CityofGoleta
Source: City of Goleta
More than one hundred people turned out at the Elks Lodge in Goleta last [week] for the 5th Annual Goleta Community State of the City. Community members and Goleta stakeholders started filing in when doors opened at 5:00 p.m. to mingle with Council and staff, check out City information tables, take photos and purchase 20 Year City of Goleta birthday memorabilia. To see firsthand what a memorable event this was, check out this short highlight video and photos. Please share our video and photos on your social media channels and hashtag #goletasoc.
The event was emceed by Community Relations Manager Kelly Hoover who welcomed everyone back in person for the event which was held virtually in 2021 and cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. On behalf of the City, she also expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the Elks Lodge for generously hosting the event this year back at the location where it was held from 2008 – 2012.
The main part of the program was the Mayor’s 2022 State of the City Address. During her speech Mayor Paula Perotte spoke about the City’s recent accomplishments and challenges ahead. She said, “It is not enough for the state of our city to be strong today. It must be strong in preparing for the future. When you think about it, much of our city’s infrastructure and processes are rooted in the 20th century. While we are grateful for the public buildings, transportation infrastructure and parks we inherited from the last century, we are working hard to move them into the 21st century.” To see Mayor Perotte’s entire speech, go to https://youtu.be/-KxcMzQhWYo.
Following the State of the City Address, City Manager Michelle Greene provided an update on the City’s finances. During her presentation she said, “As of today, revenue recovery has begun in earnest and the City’s financial outlook is improving after the initial shock of the pandemic-related downturn.” She added, “But while the financial forecast looks brighter, we face challenges in keeping up with the City’s aging infrastructure. While the City weathered the downturn, it came at a cost of deferring capital and maintenance projects. Substantial investment in infrastructure is required to keep up with the needs of the community.” Watch Michelle Greene’s entire speech at https://youtu.be/aSFyV64v9uU.
During the final segment of the program, City staff answered questions submitted from the audience on various topics ranging from affordable housing to future construction plans.
An entire recording of the event in English and Spanish will be available soon. We will send you a link when it is ready. The recording will also rebroadcast on Goleta TV Channel 19 on Sunday’s at 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. and Friday’s at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. beginning Sunday, April 24.
We again want to thank everyone who attended and helped to make this event one to remember.
