By Jorge Casuso

September 19, 2024 -- David Martin -- who for more than a decade helped steer the physical development of Santa Monica -- will retire as head of planning at the end of the year, City officials announced Thursday.

In a city coveted by builders and fiercely guarded by grassroots activists, Martin mediated the bitterly contested development wars that divided the City for more than two decades.

As head of planning for the past 13 years, he implemented plans that guided development and agreements that brought significant benefits to the community, City officials said.

Martin also oversaw the planning and opening of three Metro light rail stations in Santa Monica and made it easier for businesses to recover from the coronavirus shutdown by implementing zoning changes.

“David has been an integral member of our city leadership team, playing a critical role in shaping the Santa Monica we know today," City Manager David White said in a statement.

"His contributions will continue to benefit our city for decades to come,” White said. "He will be difficult to replace, but I wish him well in a much-deserved retirement.”

Both representatives for developers and slow growth activists praised Martin's handling of a hot-button issue that shaped Santa Monica politics until the State usurped local power over housing development five years ago.

"I think it's a huge loss," said Dave Rand, an attorney who has represented the developers of some of the city's largest projects. "He's respectful, responsive and knows how to get things done.

"This is a very challenging city, very passionate about views on the issue he is at the center of," Rand said. "He has a measured personality, calm as all can be in difficult political environments.

"I don't know anyone who doesn't like David Martin. It's going to be very hard to replace him."

Former Mayor Sue Himmelrich, a slow-growth advocate and champion of affordable housing, agrees.

"He was a really good guy and was always very cheerful, very positive, even during the worst circumstances," said Himmelrich who served on the council from 2014 to 2022.

"It will be hard to replace that aspect," she said. "He has lived here for a long time and knows Santa Monica like the back of his hand."

A Southern California native who has lived in Santa Monica since 1988, Martin joined the City in 1987 as an assistant planner and was promoted to senior planner before leaving to work in the private sector in 1999, City officials said.

Ten years later, he returned to the City as deputy director of what was then called the Planning and Community Development Department before being appointed as director in 2011.

In his 13 years in the post, Martin "has helped Santa Monica navigate evolving land use and transportation trends," City officials said.

These included an "emphasis on mixed-use housing development in the city’s commercial districts and the introduction of alternative forms of transportation."

Martin led the implementation of the 2010 Land Use and Circulation Element that included the Zoning Ordinance, the Bergamot Area Plan and the Downtown Community Plan.

He also implemented development agreements with "significant" community benefits for two major hotel projects on Ocean Avenue -- the reimagining of the Miramar and a hotel designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry.

Frank Gruber, a former Planning Commissioner whose book "Urban Worrier" compiles columns from The Lookout that often focused on planning, praised Martin for his performance under pressure.

"There was never anyone in the world of Santa Monica planning who better combined knowledge of planning with an imperturbable demeanor, under often considerable stress, and warmth of character," Gruber said.

Martin will remain in his position through the end of the year while the city conducts a recruitment for his successor.

“Santa Monica is a special place, and I am grateful to have been able to contribute to the ongoing success of this incredible city for nearly three decades,” Martin said in a statement.

“I’ve loved working for the city, and I look forward to seeing it continue to evolve and thrive as a resident.”