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Create State - State Street Master Plan

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Create State - State Street Master Plan is a long-term visioning document for the revitalization of downtown over the next 20-30 years.

The State Street Master Plan builds on the momentum of the eight-block State Street closure driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and will identify a long-term design for State Street and downtown that transforms the right-of-way into a lively urban place, reflects our community's vision and values, and is safe and vibrant.

This Plan will put community engagement at the forefront in order to shape downtown Santa Barbara for all to enjoy now and for generations to come.

Sections

Updates on the State Street Master Plan

Staff Update: June 26, 2026

The City’s public comment period for the State Street Master Plan closes on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Written comments may be emailed to StateStreetMasterPlan@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.   

Following the public comment period, staff will be finalizing the Master Plan, and the final State Street Master Plan will be presented to City Council in August 2026. 

In addition to the State Street Master Plan, the City Council will be discussing the interim implementation of the State Street Master Plan on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Staff will be requesting direction from Council on whether to maintain the State Street Promenade in its current configuration until the Master Plan is implemented and return to Council with amendments to reauthorize Title 31 or to allow Title 31 to expire and return to Council to appropriate funds necessary to effectuate the re-configuration of the roadway for vehicular traffic until the Master Plan can be implemented. 

Interim Implementation of the State Street Master Plan Presentation at City Council
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Begins at 2:00 p.m. 
City Hall, Council Chambers (735 Anacapa St.)
Event Info Add Event to Your Calendar

Staff Update: April 16, 2026

The City has released the Draft State Street Master Plan and Appendices documents for public review. The plan is designed to reflect community priorities and guide future improvements to shape downtown Santa Barbara for all to enjoy now, and for generations to come. On Tuesday, April 28, the City Council will review the State Street Master Plan and provide final direction to staff on any additional refinements to be made prior to finalizing the Master Plan. Community members are encouraged to participate in person or online, watch the livestream, and submit a comment.

Documents to Review:
Draft State Street Master Plan
Draft State Street Master Plan Appendices 

Borrador Plan Maestro de State Street 
Borrador Plan Maestro de State Street - Anexos 

Written comments may be emailed to StateStreetMasterPlan@SantaBarbaraCA.gov by June 30, 2026. 

Staff Update: February 2026

On October 21, 2025, City Council authorized a contract with Moule and Polyzoides to provide consulting services that support the City of Santa Barbara in completing the State Street Master Plan. In addition, Council authorized staff to complete a feasibility analysis for an alternative stormwater compliance project, as part of the design approach for State Street between Ortega and Carrillo Streets. Work has been reinitiated on the State Street Master Plan with Moule and Polyzoides, and an updated draft Master Plan will be presented to City Council on April 28, 2026, for input and guidance. Following the City Council meeting, the draft Master Plan will be available for public review and comment, including by the State Street Advisory Committee. The final Master Plan, incorporating comments by the public, will be shared with the City Council in Summer 2026. The City looks forward to advancing this important project for our downtown this year. 

Concepts prepared by Moule and Polyzoides are currently undergoing further analysis. Concepts are being reviewed by internal City Departments and conversations about the State Street Master Plan are underway with the Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association and Strong Towns Santa Barbara. 

Draft Concept for State Street Under Review

Draft Concept for State Street Under Review

Master Plan Timeline

1
Project Initiation

Fall 2021

2
Project Team Onboard

Summer 2022

3
Community Outreach

Summer 2022 - Summer 2023

4
Existing Conditions and Vision

Fall 2022

5
Preliminary Concepts

Fall 2023

6
Urban Design Framework and Preferred Concepts

2024

7
New Project Team Onboard

Late 2025

8
Revised Concepts and Outreach to Stakeholders

Early 2026

9
Public Draft Master Plan - Review at City Council

April 28, 2026

10
Public Review and Community Outreach

Spring 2026

11
Approval of Final Master Plan

Summer 2026

Stay Informed