General Manager David Matson is responsible for the fiscal and operational sustainability of Goleta Water District, an independent Special District chartered by California law in 1944. With a complex system of infrastructure assets exceeding $1 billion, an annual budget of $59M, a staff of 75 professionals, the District provide water service to a diverse and vibrant community of over 87,000 residents across the greater Goleta Valley and along the Gaviota Coast. The District relies on a diverse water supply portfolio that includes Lake Cachuma, the Goleta Groundwater Basin, State Water and recycled water. Given the complexity and age of the infrastructure required to maintain, treat and deliver that portfolio, the District began implementing a innovative Net Zero initiative under its Sustainability Plan to control rising costs, increase resiliency and develop renewable sources of energy.

Executive manager of innovative county department dedicated to delivering community services funding to over 65 non-profit agencies throughout the community using CDBG, HOME and other federal funding sources to address a range of persistent community issues including the development of affordable housing and the expansion of homeless services. Promoted sustainable economic development, including the formation of Tourism Business Improvement Districts in Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley. Created and launched emPowerSBC (www.emPowerSBC.org), an innovative incentive-base program providing financing for home energy upgrades.

Executive manager of County Redevelopment Agency located in the urban community of Isla Vista. Served at the request of the County Executive Office and the County Auditor-Controller.Managed a series of RDA catalyst projects including the ZipCar Car-sharing program, Outdoor Dining Program, Façade improvement Program and the construction of a Solar Demonstration Parking Lot.

Executive manager of County initiatives for emerging energy efficiency and climate policy; County Representative and Vice Chair of regional Council of Governments Technical Planning Advisory Committee; lead County negotiator for regional housing and planning issues including Blueprint Planning Pilot Program; responsible for General Plan updates inclusive of regulatory compliance with state housing law (2007 Rezone Program, 2008-14 Housing Element), the Land Conservation Act (2006 Uniform Rules update), the Coastal Act and local Zoning laws.Co-authored successful county-sponsored legislation amending California annexation law: AB1019(2007) and AB242(2008); served as land use technical liaison to State Assembly Local Government Committee and Senate Housing and Transportation Committee.

Auditor-in-charge of topical analysis and findings for presentation by Auditor-Controller to CEO and Board of Supervisors, ensuring compliance with Federal standards/State guidelines/County policy with specialized focus on with special focus on increasing efficiency, economy, and effectiveness of County service deliveryManaged state mandated fiscal reporting and monitoring for CFDs, JPAs and special districts; adhoc legislative analyst for topics related to Auditor/Controller portfolio; and maintained continuing education (CPE) per Federal GAO standards.