“Transparency Certificate of Excellence” Awarded to Goleta West Sanitary District

Goleta, CA – Goleta West Sanitary District has recently been awarded the prestigious Transparency Certificate of Excellence by the Special District Leadership Foundation, in recognition of its outstanding efforts to promote transparency and good governance to its customers and the general public.

“This award is a testament to the district’s commitment to open government,” said Mark Nation, General Manager. “The board of directors and district staff are to be commended for their efforts to keep customers informed which, in turn, facilitates their oversight and engagement in district business.”

In order to receive the award, a special district must demonstrate the completion of eight essential governance transparency requirements, including properly conducting open and public meetings, ethics training for all board members and filing financial transactions and compensation reports to the California state controller in a timely manner.

Goleta West Sanitary District also fulfilled fifteen website requirements, including providing readily available and timely information to the public, such as board agendas, past meeting minutes, recent budgets and major project information.

The district also demonstrated proactive outreach to its constituents through project news alerts and regular newsletters highlighting system updates and community efforts to best manage wastewater infrastructure and environmental protection. The district actively participates in local community events such as the Lemon Festival, and maintains a longstanding street‐sweeping program, which helps prevent polluted storm water run‐off.

About

Goleta West Sanitary District was formed in 1954. For decades the district has provided award‐winning service in wastewater collection and treatment services for its customers


– the citizens and businesses of Isla Vista and the Western Goleta Valley. Their mission is to enhance the public’s safety and protect the environment through innovative management of the sewer system and proactive approaches to keeping oceans and beaches healthy and clean. Its elected board of directors is also proud of its fiscal management, as customers see some of the lowest rates in the area.

The Special District Leadership Foundation is an independent, non‐profit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation and other recognition programs.

Special districts are independent public agencies that deliver core local services to communities, such as water and sanitation, fire protection, parks and recreation, health care and libraries. Districts are established by voters and their funding is approved by voters in order to meet specific needs through focused services. They can be specially molded to serve large regions or small neighborhoods depending upon the need.