The city of Santa Monica, California, has officially added a “Bitcoin Office” section on its website to bolster industry partnerships and increase employment opportunities. The initiative, following a unanimous City Council approval, aims to educate the community about Bitcoin and foster economic growth.
The Santa Monica City Council approved the pilot program for the Bitcoin Office last month. The initiative is being implemented at no cost to the city, officials say.
Santa Monica unveiled the new section on its website, in collaboration with the Proof of Workforce Foundation, to educate residents and businesses about Bitcoin’s potential in the modern economy.
The Proof of Workforce Foundation, a nonprofit created in 2023, aims to bridge the gap between digital technologies and local communities. It plans to equip individuals with skills for the evolving job market, driving economic growth in Santa Monica.
Beyond education, the Bitcoin Office aims to foster partnerships within the Bitcoin industry, bolstering economic recovery and creating new jobs.
The website indicates the office will facilitate strategic collaborations to strengthen the local economy and position “Silicon Beach” as a leading Bitcoin innovation hub.
The office’s launch was followed by a promotional post about an upcoming Bitcoin festival, Bitcoin Peer-to-Peer, planned for Oct. 18.
Santa Monica Vice Mayor Lana Negrete emphasized that the Bitcoin Office program focuses on education rather than advocating for the asset itself. The initiative aligns with the council’s ongoing efforts to foster economic recovery.
The program is expected to generate positive publicity for Santa Monica and boost tourism, notably through the annual Pacific Bitcoin Festival, which attracts thousands of enthusiasts.
While promoting cryptocurrency education, Negrete clarified that the city is not endorsing Bitcoin investments. Instead, the program aims to enhance understanding of cryptocurrency, enabling residents to make informed decisions.