Santa Barbara County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Barbara County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Cannabis Permitting and Appeal Process Review
Public commenters and supervisors discussed ongoing frustrations with cannabis cultivation odors and requested further governance changes following the removal of sheriff oversight from licensing.
Agricultural Crop and Livestock Report
The Agricultural Commissioner presented the 2025 Crop and Livestock Report, showing a gross agricultural production value exceeding $2.2 billion, led by strawberries and nursery products.
Proposed Santa Barbara County Youth Fund
Youth advocates and community organizations urged the board to allocate $780,000 in unallocated cannabis tax revenue to create a countywide youth fund and youth commission. While supervisors discussed allocating funds by district, advocates pushed for a youth-led grantmaking model.
County Executive Officer Recruitment and Appointment
The county is actively working on finding and appointing a new top administrator to lead county operations. Supervisors met behind closed doors to review candidate negotiations and appointment details, though no final hiring decision was announced.
Employee Retirements and Recognition
The county recognized six longtime employees for their decades of public service across multiple departments, highlighting the institutional knowledge and dedication required in local government.
Economic Impact of the Creative Economy
A new study shows that Santa Barbara County's creative sector generates over $3.8 billion in economic output and supports more than 11,000 local jobs.
Sidewalk Vending Regulation and Enforcement
The county adopted a new sidewalk vending ordinance and a pilot program to regulate unpermitted street vendors, addressing public health concerns, unfair competition for local brick-and-mortar restaurants, and safety hazards along roadways.