Where can I find Statements of Economic Interest filed with the City?

Click here for the City's Statement of Economic Interest (or Conflict of Interest) public portal to view forms filed by City staff, elected officials and board and commission members.

How do I register as a lobbyist with the City Clerk’s Office?

Click here for a registration form and more information on how the City regulates lobbying.

How do I file for Domestic Partnership with the City Clerk’s Office?

Click here for a registration form and more information on the City’s Domestic Partnership Registry.

What is a City Clerk?

The City Clerk is the local official who administers democratic processes such as elections, access to city records, and all legislative actions ensuring transparency to the public. The City Clerk acts as a compliance officer for federal, state, and local statutes including the Political Reform Act, the Brown Act, and the Public Records Act. The City Clerk manages public inquiries and relationships and arranges for ceremonial and official functions.

City Clerk's Office

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Tati Simonian

Nikima Newsome named city clerk

Tati Simonian

Mayor Gleam Davis announces retirement of City Clerk Denise Anderson-Warren

Miranda Iglesias, Denise Anderson-Warren

Election Season Begins in Less than Two Weeks

Miranda Iglesias

Council Approves Pilot to Revise Public Comment at Meetings and Implement Hybrid Meetings

Maria Dacanay

Voting in the September 14, 2021 Gubernatorial Recall Election

Miranda Iglesias

City Council Sets Timeline and Application Process for Council Appointment

Niki Newsome