Beginning this September, DSBIA will launch a comprehensive suite of enhanced janitorial, pressure washing, and landscaping services throughout the district. These improvements aim to elevate the look and feel of downtown Santa Barbara—creating a cleaner, more welcoming experience for residents, workers, and visitors alike.
Alongside this rollout, a new Vacant Window Beautification Program will activate empty storefronts with local art and enliven downtown while attracting new businesses.
“We’re stepping into a new chapter for downtown,” said Robin Elander, Executive Director of DSBIA. “This fall’s improvements reflect our commitment to bold action—helping downtown feel cleaner, safer, and more alive than ever before.”
Public Policy and Safety: Building a Stronger Foundation
To support long-term revitalization, DSBIA is advancing several public safety and policy efforts designed to make downtown more responsive, resilient, and economically competitive:
- Launching a Security Camera Grant Program to help deter crime and improve safety throughout the district.
- Supporting adaptive reuse of vacant commercial buildings into much-needed housing.
- Convening a Housing Task Force to shape practical, community-informed solutions.
- Advocating for streamlined permitting to reduce barriers to new and growing businesses.
- Investing in street-level improvements such as news rack upgrades, and activation of underused public spaces.
Community Events Bringing People Back Downtown
Recent DSBIA-led events have brought fresh energy to the district, helping to drive foot traffic and support local businesses:
- Live Art & Wine Tour (May): Over 500 attendees visited 10 venues featuring 30+ wineries and 15 food partners.
- Spring Dance Series (April–June): Hundreds gathered for live music and free outdoor dance classes on State Street.
- EQ25 Celebration: Commemorated the 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake and honored downtown’s enduring architecture and resilience.
A More Flexible State Street
DSBIA is championing a flexible design for State Street that balances vehicle access and pedestrian space. The proposed more flexible approach allows for vehicle traffic during non-peak times of day or week while maintaining walkability and space for parades, markets, and special events. The vision includes more organized areas for cyclists and expanded outdoor dining, supporting a vibrant, safe accessible downtown all year long. We invite the community to support this more balanced approach to advance year-round vitality and accommodate it’s diverse users.
Annual Meeting & Board Nominations Now Open
The public is invited to attend DSBIA’s Annual Meeting & Mixer on Thursday, September 25 from 3:30–5:30 PM (location TBD). The event will introduce DSBIA’s inaugural board of directors, highlight organizational goals, and celebrate early achievements in revitalization…