The City Council meeting that took place on the evening of Monday, April 28 saw delegates from New Zealand request the use of the Culver Steps for a base during the Olympics.
Action Item 1 (A1) called for: “Discussion of City Sponsorship of the New Zealand Hospitality House and Fan Zone in Town Plaza during the 2028 Olympics; (If Desired) Designation of the New Zealand Hospitality House and Fan Zone as a City-Sponsored Event and Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding and other Related Agreements with the New Zealand Olympic Committee for Exclusive Use of Town Plaza during the 2028 Olympics for such Event; and Direction to the City Manager as Deemed Appropriate.”
The two New Zealand representatives presented a concept of a free-to-the-public area with big screens for watching the games, as well as cultural programming. Members of the public spoke enthusiastically about the partnership, and in general the council shared that energy. There were some questions about opening the space up to other nations too.
The council unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding, which will be drafted and brought back to the City and New Zealand.
Earlier, there was an unusually contentious item on the consent calendar. Item C3 called for, “Award of 42 Project-Based Vouchers to Community Corporation of Santa Monica for the Jubilo Village 95-Unit 100% Affordable New Construction Project; and Approval of an Agreement to Enter into a Housing Assistance Payments Contract.”
The Jubilo Village affordable housing project is still hugely controversial in general, due to the cost to the city. This item passed 4-1, with Council Member Albert Vera the one no vote.
Mayor Dan O’Brien stated that he was only voting in favor of these vouchers because they’re contingent on the project being approved and completed.
O’Brien asked Tevin Barnes, Director of Housing and Human Services, “If council did not vote to provide the 42 project-based vouchers, would we need to come up with the equivalent value in funding?”
When Barnes confirmed this, O’Brien said: “I agree with the concerns of the public on our budget, and my vote will reflect that when we vote to allocate funds in June (a no vote). However, IF it passes in June, I don’t want additional money to be needed from the city to pay for the value of the project-based vouchers”.
Editor’s note: Further information was added re. Mayor O’Brien’s comments (5/8/25, 12:35 p.m.)