Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association advocates for a Balanced, Flexible Design for a Thriving State Street
SANTA BARBARA — Join the Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association (DSBIA) in advancing a Balanced, Flexible Design for a Thriving State Street!
The community is invited to sign the petition before the council meeting on Oct. 21.
For decades, State Street has been the heart of the community and the economic engine of Downtown Santa Barbara. However, since State Street was closed to vehicles, there has been a troubling decline in annual downtown visitation while other areas of the city have gained visitation and sales. This decline in visitation directly impacts downtown small businesses, property owners, and employees, limits potential investment, and affects the overall vitality of the area.
As part of a major effort to revitalize downtown with enhanced services such as janitorial, landscaping, pressure washing, and beautification efforts, the DSBIA is also advocating for a more flexible and balanced State Street design as part of the State Street Master Plan—one that supports the diverse desires, needs, and uses of the district and wider community.
The DSBIA is urging the City of Santa Barbara to adopt a new State Street design configuration that:
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Installs retractable bollards so the street can be easily opened or closed to vehicles for farmers’ markets, parades, concerts, and other special events.
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Allows for one-way configuration of vehicle traffic and shuttles.
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Creates safe, organized, separate spaces for pedestrians and cyclists.
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Expands sidewalks to continue supporting outdoor dining.
Why This Matters
This new design balances the needs of all users while enhancing the “grand paseo” pedestrian feel that people have grown to love.
It will:
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Increase downtown circulation and accessibility.
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Attract more diverse customers.
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Improve visibility and opportunities for businesses.
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Reinvigorate downtown’s economic vitality.
The DSBIA encourages the community to support the creation of a thriving downtown for the greater good of the entire region by signing the petition before the Oct. 21 Council Meeting.
During the Oct. 21 meeting, the Santa Barbara City Council is expected to advise staff to advance key elements of the short- and long-term plan. It is critically important that this plan supports the greatest number of people in the community—businesses and residents alike. The DSBIA believes this balanced, flexible approach can reunite the community and build a thriving downtown for generations to come.
Sign the petition here