SANTA MONICA - September 22, 2020 -- Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) released the 2019-2020 Annual Report on Friday, September 18 detailing the public space management organization's efforts supporting the Downtown Santa Monica community through one of the most challenging economic times, and providing a look ahead at Downtown's sustainable future.
The Annual Report recaps DTSM's fiscal year's shared programs and initiatives introduced over the past year to enhance the Third Street Promenade experience. The report shines light on how quickly the organization shifted priorities and used innovative planning from the robust Promenade 3.0 project to address today's needs of stakeholders and lead them through the unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Together we have persevered through these challenging times and we look ahead, knowing that our resilient community will emerge stronger than ever," said Kathleen Rawson, chief executive officer of DTSM, Inc. "At the onset of the pandemic, we immediately pivoted to help guide our businesses as they navigated closures and the new normal. Using all of our available resources, we swiftly enacted new emergency ordinances in partnership with the City of Santa Monica, transformed public spaces like parking lots and sidewalks into expanded dining and retail options, and ensured all stakeholders had access to the most reliable information."
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, DTSM was focused on revisioning the future through Promenade 3.0, the public process that aimed to update the public space and enhance the visitor experience by activating public spaces to incorporate more engaging activities and interactive elements on the iconic Third Street Promenade. DTSM immediately recognized the need to quickly move from expanding programming and amenities in the public realm and on private property, to severely limiting it and assisting all stakeholders as they navigated state-mandated closures and life under quarantine.
These initiatives included: DTSM being the hub of vital information and support for their stakeholders providing daily email communication and one-on-one guidance and advice; working with the City to quickly enact emergency ordinances spurring economic recovery allowing businesses to efficiently operate curbside pick up and delivery programs and to reopen indoor and outdoor operations safely; and developing enhanced safety procedures and a new pedestrian flow plan and queuing guidelines for Third Street Promenade to encourage safe physical distancing.
For more information, and to view the full 2019-2020 Annual Report, visit DTSMAnnualReport.com.
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About Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM, Inc.)
Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. is a private non-profit 501c(3) that works with the City of Santa Monica to manage services and operations in Downtown Santa Monica that promote economic stability, growth and community life within Downtown Santa Monica. DTSM, Inc. manages the Property-based Business Assessment District (PBAD) that encompasses the area bounded by Ocean Avenue (W), Wilshire Boulevard (N), Lincoln Boulevard (E) and the Santa Monica Freeway (S). For more info, please visit DowntownSM.com or follow us on Instagram and Twitter @dtsantamonica or Facebook at DowntownSantaMonica.