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Goals
- Nurture a diverse, stable, local economy that supports basic needs of all segments of the community.
- Businesses, organizations and local government agencies within Santa Monica continue to increase the efficiency of their use of resources through the adoption of sustainable business practices. The city takes a leadership role by developing a plan by 2005 to increase the adoption of sustainable practices by Santa Monica businesses and encouraging sustainable businesses to locate in Santa Monica.
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2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2010 |
| Grade |
B |
B |
B |
B |
B |
| Effort |
C+ |
B+ |
A- |
A- |
A- |
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Santa Monica’s economy remains strong and diverse with growth in the
tourism, retail, and information sectors. The local economy remains
resilient with no sector representing more than 25% of the total
economic activity. To build on this success, the City Council funded
the creation of a Sustainable Economic Development Strategy to attract
and retain businesses that support economic development, social
responsibility and environmental stewardship. The city, the Chamber
of Commerce, the Convention and Visitors Bureau and Sustainable Works
are collaborating on projects to promote sustainable businesses and
improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. Over 20 Santa
Monica businesses were recognized for their exceptional commitment to
sustainable practices through the Green Business Certification Program
and the Sustainable Quality Awards. An additional 20 businesses
received comprehensive green business consultations as part of the
Sustainable Works Business Greening Program. However, the rising cost
of living and an unbalanced ratio of jobs to housing make it difficult
for people to live near their workplace, exacerbating local and
regional traffic and parking problems. Santa Monica’s jobs/housing
balance rose to 1.52 this year, a further move away from the 1.0 target
established in the Sustainable City Plan. The grade improvement
reflects the continued adoption of business greening practices
throughout the community.
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