805.967.2500 | www.SBSCChamber.com
Mailing Address: 5662 Calle Real #204, Goleta, CA
Visitor Center: 120 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA
12/20/2022
Mayor Perotte and Goleta City Council
City of Goleta
130 Cremona Drive, Suite B
Goleta, CA 93117
RE: Economic Development Strategic Plan Situation Assessment
Dear Mayor Perotte and Councilmembers:
The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, from Goleta to Carpinteria, has been following the progress of the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan closely, and appreciate the work of Coraggio Group, City Staff, and the Economic Development and Revitalization Committee.
The Chamber is supportive of the key themes which have emerged as areas of focus for further development of the Economic Development Strategic Plan, however we would like to highlight a few themes of particular interest to the Chamber and the business community. The Chamber has long been a supporter of further addressing housing and childcare availability and affordability highlighted in theme #2.
The Chamber also wholly supports theme #4, a focus on placemaking in Old Town Goleta. While the City has begun to address this with the Hollister Restriping Project and the Complete Streets Project, it should be an important aspect of any economic development plan.
The visitor profile study conducted by Destination Analysts showed that 3 in 10 visitors to Goleta report that Goleta is their primary trip destination in the region, with over 93% of visitors highly satisfied with their experience. This highlights a clear opportunity to improve Goleta’s position as a visitor destination, in line with theme #5. The Chamber continues to be a willing partner in visitors services and is happy to engage on how the economic development strategic plan could address next steps.
Theme #7 touches on a need for further industry diversification, which can be done through partnerships with and further support of our growing local high-tech manufacturing and healthcare industries. This relates directly to Theme #9 which emphasizes increased collaboration with and utilization of UC Santa Barbara as a major economic driver. Goleta’s reputation as the infrared capitol of the world, its growing high-tech manufacturing industry, and its proximity to UCSB are all significant opportunities for the City to capitalize on regarding economic development, and the Chamber hopes to see that represented in the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan.
Thank you for your commitment to a well-thought out Economic Development Strategic Plan for the City of Goleta. The Chamber looks forward to partnering with the City wherever possible to support the right plan.
Sincerely,
Kristen Miller
President & CEO
Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce