City Council Adopts Balanced Budget for FY 2021 – 2023

June 23, 2021 1:50 PM

Note: A correction has been made to the pickleball and Reed Park ambassador descriptions.

Last night, the Santa Monica City Council unanimously adopted a balanced biennial budget for FY 2021–2023 focused on community priorities of a safe and clean Santa Monica, addressing homelessness, and an equitable and inclusive economic recovery.  Adoption of the Biennial Budget comes as Santa Monica emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic and cultivates a revitalized local economy that reflects and serves our diverse community. 

“We are beginning to see the results of our hard work of responding to pandemic-related revenue impacts and stabilizing the government at lower revenue and spending levels. And I am thrilled that Santa Monica’s emerging recovery is now abundantly visible on our thriving streets,” said Mayor Sue Himmelrich. “This Biennial Budget remains impacted by the pandemic and we appreciate the patience of the community in understanding that City spending and activities cannot yet return to 2019 levels, but Santa Monica is well on its way to its bright future and on the rise from here.”  

The overall FY 2021-22 Budget is $707.8 million and FY 2022-23 Budget is $598.9 million, net of reimbursements and transfers.  This is a difference of $2.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively, over what was presented in the initial proposed budget on May 25. Of this amount, $365,000 is due to a small adjustment reflecting the final ARPA allocation of $28.6 rather than $29.3 million as originally forecasted. $0.7 million in FY 2021-22 and $0.9 million in FY 2022-23 is offset by an increase in revenues, and $0.46 million is covered using identified savings from the current fiscal year. 

The FY 2021-23 Biennial Budget addresses community priorities and is responsive to community needs identified in Budget Study Sessions on May 25 and 26.  Programs and services included in the FY 2021- 23 Biennial Budget include:

In response to community concerns regarding pickleball access and facilities, this week courts at Memorial Park began opening one hour earlier at 7 a.m. Monday-Friday. This schedule will be in place through 8/13. The approved Park Planner position will address longer-term access to pickleball in Santa Monica.  The Council also provided $20,000 in additional funding to neighborhood groups from Council discretionary funding.

Council also approved changes to some permit and user fees, fines and civil penalties, and parking rates to reflect cost recovery.

The Adopted Biennial Budget will be posted to https://finance.smgov.net/budgets-reports/annual.

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Constance Farrell
Communications & Public Information Manager
Constance.Farrell@santamonica.gov

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