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Goleta council adopts Public Works FY2025–26 annual work program; major pavement and bike projects highlighted
Summary
The council adopted the Public Works Department work program for FY2025–26 after a department presentation that highlighted Project Connect construction progress, the San Jose Creek multipurpose path (out to bid), proposed pavement projects, and a move to a three‑year tree‑trimming schedule.
The Goleta City Council on April 1 adopted the Public Works Department’s annual work program for fiscal year 2025–26 following a detailed presentation of accomplishments, active projects and near‑term priorities.
Public Works Director Nina Buena and division leads reviewed the department’s recent year, citing nine completed construction projects, staffing changes (16 hires with 12 promotions), and grant‑funded accomplishments including a $3.9 million Coastal Conservancy grant used for Butterfly Grove improvements. Assistant Public Works and project staff described Project Connect as one year into construction with the northern side of the bridge complete and the contractor preparing to swap traffic to finish the southern side.
Staff said the San Jose Creek multipurpose path is out to bid and that award is expected in summer 2025; they also noted a $11.1 million Reconnecting Communities grant for that project had been delayed earlier in the year and that a federal webinar on grant status had been rescheduled. Staff described the city’s 2025 pavement program as two parts: an arterial project (3.1 center lane miles) and a residential program (22.1 center lane miles). The staff estimate shown in the presentation listed a base bid of about $13 million and a base plus additive alternates total of about $21 million for the arterial work, with construction scheduled to begin in August–September 2025 depending on bids.
Park and open space work highlighted included phase‑1 implementation at Elwood Mesa Monarch Butterfly Habitat, irrigation and planting work funded through the Coastal Conservancy grant, field renovations at Johnny D. Wallace Park and preparations to operate the new splash pad. Staff said it had secured a $1 million urban forestry grant that is currently on hold and that the department will continue to pursue funding to complete tree inventory and risk assessments.
Other operational points included the city’s diversion rate (staff reported a 70% diversion rate and roughly 17,200 tons diverted), a department vacancy level of about 20% (39 full‑time employees, eight vacancies), and plans to shorten street‑tree trimming cycles to a three‑year rotation for better tree health and public safety.
Council members asked detailed questions about nexus and fee studies that will inform development impact fees, Vision Zero planning and how the pavement and bike projects interact with future development. After deliberation the council adopted the work program by roll call vote; staff will incorporate council direction as it scopes budgets and grant applications for the coming fiscal year.
