Starting Nov. 10, The City of Santa Monica is holding “Santa Monica Talks,” previously called “Can We Talk?” its annual series of community meetings.
The three meeting series will offer residents the opportunity to meet face-to-face with City staff from all City departments.
The meetings are designed to improve communication and relationships between the City and residents, provide essential information about safety and quality-of-life issues, and hear from residents first-hand about their needs, concerns and ideas for the future.
The meetings are open to the public and free. The same information will be available at each session.
During the first 45 minutes of each session, participants can meet one-on-one with staff to discuss specific issues related to public safety, transportation, parking, planning, housing, human services, community spaces and programs, technology, sustainability, and “Be Excited! Be Prepared” capital improvement projects. Neighborhood association representatives will also be onsite.
Following the one-on-one dialogues City Manager Rod Gould will give a presentation about City services, finances, and projects and answer questions from the audience.
After the presentation, City staff will be available again to meet one-on-one with residents. All of the input gathered from the meetings will inform the development of the City’s 2013-2015 budget.
A free light meal will be provided at each meeting.
Free childcare, bike valets, and Big Blue Bus vouchers will also be available.
Saturday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
City Manager’s presentation at 10:45 am
Franklin Elementary School, 2400 Montana Avenue
Monday, Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
City Manager’s presentation at 7:15 p.m.
Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, East Wing, 1855 Main Street
Thursday, Nov. 15, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., simultaneous Spanish translation services
City Manager’s presentation at 7:15 p.m.
The Writers Boot Camp, Bldg. I, 2525 Michigan Avenue
Comment forms and meeting materials are available online at www.smgov.net/smtalks. Although the meetings are free and open to all, please RSVP online at www.smgov.net/smtalks.
All locations are wheelchair accessible. For additional disability- related accommodations please call 310.458.8301. The Nov. 15 meeting will have simultaneous Spanish language translation service and bilingual City staff on hand.
