The Santa Barbara Poet Laureate is selected by a formal process. The poet serves a two-year term which begins in April, coinciding with National Poetry Month. More about the Santa Barbara Poet Laureate Program here.
Santa Barbara has recognized the following poets as laureates:
- Barry Spacks (2005-2007)
- Perie Longo (2007-2009)
- David Starkey (2009-2011)
- Paul J. Willis (2011-2013)
- Chryss Yost (2013-2015)
- Sojourner Kincaid Rolle (2015-2017)
- Enid Osborn (2017-2019)
- Laure-Anne Bosselaar (2019-2021)
- Emma Trelles (2021-2023)
- Melinda Palacio (2023-2025)