Gratitude is the number one emotion that Kathy Allen feels as she retires from the City of Goleta after almost 12 years of service.  At the March 18 City Council meeting, the Supervising Planner with the Planning and Environmental Review Department was presented with a City Tile and a big hug from Mayor Paula Perotte thanking her for the positive impact she has made on Goleta during her tenure.

In her remarks, Kathy expressed her appreciation on so many levels. “I feel so grateful to have had this opportunity to work with a great team of professionals and to have had such interesting and meaningful work. I feel grateful to live and work in such a beautiful area with a community of people who also care deeply about the environment and the well-being of their neighbors. I will really miss everything about living and working in Goleta and I plan to visit as much as possible.”

Kathy joined the City of Goleta in October of 2012 initially as a planning consultant and quickly transitioned into a permanent role. Her passion for planning and commitment to community development culminated in numerous successful projects that have shaped Goleta’s landscape.

One of Kathy’s most notable achievements was her involvement in the Village at Los Carneros project. This comprehensive development initiative included 465 homes on 43 acres, featured 70 affordable housing units, a public park, a new bridge over Tecolotito Creek, and a bike path connecting community areas. “I’m most proud of the work I did on the Village at Los Carneros development project,” Kathy shared. “I spent 8 years working on this project from processing planning entitlements through final inspection of the homes and project amenities.”

“In a department full of friendly people, she was one of the friendliest” said Peter Imhof, Planning & Environmental Review Director for the City of Goleta. “Always soft-spoken and gracious with a welcoming smile to all she met, Kathy has contributed hugely to our community and our city”.

We wish Kathy the very best in her retirement as she relocates to San Diego County and we thank her for all she has done for Goleta. 

The City is always looking for outstanding people like Kathy to join our team. To find out about opportunities, please visit  www.CityofGoleta.org/Jobs.

Thank you Kathy for your exceptional service to the City of Goleta and for making a positive impact on our community. Please join us in wishing Kathy a well-earned retirement!

Kathy with her City Tile (pictured left-to-right): Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2), Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1), Planning and Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof, Mayor Pro Tempore Stuart Kasdin (District 4), Supervising Planner Kathy Allen, Mayor Paula Perotte, and Councilmember Jennifer Smith (District 3)

Pictured left-to-right: Current Planning Manager Lisa Prasse, Supervising Planner Mary Chang, Senior Planner Darryl Mimick, Supervising Planner Kathy Allen, and Planning and Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof

Kathy with her family