Santa Barbara · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Barbara public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Short-Term Rental Regulations
New citywide rules for short-term rentals and homeshares were up for final adoption, affecting both inland and coastal zones. The rules could reshape how residents rent out their homes and how many units stay in the long-term housing market.
Affordable Housing at West Carrillo Street
The city was poised to lend nearly $2 million to People's Self-Help Housing to buy land for permanent affordable apartments, locked in with a 55-year affordability covenant.
Just Cause Eviction Protections
A new ordinance would require landlords to have a legally recognized reason to evict residential tenants, a major shift in renter protections.
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.
city acquisition of La Casa de la Raza community center
The city is negotiating to buy a property tied to the La Casa de la Raza bankruptcy estate. Price and terms were discussed privately; any deal would need Bankruptcy Court approval before closing.
The Mission LLC litigation against the City
The Mission LLC has sued the City of Santa Barbara in Superior Court (Case No. 25CV03180) and has a related federal case against the State of California. The Council met privately to discuss legal strategy and possible action.
Rent stabilization and short-term rental ordinance costs
Speakers repeatedly demanded the budget clearly fund the rent stabilization program; estimates range from $500,000 to the consultant's $2 million. Staff plans to fund it from Measure I/flex funds and recoup costs through future registration fees, with details July 28.
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.
Employment Agreement Amendments for City Administrator and City Attorney
The City Council met privately to talk about possible changes to the top two staff contracts — the City Administrator and City Attorney. These are the people running day-to-day city operations and legal affairs, so the terms matter for how the city is managed.
Workforce Housing Project
Santa Barbara County is trying to fix its employee housing crunch with a $47 million plan. They're turning an old probation building into up to 104 apartments, hoping to have them ready by 2029.
Transportation Safety Improvements
Big changes are coming to Santa Barbara's Eastside to make things safer! Think improved bike lanes, safer streets around schools, and even a new bridge over the 101. Your input is needed before the City Council votes on it.