To: City of Santa Barbara Legislative Committee
Re: Agenda Item for March 3, 2026
Citizens Planning Association is trying to stay abreast of proposed State Housing legislation that might benefit Santa Barbara City. We have added this focus to our priority list after what we considered a fairly disasterous Housing Element update which does very little to ameliorate our housing crisis. SB 417/ AB736, The Affordable Hosuing Bond Act of 2026, is legislation that might help create the housing that we actually need and we urge you to support this legislation as it works its way through the legislative process.
As we see it, SB 417 funds would replenish funding for existing, proven state housing programs that have already delivered results in the city and also in Santa Barbara County. Funds would be directed to Farmworker Housiing, Homeownship Assistance for first-time buyers, and Multi-Family Affordable Housing. We hope that as the bills go through the vetting process, the final structure of the bills will give Santa Barbara City more equal footing with the larger metropolitan areas. Here is where your advocacy would be very helpful.
CPA asks that the Legislative Committee promote a formal resolution in support of SB417/AB736. We urge you to write to Senator Limon, the Governor, and other elected officials to move SB417 as a stand-alone bill uncoupled from the budget trailer. Lastly, we ask that you consider joining the statewide coalition of local governments that is asking for equitable distribution formulas.
Marell Brooks
President
Citizens Planning Association
805-588-5869