Councilmember outlines rezoning and rising homelessness as Goleta pursues prevention and affordable units

Councilmember Stuart Casden addressed housing and homelessness as the central challenge for many Goleta residents, saying the city complied with state direction to identify land for 1,837 new housing units while nearby county rezoning created capacity for an additional 3,834 units in adjacent areas. Casden stressed two main challenges: ensuring new housing is compatible with existing neighborhoods and securing units that meet the city's affordability needs.

Casden noted limits on local control imposed by state law—particularly constraints on trimming density at specific sites—and described tools the city will use: objective design standards, developer impact fees to mitigate traffic, financial incentives and voluntary negotiated contributions such as those that produced 104 below‑market units at the Heritage Ridge project (about 31% of total units at that site).

Turning to homelessness, Casden cited the city's 2025 point‑in‑time count of 217 people, a 68% increase from 2024, and said vehicle homelessness rose sharply. He reported housing placements (63 people housed) but said inflow outpaced placements (105 entered homelessness during the same period), arguing that both prevention and supply expansion are required. The council highlighted existing measures including the Buenetier housing collaboration with the county (60 units, with units for chronic homeless and young adults) and added eviction prevention and mediation resources.

Casden said the city will pursue a mix of deed‑restricted units, affordable‑by‑design strategies (for example, accessory dwelling units) and financial incentives to secure more affordable homes while recognizing this will be difficult under state constraints.