STAR Communities is a nonprofit organization that works to advance a national framework to evaluate and certify sustainable communities. The City of Goleta has been working toward receiving certification and we are pleased to announce that we have been awarded the 3-STAR Community Rating for national leadership in sustainability! The STAR Community Rating System (STAR) is the nation’s leading framework and certification program for local sustainability. The rating system was developed by technical experts, sustainability leaders, and local government officials to provide a transparent and data-driven mechanism to improve local communities. Cities and counties use STAR to measure their progress across social, economic, and environmental performance areas.

STAR certification provides a clear, data-driven approach to assessing communities’ sustainability efforts. Certification allows communities to credibly and transparently track progress toward overall sustainability objectives. A sustainable community promotes a healthy environment, a strong economy, and well-being for all residents, now and for future generations. The rating system is based on a cumulative score of 750 possible points available over 7 goal areas and 45 sustainability objectives. We are proud to have received a 3-STAR Community Rating, but know there is still work to be done. Click here to see our score. For more information on STAR Communities, please visit www.starcommunities.org.