Back to the Future
The History and Future of Downtown Pedestrian Malls
Santa Barbara was not unique in responding to the COVID pandemic, and subsequent lockdowns and restrictions, by closing downtown streets to create outdoor spaces to dine and to congregate. While most cities have since reopened those streets, Santa Barbara seems to have decided to use the original emergency closure to implement a permanent Pedestrian Mall on its main thoroughfare, State Street.
I say “seems to have decided” because it remains unclear exactly what the city is proposing for downtown. The City Council, which appears to be in charge of this process, is divided and disorganized. The council is unable to respond to requests by city staff or residents on some clarity about the direction of the city on the future of State Street.
A committee has been formed — the State Street Advisory Committee — to “guide” the planning process. But it is clear that their work will not be finished for two or more years. And that is just the initial planning process. They have engaged an out-of-town consultant to help lead and advise the planning at an expense that will be close to $1million.
