City of Santa Monica
Lauren Gold Howland is a seasoned communications professional with extensive experience in public information and media relations across various municipalities. Currently serving as the Communications and Public Information Manager for the City of Santa Monica, Lauren previously held the position of Public Information Officer for Long Beach Utilities, where responsibilities included managing public affairs, crisis communications, and overseeing graphic design initiatives. Notable past roles include Communications Specialist for the City of Anaheim, where Lauren played a crucial role in crisis response during emergencies such as COVID-19, and Public Information Officer for the City of San Gabriel, where Lauren expanded social media engagement and managed media relations. Lauren's career began as a reporter for Pasadena Star-News, focusing on city government and human interest stories, and includes various writing and editing positions in educational and journalistic settings. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Willamette University.
City of Santa Monica
Santa Monica is an 8.3 square mile city situated at a gateway to the Pacific Ocean on the west side of Los Angeles County. Offering an environment of unparalleled natural beauty, the city is home to a mix of residential communities, commercial districts, and recreational and art venues. Named by National Geographic as one of the Top 10 Beach Cities in the World, Santa Monica is home to three miles of wide beaches and the Santa Monica Pier, and attracts over 6 million visitors annually. Santa Monica’s residential population is approximately 90,000, increasing to an estimated 250,000 during the day with visitors and employees. The City of Santa Monica is a national leader in environmental, economic and social sustainability. The City has reduced water usage community-wide and is working toward water self-sufficiency by 2020, has increased solar capacity, and has adopted policies prohibiting single-use plastic bags and motorized leaf blowers to promote sustainable practices. Partnerships with local schools and Santa Monica Collage have created top-notch educational institutions, complemented by public libraries that are rated among the nation’s best. Outstanding educational opportunities are a prime reason that families choose Santa Monica. Learn more at www.santamonica.gov and follow the City on Twitter (@santamonicacity).