Draft State Street Master Plan at Council April 28!
What do you enjoy most about the State Street Promenade being Car-Free?
Send an email to Santa Barbara City Council about State Street at Clerk@SantaBarbaraCA.gov or StateStreetMasterPlan@SantaBarbaraCA.gov
Mention Item 11.
You can also join in person or over zoom!
When: Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM
Where: City Council Chambers (735 Anacapa St.) or via Zoom
Suggested talking points are provided here, however we strongly encourage you to personalize the contents of the email:
State Street should prioritize pedestrians and bicycles, and remain closed to cars for the entire length.
Increased bike + foot traffic is good for local businesses.
Keeping the street closed to cars is safer for everyone and makes the space more inviting/comfortable for pedestrians to exist in.
The downtown/waterfront shuttle should be fully funded to help provide equitable means of accessing downtown areas and assist those less-able to walk in accessing all of State Street, the waterfront, and the Funk Zone.
Read the full Draft Master Plan here!
Read our coalition letter here!
State Street is often referred to as "the heart" of Santa Barbara; the downtown's main street, key in establishing and driving the culture and economic prosperity of the city.
State Street has gone through periods of success and struggle, with its most recent history being marked by reductions in retail stores and visitor numbers. However, in an attempt to mitigate the spread of the CoVID-19 virus, Santa Barbara closed its main street to cars in 2020 and allowed restaurants to erect parklets and outdoor eating spaces in the newly-open road space. These 10 blocks (Guttierez to E Sola) have since remained closed to cars and resulted in an impressive transformation of the public space of our city.
Locals and visitors alike have flocked to the State Street Promenade for food and drink, to window shop, and to visit markets and other city-sponsored events. A number of business owners have reported increased revenue as a result.
The State Street Promenade is used by those in all walks of life. Families safely walk through downtown without the concern of car traffic. Adolescents and young adults have found it to be a fun and inviting place to hang out after school/work. Friends and visitors tour the nightlife on State Street after dark, enjoying the comfort and ambiance of a place made for people.
The closure was completed with inexpensive Quick-Build materials (e.g. moveable plastic bollards and minor street paint), in a classic example of what Strong Town's founder Chuck Marohn describes as a "small bet." However, due to the impermanent nature of these features, Santa Barbara's city council must determine to what extent the changes to State Street become permanent.
The time to make a public comment is now.
The next public meeting is April 28th at 2pm!
Please use the button above to submit a written public comment now. The more positive comments supporting safe bike and pedestrian infrastructure, the better!
State Street Master Plan Website
Draft Guiding Principles and Core Strategies
State Street Advisory Committee Website
Our Coalition Letter
Friends of State Street Website
Nonprofit focused on community engagement initiatives (eg. partnering with businesses and neighborhoods) as the Master Plan CREATESTATE evolves into the future.
MOVE Santa Barbara County
Walking, cycling, and public transit nonprofit advocacy group