The Chamber released the July Data Dashboard on August 1. The monthly dashboard showcases data trends related to real estate, workforce, sales tax, tourism, cannabis revenue, crime, homelessness, poverty, and COVID-19 throughout Santa Barbara County and the South Coast.
Click here for the full July 2022 South Coast Data Dashboard.
For the June Data Dashboard, click here.
The Chamber is pleased to report that the State Street Advisory Committee has chosen a consultant firm to produce the State Street Master Plan. The City Council voted unanimously to approve the contract for consulting services to MIG Inc. MIG’s work will be guided by input from the State Street Advisory Committee, which the Chamber’s President and CEO, Kristen Miller, is a member.
The Chamber has worked with MIG in the past on separate projects and is excited to have this reputable and qualified firm working on this important planning which will shape a vibrant downtown Santa Barbara. The State Street Master Plan will build upon the eight-block closure of State Street and set the plan for creating a more permanent pedestrian focused promenade.
MIG will be responsible for a community engagement plan; technical studies on transportation, stormwater management, and utilities; an urban design framework; and an implementation plan including cost estimates, phasing, ongoing maintenance, and operations.
We want to thank the nearly 200 members who go above and beyond in supporting the Chamber, becoming a part of the 110% Club. Your contribution of 10% over your annual membership investment helps the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce continue to provide relevant programs and resources to serve the needs of our members, as well as supporting advocacy, leadership, innovation and development efforts.
Click here for a list of our current Club Members. We truly appreciate their support!
The Chamber continues to host State Street Business Owner Roundtables to provide an opportunity for local businesses to discuss interim operations with City staff and City Councilmembers from the Interim Ad Hoc Committee.
At the most recent Roundtable on July 28, a group of 28 attendees focused discussions on ADA compliance; potential outdoor structures, design standards, and operational recommendations; alternative parade routes which would allow for permanent outdoor dining structures and parades on State Street to co-exist; and cleanliness as it relates to permanent outdoor dining structures.
The State Street Interim Operations Ad Hoc Committee is continuing to finalize their recommendations which will then go to City Council for a final decision, likely mid-September.
The Chamber is proud to support and take part in the Old Spanish Days Fiesta Historical Parade, a Santa Barbara tradition that dates back over 90 years. This is one of the largest equestrian parades in the country, with the route running along Cabrillo Boulevard for the first time. The Historical Parade begins at Noon on Friday.
The Goleta Lemon Festival attracts over 35,000 attendees and is the biggest celebration in the Goleta area. The festival hosts 70+ booths featuring local non-profit organizations, food, beverages, and merchandise.
Applications for vendors and volunteers are now being accepted. All prospective vendors must submit applications by August 1 for food vendors and August 26 for non-food vendors.
Volunteer Opportunities
Food Application
Booth Application
Entertainment Application
Car Show Application
Mark your calendars and plan to attend the upcoming B2B Networking Breakfasts! Attendees will make new connections, provide a 20-second commercial about their business, enjoy a delicious hot breakfast, and hear a wonderful presentation from the sponsor. B2B is on a summer break but will resume in September.
September 15
Sponsored by Spectrum Reach
Lemon is the theme in celebration of the return of the Goleta Lemon Festival
October 27
Sponsored by JR Bookkeeping
November 17
Sponsored by Plains All American
The Chamber continues to support and advocate for increased housing throughout the South Coast, as a means of supporting our local workforce. Currently, the City of Santa Barbara’s recently released Draft 2023 Housing Element is one of the most relevant local processes in addressing the need for increased housing. The Chamber encourages our members to participate.
The draft is available for review and comment until August 3. View the draft 2023 Housing Element here, then click on Public Review Draft. This is a comprehensive 250-page document; however, the goals, policies, and programs of the plan can be found on pages 85-102. If the jobs/housing imbalance has affected your business, this is a great opportunity to share support for programs and policies that can address this issue.
Click here to submit a public comment on the draft.
The Chamber continues to support actions that address homelessness throughout the South Coast. The Chamber is happy to share the success of this past year’s accomplishments and efforts in Santa Barbara, summarized by Liz Rodriguez with the Santa Barbara Hotel Group.
Through collaborative efforts such as weekly RAP meetings lead by SBACT, effective and immediate responses from CityNet and New Beginnings, and increased SBPD patrol and presence, there has been a significant decrease in homeless related crimes and nuisances along the Waterfront. Thanks to our Mayor, City Council, and city staff for continuing to participate in and support homeless services and solutions. As well as the Santa Barbara Police Department who have prioritized the Waterfront region and homeless related matters at a time when, like many businesses, the police department is experiencing a staffing shortage. The Volunteer in Policing program has expanded their patrol to include Castillo and Montecito streets, allowing for additional uniformed presence to not only to deter crimes and nuisances, but to also become familiar with the unhoused in these areas and build relationships to encourage individuals accepting services and possible housing.
The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce will host the return of the in-person Legislative Summit on Wednesday, August 10, from 9:00 to 10:30 AM at Hilton Garden Inn. Limited seating available, register early.
Featured speakers include Congressman Salud Carbajal, and 1st District County Supervisor Das Williams.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available, please contact Michele Schneider – Director of Business Development Michele@sbscchamber.com (805) 967-2500 x105.
