The Future of State Street: A Milestone Moment for Our Downtown

State Street is the historic and cultural heart of Santa Barbara, and we are now at a pivotal moment in making its future permanent. The City has officially released the newest draft of the State Street Master Plan - a comprehensive 153-page vision developed in collaboration with renowned urbanist Stefanos Polyzoides of Moule & Polyzoides.

This isn’t just a minor update; it’s a long-term roadmap to transform our 11-block downtown core into a world-class, walkable destination that balances our rich history with modern vitality.

A District-Based Vision

The new plan envisions a nearly mile-long stretch divided into three distinct sub-districts, each with its own unique character and purpose:

The Arts District (1000–1300 Blocks): Anchored by the Arlington and Granada theatres, focusing on culture and creativity.
The Civic & Commercial District (700–900 Blocks): The bustling heart of retail and local government.
The Entertainment District (300–600 Blocks): A high-energy hub for dining, nightlife, and social gathering.

The Modular Street: Flexibility for the Future

One of the most innovative features being discussed is a modular street layout. By using retractable bollards, the City could flexibly manage traffic—potentially keeping the streets pedestrian-only during peak business hours (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) while allowing service and public access during the overnight hours. This approach aims to keep our corridors vibrant and safe while maintaining the logistical needs of a functioning downtown.

Your Voice Matters: City Council Hearing April 28th

The City Council will meet to review these updated designs and provide final guidance before the plan is finalized this summer. This is a critical time for the business community to weigh in.

When: Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM
Where: City Hall, Council Chambers (735 Anacapa St.) or Join Online
How to Participate: You can attend in person, speak via Zoom, or submit written comments to StateStreetMasterPlan@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.

Get the Details

We encourage everyone to review the full draft and the over 170 pages of supporting documents to see the "before and after" visuals and deep historical analysis that informed this plan.

View the Full State Street Master Plan & Appendices Here

By staying engaged, we ensure that the next 20–30 years of downtown revitalization reflect the needs of our local businesses and the spirit of the Santa Barbara community.