For Goleta community members, there are several new opportunities to get involved in the city, including two specifically for youth ages 15-18.

The Parks and Recreation Commission and Public Engagement Commission are both looking to fill a youth position.

This is a great way to learn more about how local government works, have your voice heard, and give back to your community.

The city is also looking for applicants for an opening on the Design Review Board. Interested individuals should apply here by Aug. 9.

Following is more about each opportunity:

The Parks and Recreation Commission is a seven-member body with an opening for a youth commissioner (at least 15 years old and not more than 18 years old at the time of appointment).

The commission advises the City Council on all issues related to public parks, open spaces, beaches, and indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and opportunities in Goleta. The youth commissioner term is two years.

The commission holds six regular meetings per year and may hold additional meetings as needed.

The Public Engagement Commission is also looking for a youth commissioner. This seven-member body advises the City Council and staff on matters related to public engagement in city government and governance.

The commission has provided recommendations to the City Council on moving to evening-only meetings, directly electing the mayor, and district elections.

The youth commissioner vacancy will fill an unexpired portion of a term that ends September 2025. The commission holds four regular meetings per year and may hold additional meetings as needed.

For both commissions, compensation is $75 per meeting. The youth commissioner can choose to waive compensation to instead receive school or other educational or community service credit. 

The Design Review Board (DRB) encourages development that uses the best professional design practices to enhance the visual aesthetics of the community and prevent poor quality of design.

The DRB advises the City Council, Planning Commission, and staff. There is one vacancy for a Design Professional position to fill an unexpired portion of a term ending Feb. 1, 2026.

The DRB meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 3:00 p.m., and members are compensated $75 per meeting.

Applications for all open board and commission vacancies may be submitted online at https://www.cityofgoleta.org/boardscommissions. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Aug. 9.

For more email cityclerkgroup@cityofgoleta.org.