The City of Santa Barbara to Host Six Community Town Halls

The City of Santa Barbara is now engaged in its annual budget process, and we are inviting community members to join us at one of our six upcoming Community Town Halls to learn more about the City’s finances and the status of City services. These town halls will take place at various locations across the city and Spanish interpretation will be provided. 

The City and its elected leaders are committed to supporting essential local services; this includes public safety, streets, affordable housing, parks, libraries, and many other services and infrastructure maintained by the General Fund. Like many California cities, the increasing cost of maintaining these services continues to exceed projected revenues, and despite ongoing efforts to balance the budget, the City is projected to face a structural budget deficit in the coming years. This deficit is anticipated to grow to 5-7% of the General Fund within the next 3 years which, if not addressed, will present challenges for the City’s long term fiscal health and ability to maintain many core services. 

“The City’s leadership is currently exploring ways to meet these and other challenges, including the potential for new revenue sources. We have set up a webpage at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/EssentialSB with more information about City services, the budget outlook, and a community survey for you to share your priorities.” stated Sarah J. Knecht, Interim City Administrator. 

We encourage community members to join in the conversation by attending a Community Town Hall and taking our online survey. Your feedback is essential in shaping the future of our city.

Town Hall Schedule:

• Mon. April 29, 6:30-7:30 pm, Valle Verde Retirement Community (900 Calle De Los Amigos)
• Thur. May 2, 6:30-7:30 pm, Peabody Charter School (3018 Calle Noguera)
• Sat. May 4, 10:00-11:00 am, Franklin Neighborhood Center (1136 E Montecito St)
• Mon. May 6, 6:00-7:00 pm, Monroe Elementary School (431 Flora Vista Dr)
• Wed. May 8, 6:30-7:30 pm, Harding Elementary School (1625 Robbins St)
• Fri. May 10, 5:30-6:30 pm, Carrillo Recreation Center (100 E Carrillo St) 

More event information can be found at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/EssentialSB. 

Community Priorities Survey
An online community survey is available in both English and Spanish to accommodate those who cannot attend the town halls. Visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/EssentialSB for additional details on City services, budget projections, and to access the survey.