What Is a Referendum?
A referendum is a direct vote by the people on a specific city ordinance. If City Council passes a rent stabilization proposal, we believe it should be reviewed by the voters. This process ensures that the final decision on our city's housing future is made by the community, not just by City Hall.
Referendum Timeline
01
City Council Adopts the Ordinance
The City Council must first adopt the final ordinance.
02
The City Clerk Attests the Ordinance
The legal clock begins after the ordinance is attested by the City Clerk.
03
Signatures Are Gathered
The committee must gather valid signatures from Santa Barbara voters during a short legal window.
04
The City Verifies Signatures
The City reviews the petition and determines whether enough valid signatures were submitted.
05
Council Must Decide
If the petition qualifies, the Council must either repeal the ordinance or send it to the voters.
Referendum FAQ
What is a referendum?
A referendum is a direct vote by the people to review and potentially overturn a city council ordinance. It provides a clear, local decision-making process for our community.
Why is this effort urgent?
The window for action is short. We must gather signatures and prepare our legal petition before the next council session to ensure our voices are heard.
Who is supporting this effort?
We are a coalition of local housing providers, small business owners, renters, homeowners, and residents united in our belief that Santa Barbara needs real affordability solutions.
What happens if we win?
If the referendum passes, the city council's ordinance will be reviewed by the voters. This ensures that the decision is made by the people, not by a single council vote.