By Jorge Casuso

December 15, 2023 -- After a nationwide search, Santa Monica's Rent Control Agency turned to a neighboring city to hire its new executive director.

Jonathan Holub, the manager of West Hollywood's rent stabilization division, will replace retiring executive director Tracy Condon, who has overseen the agency's day-to-day operations since 2007.

Holub will oversee a Santa Monica agency with an annual budget of $6.1 million and a staff of 24 across four departments -- Administration, Public Information, Hearings and Legal Counsel.

The Agency did not disclose Holub's salary in a press release Thursday but, according to the recruiting agency Bob Murray & Associates, the salary range for the position is $200,902 to $248,028 "dependent on qualifications and experience."

Rent Board Chair Anastasia Foster said Holub's "deep background in legislation and the legal protections of our charter and for our tenants will continue to protect the stability of this wonderful city, now and into the future.”

Hulub -- who joined West Hollywood's rent stabilization division in 2010 -- has served as its manager for the past three years. Before that, he was deputy county counsel for the Office of Riverside County Counsel.

According to Rent Board agency officials "he brings extensive subject matter expertise and public service experience to the job.

"My commitment is to bring a robust approach to the implementation of the Rent Control Charter Amendment and regulations," Holub said in a statement.

"With nearly two decades of experience in municipal, housing, and rent stabilization law, I am enthusiastic about utilizing my skills and passion to fulfill the mission of the Rent Control Agency.”

"Importantly, I look forward to engaging with tenants, landlords and all stakeholders in the coming months to foster a deeper understanding of the perspectives and concerns currently at the forefront of the community.”

West Hollywood adopted its rent stabilization ordinance in 1985, six years after Santa Monica voters approved rent control in 1979.

West Hollywood's law has many of the same protections for tenants as Santa Monica’s, and both cities "have a high percentage of the population living in residential rental units," Santa Monica officials said.

Holub will assume his new post January 2, officials said. After a brief transitional period, Condon will retire after 37 years with the agency.