Vision 2030

Why is this needed?

The City of Santa Barbara constantly strives to improve the services it delivers. The City also has a structural gap between our ongoing revenues and the costs of providing services to our community. That must be addressed to remain a fiscally responsible organization. Additionally, the pandemic created change in how the global workforce operates. Many of those changes proved to be more efficient and convenient for both staff and the community. Vision 2030 builds upon those innovations, as well as emerging technology, to enhance city operations and make the best possible use of resources across all City Departments.​​​​​​​

Who does this affect? 

In short, this effort can benefit anyone who lives, visits, works for, or does business with the City through the better service delivery, improving public/staff interactions, and ultimately creating a thriving community.

What role will staff play?

Staff engagement is essential to the success of Vision 2030 and to making the City of Santa Barbara an employer of choice. Staff will be encouraged to participate in many ways, including through the following examples: 

• A series of surveys asking for input 
• A “Suggest an Innovation" internal campaign that invites staff to pitch a solution that would help their workgroup 
• Inviting participation on various Vision 2030 committees
• Regular internal updates on progress and milestones posted on the intranet

How can staff participate in the Fiscal Sustainability Initiative Workgroups?

We have three standing workgroups: Revenue Options, Operational and Processes Review, and Communications. Staff interested in participating in one of workgroups should let their Manager and Department Head know. Selections will be made to have a diversity of perspective and participation. This work will likely take place over several years, so if not selected at the outset, there will still be opportunities to participate on the workgroups in the future. Stay tuned for more information. ​​​​​​​​​

What's the process?

Building this framework will take a collaborative effort among these stakeholders to define the current challenges, explore solutions, and identify the resources needed to implement programs and initiatives to create change. As a City that already operates on a lean budget, fiscal sustainability is key and is one of the key goals of this effort.

How will the City encourage community participation?

Community participation will be encouraged through the followings ways, including, but not limited to:

• Surveys 
• Workshops (with interpreters available) that allow for discussion and questions
• Social media
• Free and paid media
• A community forum page that allows the community to post their comments and questions, and read about where the project stands
• Quarterly bilingual email update informing subscribers​​​​​​​

What about Outreach to the Spanish-Speaking Community?​​​​​​​

Spanish language interpretation and translation will be included in all efforts. In addition, other efforts can include: 

• Partnering with local nonprofit agencies that already serve the Spanish-speaking community to hold neighborhood workshops
• Posting flyers in neighborhoods
• Enlisting community organizers to help spread the word
• Spanish language newsletter 
• Spanish language news and partnerships with Spanish radio

If you have any questions, you can send an email to Vision2030@SantaBarbaraCA.gov or reach out to a supervisor. 

Alternatively, there is more information on the MOSS employee website. You can access the site HERE by logging in to MOSS on your mobile phone or work computer.