Downtown Santa Barbara property owners hosted a community panel discussion on downtown economic vitality and the benefits of implementing a community benefit improvement district.

A steering committee of property owners has united with a vision for a vibrant and prosperous future for downtown Santa Barbara. Over the last year the group has come together to work on a Community Benefit Improvement District (CBID) for downtown Santa Barbara, an initiative strategically designed to address the area’s challenges and foster economic prosperity.

The group hosted a panel discussion on Jan. 31 to share how CBID’s have enhanced other downtowns and how they work, with panelist Kevin Clerici, executive director of Downtown Ventura and Rick Lemo, president of the Greater Glendale Downtown Association.

Attendees had the opportunity to meet local Santa Barbara property owners spearheading a local CBID initiative in downtown Santa Barbara.

“At the heart of the plan is the establishment of a CBID special assessment district, covering the downtown area of State Street from Sola Street to the 101, and Chapala to Anacapa streets,” said David de L’Arbre, owner of Santa Barbara Travel Bureau and member of the local CBID steering committee.

“Property owners within the zone will contribute to a self-assessment, generating funds for essential services such as cleanliness, safety, and beautification, going beyond the city’s standard offerings,” he said.

“Think of it as an elevated unified voice for our district, a way to advocate for its unique needs, manage sustainable funding independently, and create a more attractive and inviting environment for everyone,” said Trevor Large of Fauver, Large, Archbald and Spray, LLDP longtime business owner, and past board president of the South Coast Chamber of Commerce.

“Through a recent survey, property owners identified key areas for downtown improvement, including tackling homelessness, enhancing public safety and security, and revitalizing the downtown area with special events and beautification projects.” said steering committee member and downtown homeowner, Dan Burnham.

Janet Garufis, president/CEO of Montecito Bank and Trust explained why she has also been involved. “The CBID will be funded through property assessments within the district. These investments will directly enhance property values and attract new businesses and customers.”

“It’s a strategic investment in our collective future,” said steering community member, property owner and developer Peter Lewis.

Sixty-six percent of funds will enhance safety, cleanliness and maintenance, 14% toward beautification, and the remainder covering administration and contingencies. This would enhance the budget for services available downtown to approximately 2 million annually, much in line with world class cities of Santa Barbara’s size.

“Imagine cleaner streets, a vibrant atmosphere, and a downtown buzzing with activity. It’s not just a dream, it’s a future we can build together with the CBID,” said Kristen Miller, CEO/president of the South Coast Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s about tangible benefits that are offered in cities all over the US that are proven to attract residents and visitors and keep them coming back,” said Robin Elander, executive director of Downtown Santa Barbara.

“We just need property owners to sign the petition before the end of February, that affirms they want to see the district implemented with enhanced services,” said Elander, who has been advocating for needed additional resources for downtown along with her staff team and board of directors. 

Crosby Slaught underscored the success of CBIDs, stating, “there are hundreds of CBIDs throughout California and thousands throughout the nation—it’s a more modern and proven way for urban districts to invest in and support themselves, than what we have now. That’s why we’ve all volunteered hundreds of hours towards making it a reality.”

“With services like homeless outreach, safety and security, and cleaning services directed by the new local CBID board, expect a more welcoming and secure environment for our businesses, employees, and visitors,” said Ron Robertson, owner of the Balboa Building.

“The CBID will boost our downtown district’s identity through events, marketing campaigns, and attractive streetscapes, attracting new businesses and customers, just like the success we’ve started to see for the Coast Village Drive CBID, which recently began allocating funds from their CBID,” said Trey Pinner.

“CBIDs are a proven and sustainable funding tool, allowing district property owners to pool their financial resources by assessing themselves to pay for certain district-wide activities and improvements, providing a sustainable funding source year over year,” Garufis added.

De L ’Arbre invites property owners to be part of securing a brighter future for downtown and sign the petition to advance the project forward.  The petition is a necessary part advancing the special assessment district to the next ballot phase.

“Together, we can create a thriving downtown in Santa Barbara with the resources it needs to support it’s world class name and history,” he said.

To learn more, visit https://www.downtownsb.org/about/cbid or contact Elander at Robin@downtownsb.org.

Get a copy of the petition by emailing Robin@downtownsb.org.