Allan Hancock College Trustees Place Local Funding Measure on November 2026 Ballot

 

If approved by voters, the measure would authorize up to $290 million in locally controlled general obligation bonds to improve and modernize projects at Allan Hancock College locations throughout the district.

 

Hancock serves as a vital educational resource for communities across northern Santa Barbara County, providing affordable higher education, university-transfer opportunities, workforce training, and career education programs that help students achieve their goals close to home. The college serves the communities of Santa Maria, Lompoc, Guadalupe, Cuyama and the Santa Ynez Valley, offering a wide range of undergraduate degree programs, university-transfer courses, high school dual enrollment opportunities, certificate programs and career and technical education training.

 

With the cost of attending California public universities more than six times that of community colleges, more than 40 percent of local high school graduates each year rely on Hancock for higher education and job training.

 

"Allan Hancock College has served our communities for more than a century by providing affordable higher education, career education, and workforce training opportunities that help students achieve their goals close to home," said Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. "As our facilities continue to age, it is important that our community has the opportunity to consider how we maintain and modernize the classrooms, laboratories, career training spaces and infrastructure that support student success. This action allows voters to make that decision."

 

According to the proposal approved by the Board, projects include repairing and upgrading aging classrooms, laboratories and career training facilities; improving facilities that support instruction in science, math, nursing, welding, machining and skilled trades; repairing or replacing deteriorating roofs, plumbing and electrical systems; removing hazardous materials from older buildings; upgrading facilities to meet current health, safety, accessibility and technology standards; and building a university center to offer local four-year bachelor’s degree opportunities through partnerships with California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and California State University Channel Islands.

 

The proposed projects are based on facility assessments and planning efforts, including the college's Facilities Master Plan. The bond would be subject to an independent citizens' oversight committee, annual financial and performance audits, and public reporting requirements. Bond proceeds cannot be used for administrator salaries, pensions or other operating expenses. The measure will appear on the November 3, 2026, ballot throughout the Allan Hancock Joint Community College District and would require at least 55 percent voter approval.