To spend twenty years working at one place is not only a great compliment to the employer but can be a great benefit to the community as well.  That’s why we hope you will join us in congratulating Planning and Environmental Review Associate Planner Brian Hiefield for 20 years of service to the City of Goleta.

At the April 1, 2025, City Council meeting, Brian was presented with a butterfly plaque to recognize his milestone marker of two decades with the City.  In his remarks, Peter Imhof, Director of Planning & Environmental Review said, “Brian has been a stalwart of the Department, a go-to person, friendly, approachable, highly competent. He knows his stuff. There’s nothing that he has not seen or done as far as planning is concerned for the City of Goleta.”

During his opportunity to speak, Brian thanked his colleagues for their support. He said, “You can’t do this job alone, and I have always enjoyed learning from you all.”

Brian has played a pivotal role in a variety of impactful projects that have helped shape Goleta these past two decades. His work on affordable housing initiatives like People’s Self Help Housing at the Village at Los Carneros to community-serving facilities such as the Foodbank, contribute directly to benefiting underrepresented groups in our community. Other projects Brian worked on also include Fairview Gardens, Sywest Industrial Building, Cabrillo Business Park, and the Mariposa Assisted Living facility.

One of Brian’s proudest accomplishments is the implementation of the Magnet permit tracking system which launched just before the COVID-19 pandemic. The system allowed City Hall to continue operations completely remote during unprecedented times. “I’m not sure what we would have done without it, to be honest,” Brian said, “The system allowed us to conduct our work 100% remote during the closures.”

Brian first came to the City of Goleta in 2004 as a contract employee and was then hired as a staff member in 2005 for the Planning Department. He found a mentor in then-Building Official Jim Guerra, whose experience helped Brian gain a strong foundation for his future in planning.

What Brian enjoys most about his work at the City of Goleta is the camaraderie and connection he shares with his colleagues. Over the years, he has collaborated with many talented teams and cherished mentors who have helped shape his career. “I get to build community in the community that I grew up in and still live in today,” said Brian, “and you can’t beat that.”

Thank you, Brian, for all you’ve done for Goleta during your time here.

Brian with his butterfly plaque for 20 years of service; pictured left-to-right: Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2), Mayor Pro Tem Stuart Kasdin (District 4), Councilmember Jennifer Smith (District 3), Mayor Paula Perotte, Brian Hiefield, Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1) and Planning and Environmental Review Director Peter Imhof

Brian and his family