Santa Barbara to Host Community Talks on New Westside & Lower West Transportation Plan

The city of Santa Barbara is asking public opinion on its transportation management plans for the Westside and Lower West Neighborhoods. City officials will hold two community meetings—one virtual and one in-person—on June 16 and June 18, respectively.

The transportation management plan is a long-term effort to ensure improved traffic flow, bike infrastructure, pedestrian safety, and access to public transportation in two of the city’s key residential neighborhoods.

Highlights

• Santa Barbara city officials are asking the public to offer input on the Westside and Lower West Neighborhoods Transportation Management Plan.
• The virtual meeting will be held on June 16, 2025, to discuss safety plans, bike infrastructure, traffic flow, and more.
• The in-person meeting will be held at La Cumbre Junior High School on June 18, 2025.

Santa Barbara Community to Hold Both In-Person and Virtual Meetings

The first meeting will be held virtually over Zoom on June 16. This effort is being made to ensure that residents who cannot attend the discussion in person can participate. This inclusive approach is aimed at encouraging broader participation across the two neighborhoods in question.

The in-person meeting will occur on June 18, 2025, at the La Cumbre Junior High School on 2255 Modoc Rd. Local residents can directly interact with city staff and project planners. The session will include a presentation of the latest plan draft and a Q&A session for attendees to raise concerns or offer feedback.

City staff will review feedback to shape the final plan. Construction for this project is expected to begin by 2027. The project will include safety enhancements such as:

• Mile-long protected bike paths adjacent to La Cumbre Jr. High and Santa Barbara Community Academy on Modoc Road and Portesuello Avenue, connecting to the Las Positas/Modoc Multiuse Path and neighborhood bike-friendly streets on Gillespie Street and San Pascual Street.
• Sidewalk infill on Sola Street, Valerio Street, Manitou Road, Pedregosa Street, Calle Real, Arrellega Street, and Euclid Avenue.
• Corridor lighting, bicycle infrastructure, new crosswalk enhancements, and safety efforts across the two neighborhoods.

Residents who wish to attend either the virtual or in-person meetings can register on the City of Santa Barbara’s registration link. Spanish translation services will be available across both meetings.

For more information or any other queries, write to Michelle Bedard at WestsideNTMP@SantaBarbaraCA.gov or call (805) 564-5501. Additional information can be found on the Santa Barbara community website.