STATE STREET BUSINESS OWNER ROUNDTABLE UPDATE

This week, the Chamber hosted the State Street Business Owner Roundtable, bringing together 40 attendants from State Street businesses, City Councilmembers, and city staff to discuss the downtown corridor’s future regarding the State Street Master Plan, as well as the decision-making process in the interim period. The overwhelming consensus from businesses was to keep investing in the promenade so that the economic vitality of the downtown corridor can continue to improve. There were positive reports from both restaurateurs and retailers that sales are trending upward as we move into summer. The group would like to give feedback to the city about the need for increased street and sidewalk cleaning, the return of shuttles, better lighting, and guidelines on parklet design. The Chamber will continue to engage with the City of Santa Barbara and downtown businesses throughout this important decision-making process, hosting additional State Street Business Owner Roundtables.