Goleta Garners Award for GEM

March 31, 2015

The City of Goleta will be recognized by the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) on April 22 at the 2015 CALED Annual Conference in Riverside, CA, with an Award of Merit in the Economic Development Programs category for its role in the Goleta Entrepreneurial Magnet (GEM).

The Economic Development Partnerships category honors development projects between public and private sector that exemplify the spirit of partnership during 2014. Some examples from previous years include office/retail complex projects and downtown improvement projects.

The Goleta Entrepreneurial Magnet (GEM) is a 501(c)3 non-profit collaboration between the City of Goleta, the Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce (GVCC) and a world-class research university, the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). GEM’s mission is to strengthen the local economy by supporting new and growing science and technology entrepreneurs.

The City was recognized with this award for GEM’s potential to impact employment, expansion of local tax base & diversification of the area’s economy as well as its innovation/creativity and ability to be replicated in other communities.

More information about the CALED Awards of Excellence, including a list of this year’s Award Winners, can be found at http://www.caled.org/awards-of-excellence/.

Housing Element Certified by State

March 31, 2015

The City of Goleta’s newly adopted Housing Element was certified by the State Housing and Community Development for the first time. The State rewards certified housing elements with funding resources. The coveted State certification has many benefits such as access to State funds for future affordable housing projects, special needs housing programs, and related support facilities such as parks.

“We are grateful the State certified our Housing Element and look forward to the benefits having this certification will provide,” said Mayor Paula Perotte. “We are excited to work with local non-profit housing providers and developers to maximize the certification status of our Housing Element. State grant funding in support of attractive affordable housing projects, parks, and bike paths will enrich our community for years to come.”

Since the adoption of the first General Plan and Housing Element in 2006, the City has attempted to be certified by the State. The City received a letter on March 2 stating that the City’s Housing Element is in compliance with State law.

Library Offers Family Place Parent Workshop Series

March 31, 2015

The Goleta Valley Library hosts a number of children’s programs for the community including the upcoming Family Place Parent / Child Workshop Series to help your toddler learn through books and play for ages 1-3. This workshop series will take place April 11, 18, 25, May 2, and 9 from 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Pre-registration is required by calling (805) 964-7878.

The library is supported by the City of Goleta’s General Fund and through tough economic times the Friends of the Goleta Valley Library have helped raise money to make up the shortfall in recent years. The Goleta Valley Library is an important resource for many in the community and we encourage you to attend their various children, teens, and adult programs throughout the year. Click here for more information on other programs and services of the library.