Santa Barbara County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Barbara County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Homelessness Response and HARP Initiative
The county reviewed its annual homelessness data, highlighting progress in encampment cleanups and introducing a new interdepartmental collaboration called HARP to unify data and prevention efforts.
Annual Truth Act and Values Act Compliance Review
Residents and supervisors debated whether the county should adopt a formal policy restricting immigration enforcement activities on county-owned property and parks, with supporters citing fear in immigrant communities and opponents raising legal and supremacy clause concerns.
Election Security and Outreach
The board addressed growing concerns regarding voter intimidation and ballot security ahead of the 2026 elections, directing election officials to enhance public outreach, poll worker programs, and safety guidance.