## Overview Santa Monica Boulevard is not a formal organization, but rather a major arterial roadway that runs through several prominent Los Angeles County cities, including Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Los Angeles[2]. As a thoroughfare, it is critical for regional transportation, economic activity, and community life, connecting high-density residential neighborhoods, major job centers, cultural institutions, and recreational spaces[1]. Its importance to both local communities and the broader region makes it a focal point for urban planning, business development, and technological innovation. ## Function and Role Santa Monica Boulevard serves as a multimodal corridor, accommodating cars, buses, and bicycles, and is a hub for public transit with services like Metro Local line 4 and Santa Monica Transit Line 1[2]. The boulevard is lined with diverse businesses, from tech startups in the “Silicon Beach” corridor to restaurants, retail stores, and creative offices[9]. The area’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and organizations such as the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce work to promote local businesses, organize events, and enhance streetscapes, contributing to a vibrant commercial environment[3]. ## History Historically, Santa Monica Boulevard was part of the Pacific Electric Railway’s Red Car network, which operated streetcars and interurban trains until 1953[2]. The boulevard has witnessed significant urban evolution, from its roots as a transit corridor to its current status as a center of business and technology. The 2020 George Floyd protests also brought national attention to the street, with notable property damage along its stretch in Santa Monica[2]. ## Key Achievements and Current Status Recent efforts have focused on improving safety and connectivity. The City of Santa Monica’s Local Roadway Safety Plan and Vision Zero initiative identified the boulevard as a top priority due to crash rates, leading to ongoing studies aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities for all road users[1]. At the same time, the area continues to attract tech