A city for the people

Turning aspirations into reality is all in a day’s work for Santa Maria Public Works Director Brett Fulgoni. Through a wide range of projects, he and his team are delivering tangible change within the community.

Fulgoni sees the creation of visible and lasting improvements in the Californian enclave as vital for community wellbeing and dignity – and it’s a responsibility he is happy to shoulder.

“People deserve dignity,” he tells The CEO Magazine. “They need to know that the city is here for them.”

Transit is a particular focus, with Fulgoni highlighting its importance for the city.

“One of the number one ways that people can escape poverty is by having mobility and being able to go from their home to a job or to the hospital, to the grocery store, whatever it is that they do,” he insists.

“It’s not just building a McDonald’s, right? We’re effectuating 110,000 people’s lives.”

Major milestones

Under Fulgoni’s leadership, the department has completed more projects than ever before, including 150 ramps aligned with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 74 high-visibility crosswalks and comprehensive safe routes to schools. The department is also close to completing an update to the AB 1600 plan, the first in 33 years.

Other notable projects include a US$8.1 million grant-funded alternative transportation project, the Machado Plaza (which won the Los Angeles Region Project of the Year), and the Veterans Memorial Park upgrade. Its Battles Beautification project has transformed a once-industrial corridor into a pedestrian-friendly space.

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“Brett Fulgoni consistently demonstrates his ability to professionally navigate the challenges to complete essential projects for the City of Santa Maria. He is respected by both colleagues and contractors. The fair and measured approach Fulgoni takes when considering solutions results in successful projects. We are fortunate to partner with a person that exemplifies leadership and has a strong commitment to his community.” – Darin Terrazas, Director of Construction JOC, Newton Construction

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Along the way, Fulgoni is proud to have turned the department into a place where talented professionals want to work. In his three years as Director, he has overseen a remarkable transformation.

“We went from a department that was losing people to one that can attract talent,” he says.

The department’s culture has shifted significantly, with staff reporting that it’s “the best it’s ever been”.

“Once you empower people and once they’re engaged in their job, they do great stuff,” he explains.

This sense of motivation has led to numerous accomplishments that give purpose to their work, driving them to continue performing at their best.

“We have to treat people like adults. We have to let them do their job and trust them,” he stresses.

It’s a collaborative environment that promotes the sharing of ideas, but more than that, there’s an emphasis on creating a fun atmosphere, with public events like barbecues. Fulgoni believes this is crucial for Santa Maria, which he describes as something of an underdog – a city with a dedicated community that strives to make a difference.

“They care about how Santa Maria grows and proceeds,” he reflects.

Crucial collaboration

With community involvement so central to Santa Maria Public Works, there is an intense focus on listening to residents and responding to their concerns.

“We work for the people that live in this city, and it’s very important to us that they’re represented and that we are in tune with what their needs are,” Fulgoni says.

The department actively encourages public feedback, addressing complaints about roads, ensuring projects are informed by the community’s needs.

“When we talk about what road to pave, we want to make sure that it’s the most impactful and that people are actually using the road,” he continues.

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Regular collaborations with groups like Move Santa Barbara County and schools also shape decisions. Partnerships with the private sector play an important role in managing highly specialized projects, according to Fulgoni.

“What we’re doing is being resourceful,” he explains.

The city collaborates with 81 vendors, like V. Lopez Jr. & Sons, covering everything from civil engineering to construction. In the face of rapid technological advancement, Santa Maria Public Works recognizes the need to embrace innovation to optimize operations and better serve the community.

“We are starting to devote time to implementing different types of technology because we cannot continue to do what we’re doing the way we’re doing it,” he says.

Recent initiatives include a computerized maintenance management system for both the city’s facilities and fleet departments and an asset management program to monitor road conditions.

The city is also working toward a fully electric bus fleet by mid-2025, aiming to be one of the first cities in the United States to do so. Fulgoni also plans to explore autonomous vehicle corridors to address workforce limitations and meet future transportation needs.

These innovations are characteristic of Santa Maria Public Works as the department continues to push the boundaries for the benefit of its residents.

“If we’re going to do this, let’s do it,” Fulgoni says. “We’ll fall on our face a few times, but that’s OK.”