By Lookout Staff

September 23, 2024 -- The City last week launched the second phase of its process to shape Santa Monica Airport's future by seeking input on its uses "centered on a great park."

The 227-acre site -- which is one of the largest open swaths of land in urban Los Angeles -- will shut down as an airport at the end of 2028 under a landmark agreement with the FAA.

A ballot measure approved by local voters in 2014, allows the Council to approve the development of parks, public open spaces and public recreational facilities, but prohibits new development without voter approval.

During phase one of the two-year process that took place this summer, the City launched a project website, conducted a survey and held community engagement sessions, as well as a virtual training session ("Council to Take First Major Step in Airport Planning," December 13, 2023).

More than 6,000 people visited the website and the City received nearly 2,000 survey responses and more than 250 comment cards at community events, according to Amber Richane, Principle Design and Planning Manager

The outreach efforts resulted in "a total of 147 ideas and suggestions for the future of the airport site," Richane said.

The City will now "refine and prioritize" the suggested uses with help from the community, then draft and finalize guiding principles that will be presented to the Council in January.

"From now through October 16, the community is invited to visit the project website, watch the new Virtual Training Session, and take a survey," Richane said.

Interested community members can apply for a micro-grant to host a community listening session, with more information on how to apply coming soon, City officials said.

Those interested in taking part in the process can drop by one of the City's pop-up tables at Americana in the Park on September 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Gandara Park or at the Virginia Avenue Park Mini Fall Festival on October 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

During the third phase of the project -- set to launch early next year -- "three potential scenarios will be identified with another opportunity for community feedback."

A final preferred scenario is expected to go to the Council for approval in fall 2025.

"The preferred scenario, once approved by the City Council, will inform the environmental review process required by the California Environmental Quality Act," City officials said.

Implementation would begin after the airport operations end on December 31, 2028.

Community members can email TheFutureofSMO@santamonica.gov with any questions about the community engagement process or click here for more information.