What is Plan Santa Barbara?

Plan Santa Barbara (Plan SB) is your opportunity to shape the future of the City.  Over the next two years, the City is sponsoring a broad-based public outreach process that will focus on future growth and development.  We will be discussing, evaluating and adjusting the City’s housing, transportation, and environmental policies to best meet our community needs now and in the future.   

Why does Santa Barbara look, feel and function like it does today? 

Have you ever wondered why Santa Barbara is so open and inviting?  Or why the City’s history and heritage are so well preserved?  Or why new buildings reflect such a high standard of design and architecture? Or why the City has such wonderful parks and open spaces?

It’s because of the involvement of people like you. 

In 1924, residents alarmed by what was happening in other coastal cities and concerned about over-development in the Waterfront, presented a plan for a coastal park to the Santa Barbara City Council.The result was a bond measure that purchased the land.  Today, the entire beachfront from Ledbetter Beach to East Beach is publicly owned land.  It was the will of the people that made it happen. 

Our history is full of examples where public involvement has made a significant difference in the how the City has grown. Just a few other examples include: 

• A General Plan completed through dedicated resident involvement designed to preserve and enhance the community’s assets (1964)  
• A major grass roots planning effort to study the Impacts of Growth (1974)
• Voters pass a charter amendment directing the City to “live within resources” (1982)
• Voters pass a charter amendment (Measure E) limiting commercial growth for 20 years (1989)
• Residents develop a transportation plan that balances the needs of people who walk, ride, take transit and drive cars. (1995) 

These are just a few examples of planning achievements that were driven by public involvement.   Today, we are facing some of the greatest challenges in our city’s history.   Our community diversity, economic vitality and environmental quality are all at stake!!  Global events and technology are rapidly changing how we live, work and play together.   

It’s time—we need to hear from you, either again or for the first time—

Do you like the changes you are seeing in your neighborhood, Downtown and other commercial areas of the City?   What would you like to see preserved or changed We need to hear from everyone.  This includes: 

• People who like what they see happening
• People who don’t like what’s happening  
• People who aren’t sure about it and
• People who want more information.

Over the next two years, Plan SB will provide many different ways for your voice to be heard.  Tell us what you think right now and see all the other ways you can Get Involved.

How will the City grow and change in years to come?  We need your help to decide and develop the policies that will guide future decisions.