How to Engage in this Year’s Budget Process

The City of Santa Barbara has released its Recommended Two-Year Financial Plan for Fiscal Years 2026 & 2027 and the Operating & Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2026, and we’re inviting the community to get involved, learn how the budget impacts everyday life, and participate in shaping the City's financial priorities. The City invites residents to engage in the Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027 budget process. In the coming weeks, the City Council will hold several public hearings, offering opportunities for community members to learn about the proposed budget and share their input.

Participate in a meeting, explore our interactive budget tools, and share your feedback on where funding is most needed!

Key dates include:

City Council: Council Priority Setting Workshop (Special Meeting)
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Palm Park Beach House (236 E. Cabrillo Blvd.)
Event Info | Add Event to Your Calendar

Finance Committee: Reserve Policy, Measure C, and General Fund Capital Project Appropriations and Direction
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Starts at Noon
David Gebhard Public Meeting Room (630 Garden Street)
Event Info | Add Event to Your Calendar

City Council: Budget Deliberations and Prop. 218 Hearing on proposed FY2026-FY2029 Solid Waste Rates
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Starts at 2:00 p.m.
City Hall, 2nd Floor (735 Anacapa St.)
Event Info | Add Event to Your Calendar

City Council: Budget and Solid Waste Rates Adoption
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Starts at 2:00 p.m.
City Hall, 2nd Floor (735 Anacapa St.)
Event Info | Add Event to Your Calendar

Previous Meetings:

• Tuesday, April 22 – Introduction and Filing of the Budget, with Department Highlights (recorded)
• Tuesday, April 29 – Budget Recommendations and Proposed Fee Schedule (recorded)
• Tuesday, May 6 – Budget hearing for all Funds (recorded)

What is a City Budget and How it Impacts You

A city budget is a financial blueprint that outlines how we plan to spend public funds. For Santa Barbara, that means making strategic decisions about how to support vital services, maintain infrastructure, and invest in programs that enhance quality of life. 

The budget impacts nearly every part of daily life, including: 

• Clean and safe drinking water
• Police, fire, and emergency services
• Road maintenance and public transportation
• Parks, recreation, and library services
• Sustainability programs and long-term planning
• and much more... 

By understanding the budget, residents can better see how their tax dollars are spent and provide feedback on where funding is most needed.

All meetings are open to the public and can be attended in person or watched live through City TV Channel 18 and City TV YouTube.

How to Participate

The City values community input and offers several ways for residents to engage in the budget process:

• Watch and participate in public meetings in-person or remotely on YouTube and Zoom (see registration information on each meeting agenda)
  • Regular City Council Meetings
  • Finance Committee Meetings
• Submit written feedback by emailing Finance@SantaBarbaraCA.gov
• Visit the City’s Budget page to review materials, timelines, and presentation documents at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Budget-Reports