Supported improvements in Old Town, including the opening of the Jonny D. Wallis Park, the sidewalk improvement project (ahead of schedule and under budget!), the field renovation at the Community Center, approval of a "community garden" at Armitos Park, and funding for community programs such as the Holiday Parade, Beautify Goleta, and Tastes & Sounds of Old Town.
Enhanced public safety by supporting the Fire Station 10 project, which will address a deficiency in the emergency response time in western Goleta. Addressed homelessness by initiating our Homelessness Strategic Plan and supported efforts to humanely clear brush along the freeway to reduce fire danger. Goleta's emergency alerts in coordination with the County have kept our residents informed of COVID, fires, Public Power Safety Shut-offs (PSPSs), and other public safety issues.
Improved our transportation infrastructure by funding a vigorous road repair program and promoting alternative forms of transportation through adoption of the Bicycle-Pedestrian Master Plan. The City has added numerous sidewalk and crosswalk projects, secured an $18 million grant for the San Jose Creek multi-use path, a $13 million grant for the Goleta Train Depot project, and has completed the award-winning Hollister Class 1 multi-use bike path.
Ensured fiscal responsibility by strengthening our City's budget reserves, improving our investment policy, and supporting sound financial actions like the purchase of our City Hall, which will save the City over $100,000 per year. Since 2016, we have saved hundreds of thousands each year by switching to a contract City Attorney. In June we passed a balanced budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year.
Provided stewardship of the City's natural resources by engaging community input into -- and then adopting -- the Ellwood Butterfly Management Habitat Plan as well as adopting the Parks Master Plan to help guide our management of all City parks over the next decade. Secured a $3.9 million State Coastal Conservancy grant to implement restoration efforts at the Ellwood Monarch Butterfly Grove. Spearheaded our current efforts to develop a Creek & Watershed Management Plan. Adopted a new Zoning Ordinance, strengthening protections for Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHAs) and increasing alignment with our General Plan, in addition to increasing land use clarity, consistency and predictability for residents and businesses.
Supported our move toward a fossil-free energy system by spearheading our City's goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030, paving the way for other cities and states across the Country to follow; and then adopted a Strategic Energy Plan to provide a roadmap on meeting this goal. Voted to move forward on a solar array at City Hall, which will not only cover 100% of our electricity needs but also save us money. Supported the purchase of street lamps and their conversion to energy-saving LED lights. Additionally, I led the efforts to join Monterey Bay Community Power (soon to be renamed Central Coast Community Energy).
Promoted a more democratic and equitable City by supporting the creation of a Public Engagement Commission, increased Spanish language outreach, and the LEAD Goleta Academy (LEAD = Learn, Empower, Advocate, Discuss), which provides an opportunity for residents to learn more about the City and how they can be more involved.
My time on the City Council has been defined by a very collaborative spirit which has led to many positive outcomes for our city and its residents. Worked collaboratively with regional partners to reach mutually beneficial solutions, including issues regarding the Library, Goleta Beach, and Santa Barbara Airport.