The Santa Monica City Council is a seven‑member elected body that serves as the legislative and policy‑making authority for the City of Santa Monica. It operates under a council–manager form of government, which means the council sets priorities, passes laws, and hires the city manager, city attorney, and city clerk, while the city manager runs day‑to‑day operations with city staff.
Councilmembers are elected at large by voters across the city rather than by district. The council collectively adopts the city budget, approves ordinances and major land‑use decisions, and provides direction on key issues such as housing, transportation, public safety, climate policy, and economic development.
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Caroline Torosis, Mayor
Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov
Caroline Torosis is a lifelong community advocate and public servant. At the time of her election to City Council in November 2022, Caroline had been serving our community as a Commissioner on the Santa Monica Rent Control Board since 2016. She joined City Council in 2022. Her current term ends in December 2026.
Jesse Zwick, Mayor Pro Tem
Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov
Jesse Zwick is a writer, a public policy and communications strategist, and a new father. He grew up in Santa Monica, graduated from Harvard University, and worked as a journalist in Washington DC before returning home to write for film and television. He joined City Council in 2022. His current term will end in December 2026.
Lana Negrete, Council Member
Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov
Lana Negrete appointed to the City Council in 2021 to fill her seat left vacant by the retirement of Kevin McKeown. She was elected to an additional 4 year seat in November 2022 and served as mayor for one year beginning December 10, 2024. Her current term expires December 2026.
Ellis Raskin, Council Member
Ellis.Raskin@santamonica.gov
An environmental attorney and housing advocate, he advised public agencies and other stakeholders across California in a broad range of matters involving land use, community development, and long-range planning. He was elected to City Council in 2024. His term expired in December 2028.
Barry Snell, Council Member
Barry.Snell@santamonica.gov
Barry Snell is a certified public accountant and business leader with extensive ties to the Santa Monica community and its educational institutions. has served on the Santa Monica City Council since December 2024. His current term expires December 2028.
Natalya Zernitskaya, Council Member
Natalya.Zernitskaya@santamonica.gov
Natalya Zernitskaya is a financial analyst who has been part of the Santa Monica community since 2010. She previously served on a number of nonprofit boards and in local leadership roles including serving as President of the League of Women Voters of Santa Monica and as Recording Secretary of the Santa Monica Democratic Club. She was elected in 2024. Her current term expires in December 2028.
MEETINGS
Members of the community are invited to attend and provide public comment at regular meetings of the City Council. Meetings are held twice per month at 5:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers and are streamed live at SMGov.net, CityTV cable channel 16 and YouTube.
Public Comment Policy:
The public is strongly encouraged to submit written comments on agenda items via email to councilmtgitems@santamonica.gov.
Written public comment submitted before 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting will be available for online viewing.
Community members wishing to address the City Council regarding items on the agenda in person must submit their name to the City Clerk before the public hearing is opened for that item. Register to speak at the Speaker Kiosk prior to the meeting and throughout the meeting.
Remarks from the public are limited to a total of 6 minutes per City Council meeting, with a maximum of 2 minutes and a minimum of one minute per public comment section. More info on public comments an be found here.
VIDEO, AGENDAS & MINUTES OF PAST MEETINGS
SEE ALSO:
Santa Monica Planning Commission
Santa Monica Rent Control Board
Santa Monica Architectural Review Board