10/07/2026
We can’t solve a problem if we’re not accurately measuring it. Santa Monica needs better data so we can understand who is experiencing homelessness in our city, how long they’ve been homeless, what challenges they’re facing, and whether people are repeatedly returning to homelessness.
That also means distinguishing between people who became homeless here and those who arrived in Santa Monica already experiencing homelessness.
If we want better outcomes, we need to start with better information.
Good policy should be based on clearly defined problems, measurable outcomes, and real data — not assumptions.