Santa Barbara County, CA – Joan Hartmann proudly declared her candidacy for reelection to a third term representing the 3rd District on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors.

Joan’s Vision for the Future: “I am proud of my record, but there is much more to do. I remain committed to empowering our communities, building resilience, and leading with vision and integrity. With your support, I will continue to make Santa Barbara County a better place for all of us. Together, we can continue the positive transformation of our beloved region.” Hartmann stated.

A Record of Accomplishment

• Community Dedication: Hartmann is deeply engaged in the Santa Ynez Valley, Lompoc, Gaviota Coast, and Goleta. She actively addresses local needs, ensuring top-notch constituent services.
• Fiscal Responsibility & Economic Vitality: Under Hartmann’s tenure, Santa Barbara County has adopted balanced budgets on-time, rebuilt the County’s “Rainy Day” reserve fund, and pensions are on track to be fully-funded by 2030. She has led efforts to secure significant federal and state grants for community projects and to address our infrastructure backlog. The County’s recently adopted Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and regional broadband or high-speed internet initiatives will improve the lives of county residents paving the way for innovation and good paying jobs on the Central Coast.
• Climate Change Adaptation & Resiliency: Hartmann is a bold leader in addressing and mitigating the impacts of climate change and advocating for transformative renewable energy projects. Under her guidance, the County became a member of 3CE, a multi-governmental partnership that procures energy from sustainable sources, fulfilling the promise of reducing carbon emissions, fostering environmental sustainability, and supporting the transition to cleaner energy sources all while decreasing rate-payer costs. Hartmann led the way for the development of the County’s first wind-energy and battery storage projects – projects that were built with union labor. Her commitment extends to championing the modernization of our electricity grid through cutting-edge technologies. This strategic approach not only enhances electricity reliability for residents and businesses but also reflects Hartmann’s vision for a greener and more resilient community.
• Commitment to Children, Seniors, and Veterans: Serving as chair of KIDS Network and the Adult and Aging Network, Hartmann dedicates herself to improving the lives of children and seniors. She has secured funding for senior meal programs and senior centers, as well as increased the number of veterans’ services caseworkers who serve our county’s 20,000 military veterans.
• Homelessness Solutions: Joan spearheaded innovative strategies, resulting in the County’s first tiny home village and significant reductions in homeless encampments. Veteran homelessness has decreased by 60% in the past three years.
• Advocate for Parks, Trails, and Open Space: Hartmann champions the creation of public trails and the protection of natural spaces. Under her tenure, the County has dramatically increased the number of parcels that are forever protected from development and open for active recreation, with many more exciting projects in the pipeline.
• Affordable Housing: Hartmann demonstrates proactive leadership in addressing housing challenges. Amidst the ongoing State-Mandated Housing Element process, she is leading the conversation for increasing workforce housing, emphasizing the need to prevent displacement by outside investment buyers. Her focus extends beyond meeting housing production quotas, instead aiming to build resilient neighborhoods and communities that prioritize the well-being and stability of the local workforce.
• Public Safety: Crime rates – both minor and major – have continued to decrease during Hartmann’s tenure. The award-winning Co-response Program continues to divert severely mentally-ill people from jail.
• Fire Safety: As a leader on the Fire Safe Council, our environment is now more fire resilient, buildings and infrastructure are more fire resistant, and more neighborhoods are aware of and responsive to the benefits and threats of wildland fire.

Hartmann has officially filed papers to run for re-election to the Third District, representing the Santa Ynez Valley, the Gaviota Coast, and the cities of Lompoc, Buellton, Solvang, and majority of the City of Goleta.  The election is March 5, 2024.