More housing is on the way, homelessness increased from 2024 and unemployment is low, Goleta leaders told residents on Wednesday.

Those statistics, among others, were discussed at Goleta’s annual State of the City. The Wednesday event brought together a large crowd of community members and city leaders at the Goleta Community Center, 5679 Hollister Ave. 

This year, City Council members also took to the podium, accompanied with their own walkout songs, to talk about achievements, upcoming projects and challenges the city faces. 

“I proudly proclaim that the state of our city is strong, but that doesn’t mean that we are without challenges — in fact, the opposite is true,” Mayor Paula Perotte said. 

Housing On the Rise; Homelessness Grows

Homelessness in the city has increased more than 50% from 2024, to which Councilman Stuart Kasdin said the high cost of living is a primary reason.

In the most recent Point in Time Count, the city identified that there were 217 homeless people, a 68% increase from 2024. Additionally, of those people, 106 were living in their vehicles, a 95% increase from 2024.

Kasdin stressed the importance of creating affordable housing in the city while pointing to projects that already exist, such as Buena Tierra, which turned a former Super 8 motel into supportive housing.

The city, under state direction, has allowed new housing to be built by rezoning properties that were once commercial or agricultural zones, he said. 

More than 1,830 units will be coming to Goleta and, because of county rezoning, more than 3,800 new housing units near South Patterson Avenue and Glen Annie Road.

“For context, Goleta has 12,700 units in total for the city. That is a big increase,” Kasdin said. 

He said the new housing comes with challenges, including attaining affordable housing and ensuring projects are compatible with surrounding areas.

Transportation Projects Full Steam Ahead

Councilman James Kyriaco spoke about the city’s ongoing construction and transportation projects, such as the Goleta Train Station, set to open in the summer.

“Imagine all of those tech workers commuting from Ventura, Camarillo and Oxnard, not on the freeway with you,” he said. “For decades, our region has talked about the promise of commuter rail.”

Kyriaco also acknowledged that streets throughout the city are still in need of maintenance and pavement. 

“It’s clear we still have work to do, and we should be honest about that,” he said. 

He added that the passing of Measure B in 2022, which increased the sales tax rate, was a “turning point” for the city. 

Before the passing of the tax, the city invested about $700,000 a year in pavement maintenance from the city’s general fund. Now, that investment is $6.3 million annually, Kyriaco said, eliciting applause from residents.

“Last year alone, our street maintenance program budget totaled $8.7 million with carryover funds, and we invested more than $10.5 million in roadway improvements,” he said. 

He said he hopes the City Council will continue to prioritize street maintenance when it adopts the 2026-27 budget in June.  

City Outlines Budget, Challenges

City Manager Robert Nisbet told residents that no local governments should be comfortable with their budgets, a message he also emphasized at the South Coast Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Cities last week. 

“It’s time to be cautious and be happy that we are going to be able to recommend a balanced budget this year,” he said.

Nibset said economic development in the city is strong with local business support and a growing technology sector.

Unemployment in the city is lower than the rest of the county at a 2.8% rate, while the county is at 4.9%.

Technology, which Nisbet also shared at the chamber event, is becoming a prominent sector within the city. Recently, a tech park sold for $235 million, and Google is getting another facility in Goleta.

“I just have this feeling that maybe this is how Silicon Valley, when we didn’t even know the term Silicon Valley, felt like 45 years ago,” he said. “This is kind of exciting and scary.”

Splash Pad Officially Opening; Child Care Updates

Old Town residents eagerly awaiting the splash pad at the Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park finally can look forward to an opening day. 

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for 3 p.m. May 21, according to Councilwoman Jennifer Smith.

She also gave residents updates regarding improvements to Stow Grove Park, the Goleta Community Center and the Goleta Valley Library.

She highlighted the City Council’s decision in 2025 to award $250,000 to support child care options.

Through partnerships with various stakeholders, she announced there are now two new fully licensed providers, adding 14 child care slots. 

City Reinforces Immigration Enforcement Activity Response

Immigration was also a topic of discussion on Wednesday as a response to increased immigration enforcement activity. 

Councilwoman Luz Reyes-Martín reminded residents of a resolution that the council passed in July because of increased immigration enforcement activity. She also said the city is in coordination with regional partners to share accurate information. 

“So that Goleta families are not facing this moment alone,” Reyes-Martín said. 

Residents also asked city leaders during a question-and answer portion of the night how they plan to keep the community safe.

“City staff is trained and aware of what to do if a certain situation should arise with ICE agents,” Assistant City Manager Jaime Valdez said. “We have done everything we can to this point.”

Other questions revolved around street and transportation, for which city leaders urged residents to attend a community open house for Goleta’s new Street Talks initiative on April 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Goleta Community Center.