Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 7:55
The Santa Maria Valley community recently celebrated a lifelong dedication to public service when Laurie Tamura was named the 2026 Robert P. Hatch Citizen of the Year. During the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce’s 101st annual gala on September 17, Tamura received widespread recognition for her extensive contributions to local planning, law enforcement support, and youth development programs.
Tamura’s journey in Santa Barbara County began after earning an environmental studies degree from UC Santa Barbara. She started her career with the county Planning and Development Department before becoming the president and principal planner at Urban Planning Concepts. Leading a team of seven, she focuses on bridging development projects with neighborhood needs, ensuring new construction aligns with existing communities.
Her professional work extends to future growth areas, including the redevelopment of downtown Santa Maria and expansion along the city’s east side. Tamura emphasizes maintaining high quality of life standards as these neighborhoods evolve.
Having resided in Orcutt for more than four decades, Tamura’s impact is deeply woven into the fabric of this Central Coast region. Her involvement initially stemmed from business networking but quickly evolved into a dedicated passion for civic engagement. She highlights the importance of working directly with residents to foster positive relationships between developers and local stakeholders.
Beyond urban planning, Tamura has been a driving force behind several charitable initiatives. As a former president of the Santa Maria Police Council, she helped organize an annual golf tournament and comedy show that has generated over $2 million for the police department in the last 17 years. Additionally, her strong ties to Scouting America reflect a family tradition; both her father and sons achieved Eagle Scout rank. She also contributed significantly to rebuilding camp facilities that serve approximately 3,000 students annually through regional outdoor science programs.
Tamura’s acceptance of the Citizen of the Year award underscores the value of sustained volunteerism in small cities across California. As she looks toward upcoming development projects, her commitment to balancing growth with community welfare continues to inspire local leaders. Residents interested in supporting chamber activities can visit the official website or submit nominations for next year’s awards.
