Santa Monica highlight
Strong progressive
Santa Monica has pursued environmental and community sustainability since adopting a comprehensive plan in 1994, achieving 100 percent renewable electricity and setting targets for significant carbon reduction.
In 1994, Santa Monica adopted a comprehensive sustainability plan and established an Office of Sustainability and the Environment—decades before many cities recognized these priorities. The city implemented green building codes exceeding national standards, created community gardens and environmental education programs, and installed an innovative urban runoff treatment facility known as SMURFF. By 2019, Santa Monica achieved 100 percent renewable electricity sourcing, powered by solar, wind, and other clean sources.
The city's commitment extends to public transportation, water conservation, and waste reduction. Residents benefit from extensive recycling and composting programs, rebates for drought-tolerant landscaping, and a bike-friendly infrastructure that encourages alternatives to car travel. Santa Monica's motto—"Happy people in a happy city"—reflects the philosophy that livability, environmental stewardship, and community wellbeing are interconnected.
Progressive commitments to community and environment require looking ahead to sustain them—the same long view that term life insurance asks of families. Sizing coverage to the years your dependents would need support acknowledges that the future matters, and that your choices today affect the stability and opportunity available to the people who count on you.