City of Goleta announces new director of Public Works

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GOLETA, CA October 15, 2024 – The Goleta City Council is pleased to announce that after an extensive search Luz “Nina” Buelna is the new Director of Public Works. Buelna started with the city in August 2022 as Deputy Director of Public Works and has served as Interim Director of Public Works since April 2024.

City Manager Robert Nisbet said, “Ms. Buelna will continue to guide the Goleta Public Works Department as we implement the largest public works project in our city’s history. Under his direction, the Department of Public Works is poised to deliver more than $100 million in projects over the next three years. I look forward to having Ms. Buelna leading the city’s largest department and fostering a culture of collaboration, hard work and success.”

“I began my journey with Goleta in 2022 and instantly fell in love with the community and its dedicated Public Works team,” said Ms. “I am inspired to represent Goleta, advocate for its community members, and work tirelessly to build the best Public Works Department Public!”

Ms. Buelna has nearly 20 years of experience in public services and infrastructure, performing design, construction, project management and maintenance of various Public Works and Department of Public Utilities facilities. Before arriving in Goleta, he worked for the city of Sacramento, the city of Roseville and in the private sector. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from California State University, Sacramento and is a registered professional engineer. Fun fact, she comes from a family of civil engineers, with her father, brother and sister all being civil engineers.

After arriving in Goleta, Ms. Buelna quickly became the champion of the city’s largest infrastructure project, Project Connect, and successfully moved the project from the design phase to construction. The role of Director of Public Works is an important leadership role in the city of Goleta, especially during this time in the city’s history when projects many years in the works are coming to fruition.

To learn more about the city’s Department of Public Works and the Capital Improvement Program that creates needed infrastructure in our community, visit: https://www.cityofgoleta.org/your-city/public-works.

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Buelna on her new role with the City of Goleta.