Council OKs State Street action-plan funding, greenlights temporary pilot elements including golf-cart shuttle

The Santa Barbara City Council voted on April 15 to reallocate existing Measure C capital funds to the State Street Action Plan and to authorize a package of temporary pilot measures aimed at increasing access and activity along the corridor.

The council approved two related staff recommendations after separate votes. Council Member Kristen Sneddon moved the funding reallocation (item 12a); the motion passed with all members present except Council Member Eric Freeman, who was absent. Sneddon later moved item 12b — the pilot package including modular sidewalk extensions (often called "pedlets") and a three‑vehicle golf‑cart shuttle — which the council approved after debate and an added legal‑form clause recommended by the city attorney.

Why it matters: Council members said the short‑term pilots will help test ways to improve pedestrian circulation and downtown access while the city updates the longer State Street master plan.…