Finance committee forwards plan to explore a real property transfer tax after polling shows limited paths to two-thirds support City staff presented December 2025 polling showing majority support for a transient occupancy tax (TOT) increase and rising support for a transfer tax after messaging, but neither measure reached the two-thirds threshold required for a special tax; the finance committee voted unanimously to forward staffrecommendation to the full City Council to pursue outreach and further analysis of a real property transfer tax.

Santa Barbara is facing a looming $10.4 million budget deficit, and a new proposed real property transfer tax could hold the key to closing the gap—will voters support it?

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Finance committee pauses action, asks staff to prioritize revenue and cost options after forecast shows multi-year shortfall City staff presented a multi-year general fund forecast showing a growing deficit even after Measure I; the Finance Committee heard a large list of staff recommendations for revenue and expenditure options, kept public comment open and voted to continue discussion next week with direction to prioritize several high-impact items including studying a

Santa Barbara faces a looming $10 million deficit, even with new tax measures in place, prompting urgent discussions on revenue solutions and budget cuts.

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Environmental Scientist Emiliano Campobello highlights budget deficits in city council meeting Campobello discusses energy efficiency solutions amid ongoing structural budget deficits.

Emiliano Campobello's eye-opening comments on Santa Barbara's budget deficits could hold the key to a greener, financially stable future for the city.

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City Council outlines $127M Public Works plans for fiscal year 2026 City initiatives include new police station, library upgrades, and water main replacements.

Santa Barbara's Finance Committee just unveiled a $127 million budget packed with transformative projects, from a new police station to innovative library upgrades!

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