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South Coast Chamber urges Goleta to scale up funding for economic development plan
Summary
Business and community leaders told the Goleta City Council during public forum that the city should increase funding to implement its economic development strategic plan, citing Old Town revitalization, workforce pathways, and startup support as priorities.
Kristen Miller, president and CEO of the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, told the City Council during public forum that the Chamber supports Goleta’s five‑year economic development strategic plan and urged the council to increase funding for implementation. “An expanded investment in economic development now will strengthen the city's tax base, support job creation, and set the foundation for long term fiscal sustainability,” Miller said.
The Chamber and several business leaders who spoke at public forum emphasized Old Town revitalization, workforce development and career pathways, and support for locally rooted startups as near‑term priorities. Randy Berg, board chair of the Chamber, said the Chamber is “uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge between the local government and the business community” and offered the Chamber’s help to accelerate plan rollout.
Small business owners urged targeted investments to activate vacant storefronts, improve walkability and place‑making, and streamline permitting. Anne Pazier, owner of Santa Barbara Gift Baskets, said Old Town is “one of its most underutilized assets” and encouraged the council to fund property activation and small‑business supports tied to the plan. Mark Ingalls, a property manager and plan contributor, urged the council to “step back and ask are the systems working for the people and the businesses we aim to support?” when discussing permitting and business navigation.
Speakers also pressed for permanent workforce housing measures as part of economic infrastructure, with Laurel Sykes of American Riviera Bank and other Chamber representatives tying housing access to business retention and talent attraction. Several speakers noted the Chamber’s readiness to partner on implementation and recommended a larger, sustained city contribution than the initial allocation of $100,000.
The council did not take action on funding at the meeting; members acknowledged the presentation and asked staff to continue work on implementation details and upcoming grant awards referenced by speakers. The discussion was part of the public forum; the Chamber’s representatives said they will continue to coordinate with city staff on next steps.
Ending: The council received the public forum testimony and will consider the ideas and partnership offers from the Chamber as staff and council refine implementation steps for the economic development strategic plan.
