As part of the City’s Housing Element Update project, the City of Goleta released a Draft Housing Element (2023-2031) for public review on May 2. The Housing Element includes the following major components: an evaluation of housing needs in Goleta, with emphasis on the needs of lower-income households and persons with special needs; analysis of resources and constraints related to addressing housing needs; assessment of fair housing; review of the City’s progress related to the programs and objectives set forth in the previous (2015-2023) Housing Element; and updated policies, programs and objectives for the next eight years.

The City’s Planning Commission considered the Draft Housing Element on May 9 and May 23 and provided three recommended revisions. On June 28, 2022, the City Council will consider the Draft Housing Element with the Planning Commissions revisions. Information on how to participate in this meeting will be provided on the agenda which is released at least 72 hours in advance and can be found at www.CityofGoleta.org/GoletaMeetings. Spanish interpretation will be available through a virtual meeting link in the agenda.

At the meeting, staff will seek City Council direction to submit the Draft Housing Element to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for a 90-day review. HCD will have 90 days to review the Draft and provide the City with comments after which City staff will revise the Housing Element and return to the Planning Commission and City Council for adoption hearings. The statutory due date for the City to adopt the 2023-2031 Housing Element update is February 15, 2023.

For more information on the City’s Housing Element Update, go to https://cityofgoleta.org/HousingElement. If you have any questions or concerns, please email HousingElement@cityofgoleta.org.