The Goleta Sanitary District is proud to have been recognized again as a District of Distinction, Platinum Level, through accreditation from the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF), most recently in August 2025. This recognition is given for sound fiscal management policies, excellence in board and executive governance, public transparency, and district operations. GSD is the only special district in Santa Barbara County to receive this highest-level recognition. We have held this recognition since 2018. 

This honor was given to the District for successfully implementing a comprehensive list of high-level transparency and good governance practices. We are the only sanitary district in California to have been awarded the Platinum Level District of Distinction three times.

The Special District Leadership Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation, and other recognition programs. For more information about the SDLF's programs, including the District of Distinction, visit http://sdlf.org/programs.