Santa Barbara Council set to decide State Street's car-free future

The Santa Barbara City Council will vote on whether to extend Title 31, keeping State Street pedestrian-friendly, or return to pre-COVID two-way traffic—a move that would cost at least $700,000 for removing on-street dining, pedlets, and resurfacing. Public safety concerns and potential impacts on the Farmers Market and summer events accompany the cost, while the State Street Master Plan moves forward separately; if car-free remains, city will continue pilot projects and low-cost improvements.