California Construction News staff writer
Applications are open until Feb. 27 for Santa Monica’s Mass Timber Accelerator, a yearlong pilot program designed to help developers evaluate the use of mass timber construction. Details and application materials are available through the Santa Monica Mass Timber Accelerator Application Guide.
The city will select up to five private development projects to receive free technical assistance and a financial incentive for completing the program. The accelerator is intended to support development teams exploring the feasibility of incorporating mass timber systems into building designs.
Mass timber construction uses prefabricated, high-strength wood components such as columns, beams and panels that can be assembled quickly on-site. City officials say the approach can reduce construction timelines, lower embodied carbon emissions and offer distinctive architectural aesthetics compared with traditional concrete and steel construction.
The accelerator will bring together city staff and members of the local design, development and construction community to advance the use of mass timber in an emerging Southern California market.
The program is part of the Accelerator Cities Program, co-funded by the Softwood Lumber Board and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Through the initiative, the city and participating teams will receive financial, technical and educational support from federal and industry partners.
Participants will also receive technical assistance from WoodWorks, including guidance on structural design, fire resistance, code compliance and detailing of mass timber and cross-laminated timber systems.
Selected teams will be notified by mid-March 2026.
