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SANTA MONICA, August 20, 2018 – On Thursday, August 16, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. revealed its 2017-2018 Annual Report during its annual meeting at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. During the meeting, city leaders and executives shared an overview of the state of the downtown, a review of City Council priorities and initiatives, and the vision for the future of Downtown Santa Monica's world-renowned Third Street Promenade and surrounding areas.
Mayor Ted Winterer kicked off the annual meeting by spotlighting key points of interest, including community challenges such as mobility, homelessness and public safety. He also reaffirmed the city's commitment to facing these challenges head on, noting actionable steps the organization has taken already, such as the Community Toolkits available at WeAre.SantaMonica.gov, and plans for the future. Winterer then turned the meeting over to Kathleen Rawson, chief executive officer at Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.
"Our downtown, like many community centers, is a beloved resource with wide and varied demands," said Rawson, prior to presenting the annual report. "It is absolutely challenging – and it is the reason that Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. exists."
Highlights from the 2017-2018 Annual Report include:
BUSINESS
AREA RESIDENTS & VISITORS
City Manager Rick Cole then presented the vision for the Third Street Promenade and what the beloved outdoor space will look like for the next generation of residents and visitors amid the changing retail environment. Specifically, Cole introduced five key elements that will help ensure that the Third Street Promenade, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2019, remains a premier destination for residents and visitors alike: remembering that it is a public place for gathering; renewing the public-private partnership; embracing the spirit of reinvention; continuing to emphasize placemaking; and connecting the many different points of interest in Downtown Santa Monica, including the Third Street Promenade, for a seamless and organic experience.
"The Third Street Promenade is the beating heart of Downtown Santa Monica, and we must seize this opportunity to bring people back to it," Cole remarked. "I encourage local business owners, residents and citizens to dream big. Have guts. And have a vision for a better future for this special place."
Recipients of Downtown Santa Monica's annual Eclipse Awards, which celebrate local business people who make a significant impact on the community, were also recognized at the annual meeting. Winners include:
For more information, and to view the full 2017-2018 Annual Report, visit DTSMAnnualReport.com.
About Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.
Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. is a private non-profit 501c(3) that works with the City of Santa Monica to manage services and operations in Downtown Santa Monica that promote economic stability, growth and community life within Downtown Santa Monica. DTSM, Inc. manages the Property-based Business Assessment District (PBAD) that encompasses the area bounded by Ocean Avenue (W), Wilshire Boulevard (N), Lincoln Boulevard (E) and the Santa Monica Freeway (S).