Who Should Decide the Next Mayor of Goleta?

The City of Goleta’s current City Council is composed of five elected members who annually select among themselves who will be mayor. With measure C2016 on this November’s ballot, residents will vote on whether they want to select the next Mayor of Goleta or continue having the council designate one of its members. Voters will also be asked to decide whether the directly elected mayor’s term shall be two or four years.

There are slight differences between a designated mayor and an elected mayor:

  • A designated mayor receives the same compensation as the other councilmembers; An elected mayor may receive additional compensation (if approved by City Council or the voters)
  • A designated mayor shares the responsibility of selecting members of City boards and commissions with the rest of the council; An elected mayor (with City Council approval) makes all appointments to boards, commissions and committees

The mayor, whether designated or elected, is responsible for administrative duties and ceremonial functions.

Should the ballot measure pass, it would take effect in the November 2018 election.

More information on the ballot measure can be found here, general election information can be found here. If you would like a copy of the measure, please call the Goleta City Clerk’s Office at (805) 961-7501 and a copy will be mailed to you at no cost.