There is a push to allow car traffic back on the State Street Promenade. Now is our chance to stop it!
Send in a public comment now!
What do you enjoy most about the State Street Promenade being Car-Free?
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Submit a public comment in support of the State Street promenade
Send an email to the Santa Barbara State Street Advisory Committee (SSAC) about the State Street Promenade at SSACSecretary@SantaBarbaraCA.gov
You can also share your comments with Santa Barbara City Council at SBCityCouncil@SantaBarbaraCA.gov or Clerk@SantaBarbaraCA.gov
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.
Note: this previously had a form that sent the email for you, but Google rate limited it as it became too popular! Good problem to have.
State Street: The Heart of Santa Barbara
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.
To this end, a permanent redevelopment of the 400-1200 blocks of State Street is currently underway headed by the State Street Advisory Committee (SSAC) who have been tasked with designing a "Master Plan" for these blocks, performing public outreach, and seeking feedback from the community.
On May 24, 2023 the SSAC (in coordination with MIG, a consulting company hired by the city) presented three State Street redesign scenarios. These have since received extensive feedback from the community and undergone several revisions. The updated plans are slated to be presented to the public during future SSAC meetings in 2024. However, there is a push to allow car traffic back on the promenade now!
The time to make a public comment is now.
We will keep you updated
There will be a meeting in the future which we will need your support for.
Please use the form above to submit a written public comment now. The more positive comments supporting safe bike and pedestrian infrastructure, the better!
Resources
State Street Advisory Committee Website
State Street Master Plan Website
Draft Guiding Principles and Core Strategies
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
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