SolvangNot a ballot

Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026

Solvang Mayor & City Council Election 2026

3 of 5 council seats are on the ballot, with 4 candidates running. Updated Oct 20, 2026. Every claim links to its source. How we check

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Nov 3Election Day

How to vote · 11 days left

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Deadline to request a replacement vote-by-mail ballot (Oct 27): the election office's notice

These links go to official state and county election sites. Hours and rules differ by state; your election office has the final word.

The candidates

Listed alphabetically by last name. Every position links to its source.

Voters citywide choose one of two candidates for a two-year term as mayor; voters in Districts 3 and 4 each elect one councilmember, and each district race has one candidate.

Deadline to request a replacement vote-by-mail ballot · Oct 27

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Also on your Nov 3 ballot

We research city races only. For these races, go to the state's official guide or a nonpartisan one.

Official voter lookupState voter guideVote411 (League of Women Voters)

Districts come from 2020 Census blocks and the district maps for this election. Your address decides your districts.

Already on the council, not on the ballot

Whoever you elect will govern alongside these members.

Officeholders' pages compare what they've said with how they've voted, with sources.

What the next council decides

01Police services: Sheriff or Lompoc4 sourced facts

Where it standsSolvang contracts with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office for police services, and in May 2026 the council directed staff to negotiate a contract with the City of Lompoc.

What's on the tableWhether to approve a law enforcement contract with Lompoc or extend the Sheriff's Office contract.

02Expanding the city's boundaries2 sourced facts

Where it standsIn August 2026 the council voted to begin working with LAFCO to explore changing Solvang's sphere of influence.

What's on the tableWhether to seek a larger sphere of influence or city limits, and on what terms.

03Housing and new development4 sourced facts

Where it standsAn 88-unit apartment project on a site rezoned for high-density housing under the Housing Element has completed preliminary review.

What's on the tableHow the city handles new housing applications and where higher-density housing goes.

  • The Alisal Glen Way Apartments preliminary application proposes 88 units, including 4 very low-income deed-restricted units. City of Solvang
  • The site was rezoned to R-3, High Density Housing, as part of the adopted Housing Element, as required by the State of California. City of Solvang
  • The Planning Commission is the review authority for the project, and the city cannot apply subjective criteria under the Housing Accountability Act. City of Solvang
  • On April 13, 2026, the council voted 5-0 to accept the 2025 Annual Housing Report and General Plan Report. Solvang City Council minutes, April 13, 2026 · Apr 13, 2026
04Budget, fees and taxes3 sourced facts

Where it standsThe council adopted a two-year budget in June 2026 and applies an annual inflation adjustment to city fees.

What's on the tableHow much to raise fees and how to balance the city budget.

05Traffic, parking and crossing guards3 sourced facts

Where it standsParking and traffic were added to the council's 2026/2028 goals, and the city contracts for crossing guard services.

What's on the tableHow much to spend on traffic control, crossing guards and parking.

06Wastewater treatment plant upgrade2 sourced facts

Where it standsThe city is preparing a U.S. Department of Agriculture loan application for its wastewater treatment plant project.

What's on the tableHow to finance the wastewater treatment plant upgrade and what it means for utility rates.

2 notes on these statements

V. Louise Smith and Elizabeth Orona are the only candidates on the ballot for City Council Districts 3 and 4. Santa Barbara County Elections

On Jan. 13, 2025, the council voted 4-0 to appoint V. Louise Smith to the District 3 seat. Solvang City Council minutes, January 13, 2025 · Jan 13, 2025

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Who matches you?

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  1. 1. Should Solvang negotiate a police services contract with Lompoc as an alternative to the Sheriff's Office?

  2. 2. Should Solvang work with LAFCO toward expanding its sphere of influence or city limits?

  3. 3. Should the city lower costs and barriers to add more homes, including multi-unit projects?

  4. 4. Should city user and regulatory fees rise each year with inflation?

  5. 5. Should Solvang pay for crossing guards and people directing traffic downtown?

Seat the councilSeat the Council →Pick a winner for each open seat and see where the resulting council stands on each issue.On the recordHow the council voted9 council decisions, each member's vote side by side, with a link to the minutes.

Key dates

The seat math

2 stay (not up this year): Mark Infanti, Claudia Orona3 on this ballot

5 council seats. The council decides by a 3-vote majority.

  • The City Council is a five-member body comprising four City Council Members, who serve four-year terms, and a Mayor, who serves a two-year term. City of Solvang
  • Four council members each represent one district, while the Mayor represents the city as a whole. City of Solvang
  • The Nov. 3, 2026 election is for Mayor and the City Council seats for Districts 3 and 4. City of Solvang
  • The Mayor elected in 2026 serves a term ending December 2028; the District 3 and 4 councilmembers serve terms ending December 2030. City of Solvang

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