This article was underwritten in part by the Mickey Flacks Journalism Fund for Social Justice, a proud, innovative supporter of local news. To make a contribution go to sbcan.org/journalism_fund.
Santa Barbara County’s Board of Supervisors approved a locals-first marketing for developers of new market-rate housing in the South Coast and Santa Ynez areas. The new ordinance mandates that developers target local renters or buyers for 12 weeks before expanding their marketing campaigns. It also requires developers to report on the number of locals in their residences once their projects reach 90 percent occupancy.
The program’s goal, county staff said, is to increase housing options for the local workforce. Data from the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments indicates that people may not have the opportunity to live where they work: 2024 reported that 18 percent of work trips destined for South County started outside the region. Santa Barbara’s prices remain high, and its vacancy rate remains low…