A Case Study with Regional Comparisons
ResearchPublished Oct 1, 2026
This research was independently initiated and made possible by RAND’s own resources, including income from operations, unrestricted gifts from RAND supporters, and distributions from its long-term investment fund.
Researchers compared Santa Monica’s recent economic and social trends with peer cities near Los Angeles using data analysis and expert interviews. They found steeper declines in retail sales and tourism, with challenges concentrated downtown. Crime increased in some categories but largely tracks regional trends. The city has recently undertaken substantial reforms in housing, policing, and business development that may improve its outlook.
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