Santa Monica highlight
Strong progressive
Santa Monica adopted an environmental sustainability plan in 1994 and has since achieved 100 percent renewable electricity, becoming a leader in climate action.
In 1994, long before climate action was mainstream, Santa Monica established a comprehensive sustainability program and created an Office of Sustainability and the Environment. The city enacted building codes that exceeded national standards, launched community-based environmental education, and invested in innovative infrastructure including an urban runoff treatment system. By 2019, the city reached its goal of 100 percent renewable electricity, powered by wind, solar, and other clean sources.
Santa Monica's environmental commitments extend through public transportation, water conservation, waste reduction, and a cycling-friendly street design. Residents have access to expansive recycling and compost programs, landscaping incentives, and transit options that reduce car dependence. The city's philosophy—that environmental stewardship and livability are inseparable—shapes both policy and daily life.
Building a sustainable future requires looking decades ahead and preparing for long-term needs. That same long view applies to protecting your family: term life coverage sized to the years before your children are independent, your mortgage is paid, or your major obligations conclude is how families ensure their commitment to the future can survive the unexpected.