Santa Barbara County residents are invited to a public meeting to learn about the latest design concepts for the Northern Branch Jail (NBJ) housing unit replacement project.
The meetings will provide an update on recent design development and offer the public an opportunity to share ideas that will help guide the project’s design phase.
Key project goals include the renovation and downsizing of the Main Jail to serve solely as a booking and short-term holding facility, while creating replacement housing units at the Northern Branch Jail.
This shift will improve operations and create a better environment for both staff and the incarcerated population, according to the county.
The project will be presented at both meetings to walk attendees through the updated plan. Each meeting will include time for public feedback, including ideas, suggestions, and priorities for the new housing units and associated improvements.
Community members may attend whichever meeting is most convenient for them, the same information will be presented at both.
Meeting options are: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug, 19
 in Santa Maria Hearing Room
, 511 E. Lakeside Pkwy.
, Santa Maria; or 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20 in 
Santa Barbara Hearing Room (and via Zoom)
, fourth floor, 105 E. Anapamu St.
 Santa Barbara.
Virtual meeting registration link invite will be sent to your email: https://santabarbaracounty.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_kSqOmR5_QCuuHhz7dTQ3rQ
Attendees should RSVP by sending an email indicating the location they will be attending to caoemail@countyofsb.org
Background information:
Main Jail (South Jail):
 The Inmate Reception Center (IRC) at the Main Jail, 4436 Calle Real in Santa Barbara, will be repurposed as a booking and pre-arraignment facility.
Northern Branch Jail, 2301 Black Road, Santa Maria, opened in 2022 with 376 beds. It houses incarcerated males and females in medium- and high-security areas.
The county is designing new housing units at the Northern Branch Jail to replace beds at the Main Jail.
The Northern Branch Jail is designed as a predominantly direct supervision facility where custody seputies work within the housing units 24/7, enhancing supervision and safety.
“This model has proven to increase safety for incarcerated people, staff, and visitors while allowing more meaningful interactions between the incarcerated and staff, supporting rehabilitation efforts,” the county said.
The Northern Branch Jail was designed and built to allow incarcerated people with increased access to medical care, mental health care, educational opportunities and vocational opportunities to better prepare incarcerated people for their successful return to their community, the county said.