Wade Kelley Will Seek Santa Monica City Council Seat

The 67-year-old resident plans to run for the local governing body in the upcoming November 2026 general election.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in City Hall

Isometric editorial illustration showing simplified geometric housing modules alongside a civic building, illustrating urban development policy. — Wade Kelley, a member of the Santa Monica resident oversight committee, announced his candidacy for City Council focusing on housing development on public land. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your city prioritize public housing funding over police enforcement for homelessness?

Wade Kelley, a member of the Santa Monica Measure GS resident oversight committee, has announced his candidacy for the Santa Monica City Council ahead of the November 2026 election. His platform centers on addressing housing and homelessness issues through new construction on public land.

Why it matters

Kelley aims to prioritize human rights and housing access while shifting the city's focus away from the criminalization of poverty. His candidacy highlights ongoing concerns regarding public spending and the utilization of city-owned properties.

The candidate enters the race as the city faces a $47 million debt to its housing trust fund and high costs, including over $10 million in police overtime. Additionally, only 10% of Santa Monica city employees currently reside within the city.

The players

Wade Kelley

He is a 67-year-old candidate for the Santa Monica City Council who serves on the Measure GS resident oversight committee.

Santa Monica Police Department

This agency is responsible for local law enforcement, with current overtime costs for the department exceeding $10 million.

The details

Kelley proposes building temporary and affordable housing units on public property across every neighborhood in Santa Monica. This push for development follows the city's limited success in meeting construction targets set in its 2022 housing elements.

The city established housing elements for construction targets in 2022.
Last year, 75% of all arrests in Santa Monica involved homeless individuals.
The general election for City Council candidates is set for November 2026.
The 192-acre Santa Monica airport property will transfer to city control at the end of 2028.

Political Context

Opponents often emphasize that the city must balance the development of its 192 acres of upcoming airport land with fiscal responsibility and public safety concerns. Critics argue that utilizing public land for temporary housing may conflict with long-term land-use planning goals.

Residents should anticipate that the candidacy will bring renewed public debate regarding the $47 million housing trust fund debt. The proposal for neighborhood-wide affordable housing could directly influence local zoning policies and future city budget allocations.

The takeaway

Kelley's platform underscores the intensifying local debate over how the city utilizes its finite land and financial resources. Voters will ultimately decide whether to pursue his strategy for addressing the high intersection of homelessness and arrests.