More than 50 people participated in group discussions at the final Isla Vista Transportation Workshop, exploring solutions to the problems local residents face in their everyday transportation and mobility experiences.

The event was hosted by Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD). Discussion topics included pedestrian, bike and bus infrastructure, as well as questions on specific streets, including but not limited to Pardall and Del Playa.

The final topic covered Isla Vista as a whole, and regional trips residents and community members take.

Each subject had a number of discussion questions for attendees to share feedback while looking at maps and photos of suggested improvements.

The in-person meeting was held May 24 at the Isla Vista Community Center. Spanish, Mandarin, and ASL interpretation were provided, along with childcare and dinner.

The list of recommended projects presented at the workshop was created based on community feedback, collision and safety data, and recommendations from traffic engineers both with KTUA consultants and Santa Barbara County Public Works Department.

For the last 18 months, IVCSD has been engaging with residents and community members through a variety of events to gather feedback on what challenges are faced getting around Isla Vista.

More than 1,000 survey responses were collected, transportation pop-up events were hosted, lighting walks, town halls, and continued engagement at events and door-to-door canvassing led the district to the Final Transportation Workshop.

During that time, an Existing Conditions Report has been drafted and presented to the community and IVCSD’s Board. Next, the district will work with KTUA, the consultants hired for active transportation planning to draft the first Isla Vista Mobility Plan.

The final steps will include presenting the draft plans to local stakeholders before moving to the funding and implementation phase.

Click here to learn more about the grant IVCSD from the California Air Resources Board and the group of community partners supporting these efforts.

“I am extremely proud of how engaging a process this has been. Every seat and table was full,” said Marcos Aguilar, IVCSD Board president.

“Even after the two hours dedicated to the workshop had concluded, connections were still being made and neighbors were sharing their feedback with all of us board members, staff, and our partners,” he said.