Santa Monica Offers $50K for Mass Timber Projects: What San Diego Builders Need to Know

Santa Monica just launched something that should grab the attention of every builder in San Diego County. The city's new Mass Timber Accelerator program is offering up to $50,000 in incentives plus free expert technical support for developers willing to explore mass timber construction. While the program targets Santa Monica projects, it signals a coastal California trend that's heading straight for San Diego.

The application deadline is February 27, 2026—just weeks away—and the program represents the kind of government-backed sustainable construction initiative that typically spreads from one coastal city to another within 12 to 24 months.

What the Mass Timber Accelerator Offers

The year-long pilot program will select up to five development projects by mid-March 2026. Participants receive two key benefits: free technical assistance from WoodWorks covering structural design, fire resistance, and code compliance, plus financial incentives ranging from $20,000 to over $50,000 depending on agreed-upon deliverables.

No prior mass timber experience is required. According to the city's official announcement, any architecture, design, or development firm with a project in Santa Monica can apply. The $115,000 program is funded through a $100,000 grant from the Softwood Lumber Board and USDA Forest Service, plus $15,000 from Santa Monica's Office of Sustainability.

The National Accelerator Cities Program

Santa Monica isn't operating in isolation. The city joins Portland, Boston, New York City, and Georgia in the Accelerator Cities Program, a nationwide initiative to advance mass timber adoption in urban areas. New York City alone awarded seven projects through its Mass Timber Studio in 2024, including multifamily buildings and public facilities.

This federal backing suggests mass timber construction has moved beyond experimental phase into mainstream infrastructure investment—and coastal California cities tend to watch each other closely when it comes to sustainable building policies.

Why This Matters for San Diego Builders

California's updated building codes now allow mass timber structures up to 18 stories tall using Type IV-A construction. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) and other mass timber products offer carbon emission reductions up to 40% compared to traditional materials, faster construction timelines, and natural fire resistance through char layer formation.

For San Diego's coastal communities—Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Mission Beach—mass timber presents intriguing possibilities for multi-story residential projects, ADUs, and sustainable remodels. The material's seismic performance matters in a region crossed by the Rose Canyon Fault, and its embodied carbon benefits align with California's tightening environmental regulations.

While San Diego has expressed interest in mass timber, the local supply of experienced contractors remains limited. Builders who develop expertise now—by following programs like Santa Monica's accelerator—position themselves ahead of the curve when similar initiatives launch locally.

The Santa Monica Mass Timber Accelerator represents more than just a local pilot program. It's a preview of where coastal California construction is heading: toward lower-carbon materials, government-backed incentives, and technical support for sustainable building methods. San Diego builders watching this trend unfold will be ready when opportunity arrives in their own backyard.

Frequently Asked Questions