Santa Maria Politics
The county's largest city and the engine of North County politics.
Santa Maria is the most populous city in Santa Barbara County, an agricultural powerhouse whose strawberry and wine-grape fields help bankroll the county budget. Despite its size, it often feels overlooked by South Coast media — a gap this hub exists to close.
The city's politics revolve around growth, public safety, housing for a large working-class population, and the persistent north-vs-south tug-of-war over county resources. Its City Council and school boards make decisions that affect tens of thousands of families.
Governance
Mayor + four district City Council members oversee the city. Multiple school districts and special districts also serve the area.
Elections
Mayor and City Council are elected by district in nonpartisan races on four-year staggered terms.
Local Issues
- Public safety & policing
- Workforce housing
- Agriculture economy
- North County investment
- Youth & schools