The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce has a vision for the near future of State Street, which could be implemented now.
The chamber has been closely watching the economic vitality of State Street and Santa Barbara’s downtown, working diligently alongside the City of Santa Barbara, business stakeholders and community partners to shape the future of this economic center.
While the State Street Advisory Committee continues work to design a 20-year master plan, the chamber is championing a vision that could be implemented immediately.
Programs and decisions enacted now can offer certainty and leadership needed to improve the local economy while the important planning for the future continues.
How We Got Here
State Street and downtown have faced several challenges over the years, but it is important to remember that things were at their lowest point right before and at the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The chamber proposes the following vision so that these specific ideas can be considered as part of a plan that could be implemented immediately.
Our Vision
Create a dynamic pedestrian downtown that celebrates the spirit of Santa Barbara through diverse experiences and activities, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement for all, while allowing some blocks to reopen to vehicular traffic.
We are committed to enhancing the quality of life in Santa Barbara by creating a space that is not only a destination but also a reflection of our community’s values.
State Street should be a place where memories are made, connections are formed, locals are proud to frequent, and the vibrant culture of Santa Barbara is celebrated every day.
Create a Grand Paseo
700-800 Blocks, between Cota Street and Canon Perdido (Grand Paseo): Transformed into a Grand Paseo, a vibrant, car-free oasis in the heart of State Street, where community and culture converge.
This area would be dedicated exclusively to pedestrians. A narrow lane would be available for walking your bike, ensuring a safe and serene environment free from cars and bikes.
A visually appealing entrance would mark the beginning of the area, inviting passersby to explore and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
At the heart of the Grand Paseo, we want a portable set of risers and stage (a mini amphitheater) to host a variety of performances and events, bringing arts and entertainment to the community.
We recommend adding a pop-up kitchen demonstration structure and area that would serve as a hub for culinary experiences and food- and beverage-related gatherings.
We envision a booth through which local nonprofit organizations rotate regularly, providing them with a platform to promote their events and initiatives, enriching the community’s connection to local causes.
The two-block area has ample space for other key activations we would like to see: an area for a dog park, a playground or youth recreation area, and intentional space for outdoor dining. Picnic tables would create an opportunity for patrons to enjoy takeout from local eateries. The goal is to have a lively and engaging space for local families, friends and guests to gather.
Celebrate Lower State
500 Block, between Haley and Cota streets: Currently the most activated and frequented block of State Street, it should remain closed to vehicles with the current fire lane and bike lanes and continue to accommodate vibrant parklets.
600 Block, between Cota and Ortega streets: Reopen to cars, allowing for vehicular traffic between Ortega and Cota streets. If the block were to remain closed, we recommend a strategy to intensely activate the block by creating a kid zone or heavily incentivizing increased outdoor business facilities.
Arts District Promenade
These three blocks would be redesigned like a boulevard, with planters and trees down the center and bikes and vehicles moving through in a slow, meandering pattern.
Businesses in this area would be encouraged to utilize the sidewalks and streets, and much of the current landscaping will be moved to the street.
1200 Block, between Anapamu and Victoria streets: Open to one-way traffic, while preserving opportunities for outdoor business facilities by creating a meandering bike lane if needed.
1100 Block, between Figueroa and Anapamu streets: Open to one-way traffic, while preserving opportunities for outdoor business facilities by creating a meandering bike lane if needed.
900 Block, between Canon Perdido and Carrillo Street: Open to two-way vehicular traffic, exploring the possibility of one-side parking.
Support Local Business
Leasing Strategy: A strategic leasing and incentive plan will attract top businesses, enhancing the area’s economic vitality, and ensuring a balanced and thriving commercial landscape.
The retail landscape is changing and there should be a focus on the following areas:
- Diversified food and beverage
- Services and personal care
- Experiential and hospitality
- Innovative retail and vertically integrated entrepreneurs
- Office and trade
Existing businesses would be offered streamlined support to remain and expand if they are in one of the preferred categories above. New businesses would be offered incentives to open quickly in vacant spaces.
An emergency ordinance, or downtown recovery plan, would be implemented for any block that falls below a certain vacancy percentage.
This plan would be immediately implemented for the 900 block, between Canon Perdido and Carrillo Street. An economic development team would utilize streamlined permitting and financial incentives to attract and match businesses in the preferred categories with empty storefronts on the block.
Together, let’s walk, gather and celebrate State Street, the heartbeat of Santa Barbara.