The purpose of the Citizens Planning Association is to promote responsible land-use planning
and environmental protection in Santa Barbara County.

Objectives

The objectives of the Association are to protect the unmatched natural assets of Santa Barbara County; to alert residents of this area to the hazards of unregulated growth; to cooperate with private groups and public offices in designing sound planning goals for our communities and surrounding countryside; to conduct a broad education program on behalf of such objectives; and to maintain a staff and center for their effective realization.

CPA works to publicly defend our communities’ plans and environmental safeguards against special concessions to private interests; represent citizen concerns at city/county hearings on planning policies and major development proposals; support ballot measures and, if necessary, legal action to protect our environment and quality of life; and assist members, neighborhood groups and others to get involved in local planning issues.

Citizens: We are your neighbors. We take responsibility for what happens in our county, to our land, our way of life. Democracy in action, not ‘caving in’ to special interest.

Planning: Because good things, like our quality of life, rarely happen by chance. We recognize that there are no quick fixes to our problems, and we do the hard work of long term pro-active planning. In unity there is strength. No political and special interest lobby can outmuster public support of honest, informed citizens when they freely band together for the civic good.

Citizens Planning Stands for: Carefully managed growth that respects our quality of life and available public services. High standards of design and zoning to ensure the safety and character of our neighborhoods and business districts. Preservation of agricultural land and important natural habitat and open space. Real solutions to traffic congestion and public transportation needs. Protecting our air, our water and other natural resources.

CPA is a registered 501c3 (h election) non-profit organization. All membership dues and donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.