The city of Goleta has named Luz “Nina” Buelna as the new director of the Public Works Department.

Buelna started with the city in August 2022 as the assistant Public Works director and has served as the interim Public Works director since April 2024.

“Ms. Buelna will continue to guide Goleta’s Public Works Department as we implement the largest public works project in our city’s history,” said City Manager Robert Nisbet. “Under her direction, the Public Works Department is poised to deliver over $100,000,000 in projects in the next three years.

“I look forward to having Ms. Buelna lead the city’s largest department and promote a culture of collaboration, hard work and success.”

“I began my journey with Goleta in 2022 and instantly fell in love with the community and its dedicated Public Works team,” said Buelna. “I’m inspired to represent Goleta, advocate for its community members, and work tirelessly to build the best Public Works Department.”

Buelna has some 20 years of public service and infrastructure experience, performing design, construction, project management and maintenance of multiple public works and department of utilities facilities.

Before coming to Goleta, she worked for the cities of Sacramento and Roseville, and in the private sector. She holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from California State University, Sacramento, and is a registered Professional Engineer.

Buelna comes from a family of civil engineers; her father, brother and sister are all civil engineers.

After arriving in Goleta, Buelna became the champion for the city’s largest infrastructure project, Project Connect, and successfully moved the project from perpetually in the design phase, to construction.

To learn more about the city’s Public Works Department and Capital Improvement Program, visit https://www.cityofgoleta.org/your-city/public-works.