As we close out 2025 and look ahead to the year before us, I am grateful for the people who make Solvang what it is and optimistic about where we are headed. Our city of just over 6,000 residents continues to welcome millions of visitors each year, drawn by our Danish heritage, walkable downtown, and small-town charm. Balancing life as both a close-knit community and an international destination is a responsibility we take seriously.
This past year, Solvang made steady progress on priorities that matter to residents and businesses alike. We continued to invest in public safety and emergency preparedness, advanced long-range planning, and strengthened partnerships across the Santa Ynez Valley and the region. We also placed renewed emphasis on clear communication, sharing regular updates via the city’s newsletter and public meetings to keep residents informed and engaged. A well-informed community is a resilient one.
As we move into 2026, my vision is guided by one central goal: to secure and strengthen the Solvang brand for the next three generations.
Solvang is known worldwide for its Danish identity, distinctive architecture, and sense of place. Visitors from across the country and around the globe experience something here they cannot find anywhere else. That recognition is the result of intentional choices made over decades by residents, business owners, and community leaders who understood the value of preservation. Celebrations like Julefest remind us that our heritage is not just a backdrop, but a living part of daily life. Preserving our brand does not mean standing still. It means making thoughtful decisions about growth, design, and infrastructure so that Solvang remains authentic, welcoming, and functional long into the future.
Like many California cities, Solvang faces increasing state mandates alongside our local needs. In 2026, we will continue important conversations about land use, including the Urban Growth Boundary, and how best to plan for future needs while preserving our village character. A central part of this work is ensuring our infrastructure can support both residents and visitors for decades to come, including long-range planning for our waste-water system, an essential investment in public health, environmental protection, and future growth capacity. Public safety and emergency preparedness remain equally critical. The city will continue updating emergency plans, strengthening regional coordination, and investing in training and readiness so we are prepared to respond to emergencies large and small.
Solvang’s downtown is the heart of our community and economy. Continued attention to mobility, accessibility, and safety supports both local quality of life and the visitor experience. The city will continue advancing efforts to strengthen our downtown through coordinated investment and collaboration with the business community. Ongoing work toward a Business Improvement District reflects a shared commitment to maintaining a vibrant, clean, and welcoming downtown that benefits businesses, residents, and visitors alike.
Tourism will always be a corner stone of Solvang’s economy. Our hotels, restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions provide jobs, generate revenue, and help fund essential city services. At the same time, long-term resilience means continuing to strengthen and diversify our economic base. We will continue to support local businesses, encourage entrepreneurship, and engage with the business community to ensure Solvang remains economically vibrant. A balanced economy helps smooth seasonal fluctuations, supports workforce stability, and ensures Solvang remains a place where families and small businesses can thrive.
A thriving city is one where families feel supported and young people see opportunity. We will continue prioritizing parks, recreation, youth programs, and family-oriented community events that bring people together and strengthen local connections. Planning for Solvang’s future also means investing in quality-of-life amenities, including continued work on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan to guide improvements to parks, trails, and recreational facilities.
The year ahead will bring both opportunities and challenges, but what gives me confidence is Solvang’s strong sense of stewardship and shared responsibility. Our residents are engaged, our Solvang Mayor David Brown business community is invested, and our city team is committed to thoughtful, transparent governance. Since its founding, Solvang has been shaped by people who understood they were caretakers of something special. For those who call Solvang home, that stewardship shows up in civic engagement, neighborhood pride, and deep respect for our history. For those who visit, it is reflected in a community that values authenticity, hospitality, and a sense of place.
As we enter 2026, I invite residents to stay engaged and continue shaping Solvang’s future, and I welcome visitors to experience what makes our village unique. Our heritage, walkable streets, local businesses, and community spirit define us. Together, we can ensure Solvang remains a place people are proud to live in and eager to return to for generations to come.
