By Jorge Casuso

January 14, 2026 -- A recent poll of "civically minded" Santa Monica residents gave new City Manager Oliver Chi a stronger approval rating than the City Council has received, with many holding judgment on his job performance.

The monthly Santa Monica Pulse poll -- conducted on January 12 -- also found the respondents remained focused on "increasing public safety" and "reducing homelessness" and strongly opposed the new parking rate hikes.

City Manager Chi's rating after six months on the job suggests that "many residents are waiting to see if the City Manager can execute on his turnaround plan," according to Eyes on 11, a union watchdog that conducts the poll.

Chi's "Realignment Plan" approved by the Council in October outlines "a roadmap to improve public safety, fix the city’s finances and restore its appeal as a tourism destination," the poll noted ("Council Approves Ambitious Plan to Revitalize City," October 30, 2025).

More than a third of respondents -- 37 percent -- had no opinion, while 10 percent "strongly" approved of Chi's performance and 15 percent "somewhat approved."

Meanwhile, 18 percent "somewhat" disapproved and 20 percent "strongly" disapproved of Chi's job performance as the City's top executive, which included the exit of popular Police Chief Ramon Batista.

A Pulse poll taken in August found most respondents believed the chief's abrupt resignation shortly after Chi took over would worsen public safety. It also found a record percentage of respondents was unsatisfied with the Council's performance.

That poll found that 87 percent of respondents said they were very or somewhat unsatisfied, while 7 percent said they were very or somewhat satisfied and 6 percent had no opinion.

Chi's recent rating in a poll that has "consistently found dissatisfaction with city government" indicates he "has room to expand his approval rating as a large percentage of residents remain undecided," according Eyes on 11.

Top on the minds of respondents, who had opted for more information on public safety, remains crime and homelessness, with 77 percent choosing increasing public safety among the issues the Council should make a top priority.

Some three-quarters, 74 percent, also chose reducing homelessness, while 57 percent chose "creating a positive business environment" and 40 percent chose "revitalizing tourism."

The other two choices, "increasing city revenue and reducing deficits," and "enacting new labor mandates on Pier businesses" were chosen as top priorities by 22 and 9 percent respectively.

The poll also asked respondents to weigh in on new parking rates that took effect January 12 that will generate up to $9 million more by mostly raising the cost of meter parking by 25 cents per hour and by an average of $2 to $5 at flat rate beach lots ("City Hikes Parking Rates," August 18, 2025) .

The poll found that 63 percent of respondents strongly oppose and 10 percent somewhat oppose the new rates, while 10 percent either strongly of somewhat support them. Only 2 percent had no opinion.

As with previous surveys, the latest Santa Monica Pulse poll was sent via text to more than 1,000 residents. The poll, which this time was conducted on a single day, had a 9 percent response rate.

Those who wish to be included in the next poll should email their name and cell phone number to SaMoPulse@gmail.com