The City Council conducted deliberations on the operating and capital budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Public comments were heard regarding the allocation of funds for policing, housing affordability, and the startup costs for a rent stabilization ordinance. The Council also discussed rate increases for the solid waste fund, specifically addressing the proposal to utilize enterprise fund reserves versus charging ratepayers directly, ultimately moving toward a recommendation to avoid the use of these reserves.
Jun 16, 2026·
Enterprise
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The committee meeting agenda included a presentation by Townsend Public Affairs regarding the status of priority legislative bills aligned with the City's Legislative Platform. Additionally, the committee was scheduled to receive an update from the Sustainability and Resilience Department Director concerning the advocacy efforts of the Local Government Climate Alliance.
Jun 16, 2026·Board meeting
Santa Barbara City Council Regular Meeting
The City Council conducted a regular meeting covering several administrative and legislative items. Key discussions included an ordinance to extend the transient occupancy tax monthly remittance period, a lease agreement for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at the airport, and the authorization of a utility easement for electric vehicle charging infrastructure at the Harbor Main parking lot. The council also addressed the intent to levy parking and business improvement area assessment rates, the rehabilitation of the Gibraltar reservoir caretaker's residence, and conducted a public hearing regarding the urban water management plan and water storage contingency plan. Additionally, members of the public provided comments on the Solstice Parade, the future of the trapeze program at Plaza Vera Cruz, and concerns regarding the current state and management of State Street.
Jun 9, 2026·Board meeting
Ordinance Committee Special Ordinance Committee Meeting
The committee held a special meeting to discuss the ongoing short-term rental (STR) ordinance program. Staff provided an update on the proposed permitting process, which includes an online application system through the Community Development and Finance Departments. Key discussion topics included the mapping of inland and coastal zones for STR and home share operations, the exclusion of high fire hazard areas, parking requirements, and the limitation of licenses per owner to discourage industrialization in residential zones. Additionally, staff reviewed data regarding transient occupancy tax collections and outlined the anticipated timeline for ordinance adoption and future Coastal Commission review.
