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Sustainability and Resilience

Climate change is already impacting Santa Barbara through drought, wildfire, flooding, extreme weather, heat, and sea-level rise. Addressing these realities requires science-based planning and sustained implementation.
 

Kristen Sneddon brings scientific expertise and regional leadership to climate action. As a Councilmember, Kristen has brought her environmental background directly into local decision-making. She has supported climate adaptation planning, wildfire resilience investments, water conservation programs, and infrastructure upgrades that reduce long-term risk. She has consistently framed climate resilience as essential to public safety, fiscal responsibility, and quality of life.
 

As Mayor, she will advance practical solutions that prepare the city for both near-term risks and long-term change. Her priorities include strengthening wildfire resilience through home hardening, defensible space, and regional coordination, expanding urban tree canopy and green infrastructure, and protecting the coastline, creeks, parks, and open spaces that define Santa Barbara.

The Challenge

Wildfire, drought, flooding, and sea-level rise are already affecting Santa Barbara.
Safety requires preparation, coordination, and trust.
 

Kristen’s Record of Action as Councilmember

Kristen Sneddon has:
 

  • Created Capacity for Climate and Resilience Leadership
    Called for the creation of Santa Barbara’s Sustainability and Resilience Department to strengthen long-term planning and implementation. This flagship department is now a leader in the nation.
     

  • Led on Citywide Sustainability Priorities
    Serves as Chair of the Council Sustainability Committee, helping drive policy, accountability, and coordination across departments to achieve real results.
     

  • Delivered 100% Fossil-Free Electricity
    Helped lead the change to 100 percent fossil-free electricity citywide through the innovative Santa Barbara Clean Energy Program.
     

  • Chaired a Leading Sea-Level Rise Adaptation Plan
    Chaired one of California’s first approved Sea-Level Rise Adaptation Plans, positioning Santa Barbara for long-term coastal resilience.
     

  • Led Regional Water Reliability Governance
    As President of the Cachuma Operations and Maintenance Board and also President of the Cachuma Conservation and Release Board, helping manage regional water supply operations, conservation, and drought response.
     

  • Strengthened Water Planning Through Council Liaison Leadership
    Acts as a key liaison to the Water Commission, supporting careful management of Santa Barbara’s diversified water portfolio through prolonged drought and intense rain.
     

  • Expanded Recycled Water for Long-Term Reliability
    Helped advance and approve a 25-year recycled water partnership with La Cumbre Mutual Water Company, increasing recycled water use and reducing demand on drinkable  water supplies.
     

  • Supported Community-Led Environmental Frameworks
    Supported the Ecological Framework advanced by the Community Environmental Council to guide climate, land, and ecosystem priorities.
     

  • Advanced Creeks and Stormwater Oversight
    Provides oversight on creeks, drainage, and stormwater issues through work with the City’s Creeks Advisory Committee.
     

  • Engaged in Long-Range Water and Wastewater Planning
    Actively engaged in the City’s Enhanced Urban Water Management Plan and Wastewater Management Plan to strengthen system resilience, regulatory compliance, and future readiness.
     

  • Directed Conservation and Drought-Era Water Policy
    As President of the Cachuma Conservation Release Board, coordinated drought-era release policy for Lake Cachuma supplies.
     

  • Protected Core Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Investment
    Supported essential investments in aging water and wastewater systems, including multi-year rate actions tied to maintenance, replacement, and long-term reliability.
     

As Mayor, Kristen Will Get Things Done:

  • Protect the Coastline, Creeks, and Watersheds
    Invest in nature-based solutions, erosion control, habitat protection, and water-quality improvements that safeguard our environment and reduce risk.
     

  • Diversified, Future-Ready Water Portfolio
    Maintain a balanced mix of supplies and demand strategies, including conservation, recycled water, groundwater management, and regional coordination.
     

  • Desalination Readiness With Guardrails
    Keep desalination operationally ready as part of a balanced strategy, with clear triggers, cost transparency, and environmental protections.
     

  • Accelerate Clean Energy and Building Electrification
    Expand incentives and streamlined permitting to electrify buildings, reduce emissions, and improve indoor air quality, with an equity-first approach.
     

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