Community advocates urge Santa Barbara to allocate $5M to local housing trust fund

During the Santa Barbara City Council meeting on May 6, 2025, discussions centered on the urgent need for increased funding for affordable housing, reflecting the community's growing concerns about housing accessibility and the economic pressures faced by local workers.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comments advocating for a substantial increase in the local housing trust fund. Advocates, including members of the Clue Housing Justice work group, urged the council to allocate at least $5 million to the fund, emphasizing that this investment is not only financially prudent but also a moral imperative. They highlighted that over half of the county's workforce, including essential service workers, are classified as very low income, struggling to afford housing in the very community they serve.

Speakers pointed out that the city has seen a dramatic increase in the number of lower to moderate-income households, with the need for 5,000 new housing units identified in the latest Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). Despite previous investments totaling $23 million over five years, only a fraction of the necessary housing units have been constructed, leaving many residents rent-burdened and at risk of displacement.

The council was urged to explore various funding sources, including reallocating unspent budget reserves and pausing certain staffing expansions to redirect funds toward housing initiatives. The advocates stressed that without immediate action, the city risks exacerbating its housing crisis, which could lead to further economic instability and loss of essential workers.

In addition to housing concerns, the meeting also touched on the broader implications of federal budget cuts that could threaten local housing assistance programs. Advocates called for the council to ensure that affordable housing and homelessness programs receive their fair share of funding, regardless of fluctuations in revenue.

The discussions underscored a critical moment for Santa Barbara as the city grapples with the dual challenges of housing affordability and workforce retention. As the council prepares to finalize the budget, the community's call for a more robust investment in affordable housing remains a pressing issue, with advocates hopeful that their voices will lead to meaningful change.