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Regional board approves up to $715,000 for Highway 101 public‑information contract after debate
Summary
The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments voted to delegate authority for a public‑information contract for the Highway 101 Carpinteria–Santa Barbara corridor, approving a not‑to‑exceed amount of $715,000 after directors debated whether the work should be contracted or handled in‑house.
The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments on June 25 approved staff’s recommendation to delegate authority to award a public‑information contract for the Highway 101 Carpinteria–Santa Barbara construction corridor, with a not‑to‑exceed amount of $715,000.
Fred Luna, executive director of the agency, told the board the remaining work on the corridor totals roughly $200 million and will continue for two to three years. "We're maintaining the same level of public information that we've had throughout the corridor since the inception," Luna said, arguing the outreach handles detours, ramp closures and frequent community inquiries.
Opponents on the board criticized the cost. Supervisor (Director) Lee asked why the agency should spend $715,000 "on a PR firm" and urged redirecting the funds toward local road paving. Several other directors said the figure looked high and suggested in‑house staffing as an alternative.
Supporters and staff countered that the work is intensive, that Caltrans’ District 5 PIO lacks the bandwidth to manage corridor‑level outreach, and that previous consultant engagement has provided granular, locally tailored communications. Director Hartman said the consultant work was essential during earlier, complex intersections and bridge projects and helped smooth relations with affected businesses.
Staff said the proposed amount represents a reduced scope — about half prior annual spending for outreach — and includes contingency while acknowledging the RFP process remains open. Luna said the contract ceiling was necessary because the board has no July meeting and staff needs delegated authority to keep the schedule: "we're asking the board to delegate authority…not to exceed amount," he said.
The board voted by roll call on the measure; seven directors voted yes and five voted no. With the authorization in place, staff will complete the RFP process, evaluate proposals and return to finalize the contract award or negotiate terms as required.
Next steps: staff will complete the procurement and select a firm to deliver bi‑weekly construction updates, hotline staffing, mailings in English and Spanish, and rapid responses for first‑responder and community inquiries during the remaining construction period.
