Santa Barbara · issues

Civic issues

Topics getting the most attention in Santa Barbara public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.

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HighBudget

city council candidate forum and Measure C sales tax

Santa Maria council candidates debated Measure C, a half-cent sales tax that would pay for roads, parks, and the library—but could mean layoffs if voters reject it Nov. 3. Supporters say it funds basics; skeptics argue the city has a spending problem, not a revenue problem.

1 mention (1 this month)Last discussed Oct 26, 2026

HighBudget

Faro Center and homeless drop-in services

Staff pieced together up to $350,000 for the Faro Center from several funding buckets; councilmembers pressed whether a true downtown drop-in center need remains unmet, with a full homeless-services update due July 28.

2 mentionsLast discussed Jun 23, 2026