Solutions for
Santa Barbara

Housing costs are the root cause of Santa Barbara's affordability crisis. But there is no silver-bullet solution. We need an all of the above policy approach that includes smart, sustainable growth, not skyscrapers or suburban sprawl.

• Dedicated funding for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. These dollars can be leveraged eightfold for permanent, 100% affordable units.
• Repurpose underutilized City properties for workforce housing projects.
• Prioritize mixed-use housing near transit and businesses and the "missing middle" multi-generational housing options families need.
• Streamline permitting and city processes to build housing faster while maintaining high standards that protect Santa Barbara's architectural and neighborhood character.
• Strong tenant protections for renters and a fair stabilization program that preserves affordable housing while supporting the needs of housing providers.

The research is clear: homelessness is a housing issue first and foremost, and most people experiencing homelessness in Santa Barbara are locals who lost their housing. We need a compassionate, robust response strategy that moves people indoors and on the path toward permanent housing.

• Establish an emergency rental assistance program. It's far more humane and cost-effective to keep people housed in the first place.
• Expand the City's support for innovative programs like Dignity Moves' tiny-homes for transitional housing and New Beginnings' safe-parking for those experiencing vehicular homelessness.
• Increased investment in co-response programs that partner specially trained outreach workers, mental health and medical professionals alongside law enforcement during calls for service.
• Support a comprehensive approach to homelessness services with high operational standards, continuing the FARO daytime navigation center and interim shelter services at Casa Cacique.
• Ensure strong fiscal oversight and accountability in City contracts so that every dollar spent helps as many people as possible.

As the current Chairman of the City's Transportation and Circulation Committee, Ian will be ready to address these issues on day one. A more walkable, bikeable, transit-friendly Santa Barbara isn't just an investment in our climate and quality of life, it's public safety.

• A realistic path to Vision Zero, the City's commitment that nobody dies on our streets. The harsh truth is we will not reach our existing 2030 deadline if we continue with business as usual.
• Coordinate with regional partners to expand services like Easy-Lift, SBMTD, and BCycle across the South Coast.
• Work with local schools to strengthen E-Bike and drivers education for our youth.
• Congestion relief for drivers through investments in cutting-edge traffic management technology and by getting cars off the road by making alternative modes a realistic option for more trips.
• Dedicated funding to implement the key public safety projects and programs identified in the Safe Streets for All Plan, the Pedestrian Master Plan, the Bicycle Master Plan and the Safe Routes to School Program.

Santa Barbara is at the forefront of the environmental movement and the challenges caused by climate change. We need our local government to lead the way to a greener future to protect our environment and our people.

• Invest in wildfire resilience, home hardening, flood prevention, and emergency response.
• Support the implementation of the Waterfront Adaptation plan to protect our coast and unlock the potential of the blue economy.
• Get serious about implementing the City's Climate Action Plan and Ecological Framework for Downtown, including stormwater management.
• Protect our urban forest, plant new shade trees to expand the canopy, and support residential and business greening.
• Double-down on Santa Barbara's commitment to clean energy, water conservation, electrification, and green building.

Santa Barbara's character and economy are defined by our abundance of small local businesses. City Hall should treat them as assets, not adversaries. Ian will ensure the City Council addresses the needs of our local workers and entrepreneurs.

• Address employer and employee needs by making childcare a priority in planning, land-use, and development decisions.
• Prioritize small businesses in City government by simplifying permitting processes, eliminating excessive fees and cutting red tape.
• Explore implementation of proven models from other California cities, such as Vacant to Vibrant, instant online permitting, and First Year Fee-Free for new businesses.
• Partner with SBCC, UCSB, and other educational institutions to enhance local workforce and economic development.
• Support the formation of business improvement districts, opportunity zones, and other innovative solutions to invest in key business corridors through public-private partnerships.

State Street is the spine of Santa Barbara and the central gathering space that connects our community. It means something to everyone in our City and its success is essential for our quality of life. From Uptown to Downtown, Ian has been and will continue to be a fierce advocate for the State Street we deserve.

• Ensure the City Council thinks beyond Downtown investments and equally prioritizes neighborhood business corridors like Upper State for increased walkability, safe bike routes, and opportunities for housing above businesses.
• Complete the planning process for La Cumbre Plaza revitalization while ensuring both large-scale projects are thoughtfully designed to benefit both new and existing residents in the area.
• Lead efforts to update and implement the Upper State Street Design Guidelines in an accelerated timeframe by incentivizing redevelopment that expands sidewalks, green space, and public amenities.
• Implement the Downtown State Street Master Plan vision for a pedestrian-first, multi-modal design surrounded by new housing. This plan features free electric shuttles, expanded outdoor dining, public seating, bicycle calming, and controlled vehicle access for deliveries and emergency response.
• Expand service of the Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle beyond summer weekends to connect the waterfront, train station, downtown and the transit center.