SBCAG Looks Back at a Year of Regional Progress

2025: A YEAR OF PROGRESS, PARTNERSHIP, AND INVESTMENT

As we close out 2025, SBCAG is grateful for the leadership, collaboration, and partnership that made this a landmark year for our region. From long-anticipated transportation project milestones to new planning efforts that will shape the future, this year delivered meaningful progress for communities across Santa Barbara County.

 “The progress we saw in 2025 reflects years of collaboration and a shared commitment to regional thinking and delivering results. I’m proud of the partnerships we’ve built and the dedication of our Board and staff as we continue working toward a more connected, resilient Santa Barbara County.”

 MAJOR MILESTONES THAT MOVED THE REGION FORWARD

• Highway 101 through Santa Barbara is fully funded! Secured the final $134 million needed to complete the Santa Barbara U.S. 101 Multimodal Corridor—one of the most significant transportation investments in county history. Every local dollar has helped attract another dollar and a half in outside funding – more than $760 million so far.
• Highway 101: Padaro and Summerland segments completed. A ribbon cutting celebrated the opening of 7 miles of new carpool lanes, six new bridges, improved ramps, sound walls, a Blue Star Memorial Highway designation, and the Santa Claus Lane Bikeway, bringing major safety and mobility improvements online.
• Record investment through Measure A. The voter-approved half-cent sales tax generated its highest annual revenue to date, with $56 million invested in Fiscal Year 2024-25, benefiting every city and unincorporated area in the county.
• $8.3 million approved for the Highway 101/State Route 135 Interchange Project in Santa Maria, marking the first time in decades that regional funds have been proposed for a project outside the Santa Barbara U.S. 101 Multimodal Corridor.

 PLANNING TODAY FOR SAFER, SMARTER TRAVEL TOMORROW

• Draft State Route 166 Comprehensive Corridor Study released, identifying 13 proposed safety and mobility improvements between Guadalupe and Santa Maria.
• State Route 135 (Broadway) study funded, launching an 18-month effort to address safety, congestion, and mobility between Orcutt and Santa Maria.
• Broadband projects advanced, with designs and environmental review completed for last-mile infrastructure in nine rural communities, bringing high-speed internet one step closer to reality.

EXPANDING SERVICE AND ACCESS

• Transit service expanded with the debut of the Clean Air Express Midday Connector, offering new midday travel between North County and the South Coast.
• Support during Highway 101 construction, including free rides on MTD Route 19X to help keep commuters moving.
• Bicycle, pedestrian, and safe routes to school projects funded with $7 million from Measure A and the state’s active transportation program, and another successful CycleMAYnia National Bike Month featuring 47 events to “Bike Your Way.”

LEADERSHIP, PARTNERSHIPS, AND PEOPLE

In 2025, SBCAG welcomed new leadership to the Board of Directors, including Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse as Chair, and new Board members Supervisor Roy Lee, Buellton Mayor David Silva, Lompoc Mayor James Mosby, and Solvang Mayor David Brown.

The Board also appointed new members to key committees, strengthening public oversight and advisory roles that support SBCAG’s work countywide.

This year also marked important milestones within the organization:

• Celebrating 20 years of service by Martha Gibbs, Andrew Orfila, and Sarkes Khachek, whose dedication and institutional knowledge continue to strengthen SBCAG’s work.
• Welcoming Andrea Geis as SBCAG’s new Chief Financial Officer and Human Resources Director and Liana Campos as Board Clerk, bringing leadership and expertise to these critical functions.

LOOKING AHEAD

SBCAG’s Board reaffirmed a shared commitment to regional collaboration, fairness across communities, and maximizing funding opportunities—values that will continue to guide the agency’s work as long-term planning advances, including preparation for the future of Measure A.

As we look to the year ahead, SBCAG remains focused on delivering results, supporting local partners, and keeping Santa Barbara County connected.

Wishing You a Safe and Restful Holiday Season and a Healthy, Successful New Year!