Pro-Crypto Lana Negrete has been officially elected as the Mayor in Santa Monica, California. She’s taking on this role after helping create the city’s Bitcoin office early this year.
The office was established to help the economy use cryptocurrency, especially bitcoin. As a long-time supporter, Negrete is excited to lead the way and bring more opportunities to the city.
Negrete has been part of the City Council since 2021. She sworn to the position after a rule into effect in 2023 that stated the council had to appoint the longest-serving council member to the position of Mayor.
Although the mayor’s job in Santa Monica is largely ceremonial, it is a high-profile position with some significant duties, including presiding over council meetings and representing the city at public events.
Moveover, Negrete was the lead person behind initiating the city’s Bitcoin office which mainly encouraged the adoption of Bitcoin, and created public awareness of the subject.
The office also hopes to bring new business and tourists to Santa Monica by riding on the renewed interest in cryptocurrency. The idea is inspired by El Salvador, which adopted Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021, and since then saw improved results in both tourism and investments. In fact, a delegation of officials from Santa Monica paid a visit to El Salvador to better understand the workings of this new concept.
Furthermore, the Bitcoin office is designed to emphasize green practice. It strives to help encourage Bitcoin mining with the use of green energy to face the environmental concerns arising due to crypto mining.
Additionally, the office will help create jobs within the booming cryptocurrency industry. With 4.5 million visitors to Santa Monica every year, the tourists and businesses will flock in large numbers due to the Bitcoin office, injecting more life into the economy.
