The Neighborhood Services (NS) Department has a broad range of responsibilities. NS consists of the divisions laid out below, and includes various programs and projects. Additionally, NS is responsible for the administration of City Assist. For assistance with City Assist, please contact Melissa Cure via email or by calling 805-961-7554. For information in Spanish, please contact  Leonel Mendoza-Diaz at 805-961-7558. 

Neighborhood Services 

The Neighborhood Services Division aims to provide a number of unique services to benefit our residents. These services include: Management of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, which works to ensure decent affordable housing, to provide services to the most vulnerable individuals in our communities, and to create jobs through the expansion and retention of businesses. Subject to funding availability, the City of Goleta awards grants through the Goleta City Grant Program of up to $10,000, for civic services, community projects, and public services that are of benefit to the residents of the City of Goleta. Eligible services and activities must be sponsored by non-profit organizations or governmental agencies. Fair Housing Services to provide information to landlords about tenant rights, and information and legal assistance to renters who may be victims of discrimination or unlawful actions by landlords. Additionally, development of the Homelessness Strategic Plan, which lays out a path for Goleta to address the issue of homelessness. Also, membership on the Goleta Entrepreneurial Magnet (GEM) board, which seeks to invest in community technological endeavors with UCSB. 

Emergency Services

The goal of the Emergency Preparedness program is to do just that: prepare the City and its residents in case of disaster.  From wildfires, to power outages, earthquakes, and more, the City's Emergency Services Coordinator makes sure that the City is still open and working for you during changing and uncertain times.  And during blue sky days, the program continues to prepare ways to protect you, your family, and your property. In 2014, the California League of Cities presented the Goleta City Council with the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence for the City’s Goleta Prepare Now Program.  The Goleta Prepare Now program is designed to increase the level of overall awareness and emergency preparedness for residents, visitors and local businesses. 

The Emergency Preparedness Program also manages Goleta's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program.  The CERT Program is designed to prepare you to help yourself, your family, and your neighbors in the event of a disaster.  In 95% of all emergencies, the victim or a bystander provides the first immediate assistance, and you are welcome to come learn these life saving skills during our CERT trainings.  Please click HERE to learn more about the CERT program. 

Goleta Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces 

The City of Goleta is fortunate to have approximately 550 acres of city parks and open space, which consist of nine neighborhood parks, five community parks, nine neighborhood open spaces, six regional open spaces, one community center, and three mini parks. This division is responsible for park related project improvements, park related programs, special event permit processing and more. NS is also the liaison for the Parks and Recreation Commission; meetings and information can be found HERE. 

The City of Goleta’s – Park, Facilities, and Playgrounds Master Plan received a 2020 Award of Merit from the APA Central Coast Section. The jurors felt that the Park, Facilities, and Playgrounds Master Plan was a good example of how to develop a population-based park level of service while considering equitable distribution and universal access to parks via multiple transportation modes. Read more on our Parks and Recreation page!

Capital Improvement Projects

Neighborhood Services is also responsible for the following Capital Improvement Projects:

• Goleta Train Depot: The City of Goleta’s – Goleta Train Depot Master Plan received a 2020 Award of Merit from the APA Central Coast Section. The jurors believe that the Goleta Train Depot Master Plan is a helpful document in setting forth the guidelines and policies that will determine the future design of the Goleta Train Depot. The jurors appreciated the City’s commitment to the continued development of the train depot regarding climate change, low income-communities, and the enhanced economic impacts.

• Fire Station 10

• Parks-Related Projects

• Property Acquisitions