Social Media

Time commitment: 2 mins +

• Comment on, repost, and celebrate city and county projects

  • Make sure to thank public officials!

• Follow other local accounts: 

  • @friendsofstatestreet, @countyofsb, @cityofgoleta, @cityofsb, @cecsb, @santabarbaramtd, @bicicentro, @sbtenantsunion, @sierraclubsantabarbara, @sbneighborwalks, @sbcag

• Follow national accounts:

  • @strongtowns, @bikelaneuprising, @mobilityforwho, @cahsr, @calbikeorg, @thewaroncars

Current relevant topics: 

• Hollister restriping, State Street, Cliff Drive, Bike Safety, Affordable Housing

Written Public Comment

Time commitment: ~10-30 mins

• Before each City Council meeting, the council members request written feedback from community members on topics listed on the upcoming meeting agenda, as well as relevant topics that are not listed on the agenda. 

• Community members are encouraged to email their feedback to the contacts below. 

• Santa Barbara Executive Assistant

  • HPerea@SantaBarbaraCA.gov

• Goleta City Clerk

  • cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org 

• Tips for an impactful written public comment:

  • Be concise and direct

  • Tell your story. Why does this matter to you? Why should it matter to the council?

  • Thank city officials for their hard work. They receive many more negative comments than positive ones, so positivity and gratitude go a long way!

    • Excited about a finished bike infrastructure project? Thrilled at the renovated library? Love car-free State Street? Tell the City!

Current relevant topics:

• State Street, Hollister restriping, bike and pedestrian infrastructure projects

Attend Public Meetings Virtually

Time commitment: ~30 mins - 2 hours each meeting

• Santa Barbara City Council Meetings: twice a month on Tuesdays, 2:00 pm 

  • Details and upcoming meetings here

• Goleta City Council Meetings: twice a month on Tuesdays, 5:30 pm

  • Details and upcoming meetings here

• Zoom attendees must register for the meeting beforehand. Registration information is available on the agenda for each meeting. 

• General public comment is available at the beginning of each meeting and is reserved for comments related to topics that are not on that meeting’s agenda. 

• Review the meeting agenda beforehand, and identify whether your comment applies to one of the items on the agenda. If it does, wait to raise your hand and give comment during the allotted time for that agenda item. 

• Tips for an impactful comment:

  • Address the mayor and council members respectfully. Thanking them can go a long way!

  • Prepare beforehand. Think about what you want to communicate, jot down some notes, or write out a script. Maximize your 2-3 mins of speaking time!

  • As others speak before you, note what has already been shared and might be redundant in your notes. Consider responding to topics previously discussed and avoiding repetitive talking points.

  • Be respectful and polite. Many of these topics can be understandably emotional or frustrating, but unnecessary anger or raised voices may only hurt your cause.

Current relevant topics:

• State Street, Hollister restriping, housing, bike and pedestrian safety, upcoming development projects

Attend Public Meetings In-Person

Time commitment: ~30 mins - 2+ hours each meeting

• SB City Council Meetings: twice a month on Tuesdays, 2:00 pm 

  • Details and upcoming meetings here

• Goleta City Council Meetings: twice a month on Tuesdays, 5:30 pm

  • Details and upcoming meetings here

• No need to register for attending meetings in person. 

• General public comment is available at the beginning of each meeting and is reserved for comments related to topics that are not on that meeting’s agenda. 

• Comments related to topics listed on the agenda have allotted time later in the meeting. 

• All in-person commenters must fill out a Speaker’s Card (example below) indicating which agenda item they wish to comment on. Fill out a speaker’s card and hand it to the City Clerk before the meeting. Ask another Strong Towns member if you are unsure where to find the cards or the city clerk!

• Tips for an impactful comment:

  • Address the mayor and council members respectfully. Thanking them can go a long way!

  • Prepare beforehand. Think about what you want to communicate, jot down some notes, or write out a script. Maximize your 2-3 mins of speaking time!

  • As others speak before you, note what has already been shared and might be redundant in your notes. Consider responding to topics previously discussed and avoiding repetitive talking points.

  • Be respectful and polite. Many of these topics can be understandably emotional or frustrating, but unnecessary anger or raised voices may only hurt your cause.

Current relevant topics:

• State Street, Hollister restriping, housing, bike and pedestrian safety, upcoming development projects

Meet Individually with Public Officials

Time commitment: ~30 mins to an hour or two

• Have questions or thoughts about specific projects around town? Concerns about something going on in your district? Comments longer than the 2 mins allotted at city council meetings? Reach out to your local city officials! 

  • Officials are often thrilled to meet with residents at their offices or for coffee somewhere in town

• Find your SB City Council member here

• Find your Goleta City Council member here

  • Unsure which district is yours? Click on specific members to find links to a map of their district

Serve in a Local Government Advisory Group

Time commitment: varies, 1+ hour per week 

• https://santabarbaraca.gov/government/boards-commissions/applications-vacancies 

• This section will be expanded in the future