Santa Monica City Clerk Announces Plans To Resign

SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica’s city clerk has announced her plans to resign in January, prompting the city to soon begin a search for her replacement, officials announced Friday.

City Clerk Nikima Newsome is leaving her position after two years to pursue a new career opportunity, officials said. Her last day will be Jan. 7.

“Niki has played an important role in helping keep the city’s work moving during some very difficult moments. I appreciate the steady commitment she brought to her position and thank her for her service to Santa Monica,” Mayor Lana Negrete said in a written statement. “I wish her nothing but success ahead.”

Newsome started with the city in 2019 and was appointed city clerk in July 2024, officials said.

During her time with the city, officials said Newsome “implemented remote public comment and streamlined the public comment process for council meetings.”

“In addition, she developed the Loving Democracy – Why We Vote program during the 2024 election,” officials said.

The city council will begin discussions about finding a new city clerk during a closed session on Dec. 9, officials said.