A Responsible Path Forward for State Street
Transparency, Community Input, and Practical Progress
State Street is the heart of Santa Barbara. Its future matters deeply to our residents, business owners, and visitors. It deserves a process that is clear, transparent, and grounded in our community’s values.
The Consultant Process So Far
In July 2022, the City Council approved a contract with MIG, Inc. for the State Street Master Plan in a not-to-exceed amount of $709,156, with up to $70,915 in contingency authority, totaling $780,071 in authorized funding.
According to public reporting, approximately $570,000 was paid before the City ended the agreement in 2025, leaving roughly $210,000 unspent. A final, Council-adopted master plan was not completed during that time.
In October 2025, the City shifted the project to Moule & Polyzoides to complete the work. Public reporting indicated about $210,000 remained on the prior MIG contract, and City Council materials and reporting show an additional $343,250 was approved to expand the scope and finish the Master Plan.
In total, more than $1.1 million has been authorized in consultant funding connected to this planning effort.
About the Firms
Both firms selected for this work are based outside Santa Barbara. Moule & Polyzoides is based in Pasadena, and MIG operates offices outside the region, including Seattle.
Outside expertise can bring valuable experience and perspective. At the same time, it is important that local voices, businesses, and professionals remain deeply involved in shaping the future of our downtown.
Santa Barbara is home to talented architects, planners, designers, engineers, and business leaders who care deeply about State Street’s success.
My Perspective
State Street’s future should reflect the character, history, and creativity of Santa Barbara. The goal isn’t to relive the past; it’s to move forward with clarity, confidence, and a shared vision.
I understand that there are strong and heartfelt opinions about State Street. That passion speaks to how much people care about our downtown. I want to hear from everyone; residents, business owners, workers, and visitors. Because the best solutions come from open conversations and mutual respect.
Personally, I support keeping a portion of State Street as a promenade. I believe maintaining the closure from De La Guerra Street to Haley Street preserves the energy and pedestrian-friendly atmosphere many people enjoy, while also allowing flexibility and access in other areas. I know not everyone will agree with that balance, and I welcome those conversations. My commitment is to listen thoughtfully and work toward practical solutions that serve the community.
I would also like to see the Downtown Shuttle program strengthened and extended. Reliable transportation is a smart investment that supports local businesses, improves accessibility, and makes downtown easier to enjoy for everyone.
Parking plays a key role in revitalization. I believe downtown parking should be viewed as an economic development tool. Returning to 90 minutes of free parking and keeping rates stable could help encourage more residents to visit and shop downtown more frequently. While this may reduce parking revenue in the short term, increased activity and sales tax growth can strengthen the overall health of our local economy and offset those losses.
I’m encouraged to see continued attention to cleanliness and maintenance along State Street. A welcoming, well-maintained downtown benefits everyone. I look forward to working collaboratively with business groups, neighborhood leaders, and community partners to keep building on that progress.
I also believe this conversation connects to the future of Paseo Nuevo and the broader downtown area. Encouraging businesses and individuals to invest and grow downtown will be an important part of revitalization.
With open communication, strong local participation, and responsible stewardship of public funds, we can shape a State Street that reflects who we are together.
Moving Forward Together
Large civic projects require thoughtful design, community engagement, and careful planning. Residents and businesses also deserve clarity, momentum, and measurable progress.
State Street’s future should reflect who we are as a city; vibrant, welcoming, and uniquely Santa Barbara.
As we move forward, I believe the State Street process should emphasize:
Clear and consistent public updates
Regular communication so residents and businesses understand timelines, costs, and next steps.
Transparent reporting of budgets and timelines
Straightforward accounting of consultant spending, project phases, and deliverables.
Meaningful community and business input
Ongoing dialogue to ensure decisions reflect local needs and lived experiences.
Streamlined permitting and thoughtful rezoning
Reducing unnecessary delays in the permitting process so property owners can invest with greater confidence. We should work to responsibly shorten timelines, simplify approvals where possible, and explore incentives that encourage mixed-use redevelopment, bringing housing, retail, and activity back into the heart of downtown.
Practical, phased implementation
Maintaining a promenade from De La Guerra to Haley while restoring balance in surrounding areas, strengthening the shuttle program, and using parking policy strategically.
Measurable outcomes
Tracking foot traffic, sales tax performance, business occupancy, cleanliness, and safety metrics to ensure policies are working.