Santa Monica, CA, Launches Pilot Mass Timber Accelerator Program

On Sunday, the City of Santa Monica, California, announced the launch of a year-long Mass Timber Accelerator pilot program aimed at developers exploring mass timber construction, Canyon News reported (1-6-26).

The Santa Monica Mass Timber Accelerator will competitively select up to five private development projects to receive funding and technical assistance. With technical support, selected development teams will evaluate the benefits and feasibility of incorporating mass timber structural materials and building practices into their projects.

While mass timber construction is common globally and in parts of the US with abundant forest resources, Southern California has emerged as a growing market for mass timber products and building systems.

Santa Monica’s program is part of the Accelerator Cities Program, which is co-funded by the Softwood Lumber Board and the USDA Forest Service. The initiative provides local governments with financial, technical, and educational support to evaluate and implement advanced wood building systems.

Through the program, Santa Monica and participating developers will receive expert assistance from WoodWorks, including guidance on structural design, fire resistance, code compliance, and detailing of mass timber systems.