The State of Goleta is strong according to Mayor Paula Perotte. The Mayor gave her 2024 State of the City Address last night, April 10, 2024, at the newly reopened Goleta Community Center. Approximately 150 people turned out including community leaders, stakeholders, residents and City staff. It was a memorable and informative event from start to finish and a great opportunity for those who attended to connect with each other and learn how the City is doing and what the future holds. The event included live music, city information tables, mingling, refreshments, presentations from the Mayor and City Manager and questions from the public.

In her State of the City Address, Mayor Paula Perotte gave several reasons why she believes the state of Goleta is strong. She said, “One of the best measures of the strength of our city is the simple fact that more and more people want to live and work here, and businesses want to expand here. They are attracted by the strength of our vibrant economy, effective public safety, and high quality of life.”

Another indication of City’s strength the Mayor pointed out is the increase in public engagement. She said, “Today we have higher than ever participation by our residents in our city’s decision-making. The vibrant, insistent, and sometimes, raucous involvement of our residents is the main mast of this good ship Goleta and the means by which we navigate the present and set sail into the future. It is one of the main reasons why I will proudly continue to say, the state of our city is indeed very, very strong and our future brighter than ever.”

During her speech, the Mayor debuted the City’s new “Good Times in the Good Land” video which highlights the impressive public participation this past year at the various Goleta events. Watch the video here.

The Mayor’s speech was followed by a presentation from City Manager Robert Nisbet who gave an update on the City’s finances and addressed important topics including pavement repairs, upcoming construction, storm impacts and the Council’s newly adopted Vision Zero Initiative.

He said, “Vision Zero is an idea that is catching fire around the nation. It’s moving people around a community in a safe way and that goes for people on all modes of transportation. I’m really proud that the Council made this commitment, and this is really going to be a driver in this community for years to come.”

During the final segment of the program, City staff answered questions submitted from the audience on various topics ranging from housing, pavement concerns, public safety resources, homelessness, and more.

To see photos from the event go to https://photos.app.goo.gl/NFwkiNvt92mJkp4R6. Stay tuned for a highlight reel and a recording of the event which will be released soon.

A special thanks to the Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Band for playing before the event and to everyone who was a part of making this State of the City one to remember. 

Mayor Paula Perotte delivering the State of the City presentation

City Manager Robert Nisbet giving an update at the Community State of the City

Question & Answer portion of the event

Group Photo (left-to-right): Santa Barbara County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig, Mayor Pro Tempore Luz Reyes-Martín, former California Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, Councilmember Stuart Kasdin, Mayor Paula Perotte, Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2), 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, Councilmember Kyle Richards, and Goleta Police Chief Rich Brittingham (not pictured 2nd District Supervisor Laura Capps)

Audience at the event

Spanish interpreter Viviana Marsano and Community Relations Assistant Jaime Shaw at State of the City welcome table

Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Band performing in the gazebo at the Goleta Community Center