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Santa Barbara municipal elections and rent ordinance

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2026-10-11 01:11 UTC → 2026-10-16 04:58 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Santa Barbara municipal elections for mayor and city council remain highly competitive, with candidates focusing on housing, climate, and downtown revitalization. While mayoral candidates like Eric Friedman and Kristen Sneddon navigate party endorsements and policy debates, the City Council has taken significant legislative action regarding one of the central campaign issues: rent stabilization. In a contentious 4-3 vote, the Santa Barbara City Council passed a new Rent Stabilization Ordinance. The decision was marked by intense debate over specific exemptions, particularly for affordable housing developments and tenants using Section 8 housing vouchers. Councilmember Meagan Harmon successfully advocated for exempting the Housing Authority and Section 8 housing providers, arguing that regulatory bureaucracy could discourage landlords from providing necessary properties. Councilmember Wendy Santamaria raised concerns regarding the Housing Authority’s inspection track record and the city’s ability to ensure unit habitability for vulnerable residents. During the final adoption process, a last-minute proposal to cap rent increases at 3% for only the first year failed to gain support. Alongside rent stabilization, the Council unanimously approved new regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) and homeshares. STRs are permitted in designated commercial zones, while homeshares are allowed in specific residential areas. Notably, the ordinance excludes both types of rentals from Santa Barbara’s Coastal High Fire Hazard Area to mitigate wildfire and evacuation risks. The coastal portion of the regulation requires review and certification by the California Coastal Commission. Local discourse has highlighted community division regarding these municipal decisions. Residents have called for greater transparency and are advocating for formal referendums to ensure major, high-cost decisions, such as the Rent Stabilization Ordinance and the State Street Master Plan, are decided by a direct vote of the public. As the November elections approach, candidates are intensifying their platforms.

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