The Chamber is in a unique position in a public private partnership that includes funding from the Tourism Business Improvement District, a hospitality organization, and the City of Goleta with TOT funds. Revenues related to tourism, hospitality and lodging are a major source of funding for the City of Goleta and an important economic development driver.

 

In Goleta alone, tourism dollars generated $12.8 million in tax revenue last year and supports 1,291 jobs. Without tourism, taxpayers would each have to pay another $1,134 a year per household to cover the amount raised from tourism. Tourism generated $1.9 billion in Santa Barbara County in 2017, according to the 2016-17 Santa Barbara South Coast Visitor Profile and Tourism Economic Impact Study.

 

The new 2019 Goleta Inspiration Guide highlights the variety of outdoor recreation, unique eateries and tasting rooms in Goleta. 

 

The new and redesigned Goleta Visitor Map features bike paths, local attractions, and Goleta's Tasting Trail of wineries, breweries, and spirits. If you would like to request a copy, please contact [email protected]

Click here to view the digital magazine...

Click here to view the digital map...

The Goleta Chamber gathered a group of professionals and hired a consultant to study the City of Goleta's Draft Zoning Ordinance. Updating the zoning ordinance is an important piece of the City's future and a huge step forward since adopting the County's ordinance during incorporation in 2002.  The Chamber's committee spent several months of analyzing and responding to the first draft. Many of our suggestions have been addressed and included in the current  draft released by City staff.  The Chamber's interest in this document is to  make sure the new ordinance is not a detriment to business in Goleta.

 

One concern we still have is that some new permit requirements may put existing, permitted, successful businesses into the category of "legal non-conforming". We don't think this is the intention of the decision-makers or staff, but it is a complicated issue. The Chamber is requesting that some sort of limited exception language be included to protect our business investment, especially in certain hospitality and industrial uses.  Our proposal includes a recommendation that businesses with an existing development plan or conditional use permit be considered approved and not be considered legal non-conforming.  Contact us if you need more information.