Create State - State Street Master Plan

The City is pleased to announce that the State Street Master Plan has been officially adopted. This long‑range plan lays out a comprehensive vision for transforming State Street into a more vibrant, accessible, and community‑oriented corridor. It outlines strategies for improving safety, enhancing pedestrian and bicycle connections, supporting local businesses, and creating inviting public spaces that reflect the character and needs of the community. With the State Street Master Plan now adopted, the City is actively seeking funding opportunities to support the efforts necessary to bring the plan’s vision to life.

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

Plan Maestro de State Street Aprobado
Anexo del Plan Maestro de State Street Aprobado

The City has released the Final State Street Master Plan and Appendices for public review. The Final State Street Master Plan establishes the long‑range vision for the 400 through 1300 blocks of State Street, as well as the surrounding paseos, plazas, parking facilities, and cross streets. It reflects five years of technical analysis, interdepartmental collaboration, and extensive community engagement involving thousands of residents, businesses, and visitors. 

Final State Street Master Plan
Appendices for the State Street Master Plan 

On Tuesday, September 1, the City Council will consider adoption of the Final State Street Master Plan. Community members are encouraged to participate in person or online, watch the livestream, and share comments.

Introduction of Final State Street Master Plan Adoption at City Council
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Begins at 2:00 p.m.
City Hall, Council Chambers (735 Anacapa St.)
Event Info | Add Event to Your Calendar

To review agenda documents, please visit September 1 Council Agenda Report (Item 9).

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

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. 

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.