​An updated congestion relief draft plan for the U.S. 101 in the south coast adds local bike, pedestrian, bus, and zero emission vehicle improvements to several existing multimodal enhancements that are part of the U.S. 101 Carpinteria to Santa Barbara project. 

Two public hearings are set for June 2 and 16, 2022 to talk with residents about updates to a long-term congestion relief plan along the U.S. 101 corridor from Carpinteria to Santa Barbara. The draft Santa Barbara U.S. 101 Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plan (draft plan) expands on previous congestion relief strategies by adding bike, pedestrian, bus, and zero emission vehicle improvements that increase alternative transportation choices for the traveling public.
 
The public can view and download the draft plan, which is available for review and feedback until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22, 2022.
 
The public hearings provide several in-person and remote, virtual participation choices for residents and commuters to learn more about the draft plan and provide feedback. The dates/times are:
 
5 p.m., Thursday, June 2 – Public Hearing

• In-person at the SBCAG Office, Manzanita Conference Room, 260 N. San Antonio, Rd. Santa Barbara, CA, or
• Zoom meeting at Webinar ID: 824 9800 2594; Passcode: 200558; or
• Telephone: 1 (669) 900 9128  

 
10 a.m., Thursday, June 16 – Public Hearing at SBCAG Board of Directors Meeting

• In-person at the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 105 E. Anapamu Street, 4th Floor, Santa Barbara, CA, or
• This hearing will take place simultaneously with the SBCAG Board of Directors meeting, details on how to participate remotely will be published on the SBCAG Board agenda at least 48 prior to the meeting online at www.sbcag.org.

​The updated news plan is to document on-going regional efforts that align with the State’s transportation climate action goals. It is also to be ready for all available State funding opportunities.
 
Santa Barbara County Association of Government’s (SBCAG) number one countywide transportation priority is to fully fund and finish construction of the Montecito and Santa Barbara segments of the Highway 101 Carpinteria to Santa Barbara project.  
 
“There are seven miles currently under construction along U.S. 101 to help increase public transportation and rideshare choices through the communities of Carpinteria, Toro Canyon, Summerland with 12 local projects to improve transit opportunities and bicycle, pedestrian, and coastal access support the overall congestion relief strategy,” said Marjie Kirn, Executive Director of SBCAG. “Two and a half miles remain to be fully funded. The updated draft plan is the blueprint we need to achieve a transportation future that is safe, equitable and resilient to meet the needs not only for Santa Barbara County, but in the central coast and beyond.”
 
Without the congestion relief measures identified in the draft plan, daily traffic on U.S. 101 through the south coast is expected to increase by between 12 and 94 percent between 2010 to 2040, depending on the location. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 commuter statistics (LEHD), 1.7 percent of Ventura County residents (approximately 14,892 people) commute to work in Santa Barbara County. This inter-county imbalance leads to increased transportation demands on U.S. 101, with related increases in congestion.
 
Added congestion relief priorities called for in the draft plan include an electric bus fleet for Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District and contactless payment systems for the Coastal Express operated by Ventura County Transportation Commission. Increased bicycle and pedestrian projects within the City of Santa Barbara as well as the County unincorporated areas such as a project to connect Sheffield Drive to Ortega Hill in Montecito. Additionally, the draft plan includes incorporating recommendations from the Central Coast Zero Emission Strategy to implement zero emission vehicle charging stations in priority areas along the U.S. 101 corridor.
 
Comments on the draft Santa Barbara U.S. 101 Multimodal Corridor Plan may also be submitted in writing until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22, 2022. Written comments can be submitted via U.S. Postal Service to 260 N. San Antonio Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110; or electronically by emailing info@sbcag.org.
 
Residents who require accommodations to participate in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act or to request a Spanish-language interpreter should contact SBCAG by telephone at (805) 961-8900 or email at info@sbcag.org by Monday, May 30, 2022, for the Thursday, June 2 public hearing or by Monday, June 13 for the Thursday, June 16 public hearing.
 
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ATTACHMENT (link provided)
Draft Santa Barbara U.S. 101 Multimodal Corridor Plan

Results from a broadband needs assessment survey and speed test in Santa Barbara County will help identify opportunities to improve internet speed and cost.  

The Broadband Alliance of Santa Barbara County (Alliance) launched a countywide internet needs assessment survey and speed test campaign today for the public to self-report their internet experience and speed at home, work, or wherever they connect. The campaign is part of Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) effort with the Alliance to develop a countywide Broadband Strategic Plan aimed to better understand internet availability countywide and direct funding to projects that will increase affordable access to high-speed internet.
 
Data from the survey and speed test campaign will be mapped by GEO Software which is developed and licensed by Breaking Point Solutions, LLC and marketed by GEO Partners, LLC. The data will be used to identify areas in the county of low or no access to high-speed internet.
 
“The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light what many residents were already unnecessarily enduring, the lack of reliable and affordable access to internet,” said SBCAG Board of Directors Vice-Chair Jenelle Osborne, mayor of the City of Lompoc. “The broadband survey and speed test is vital to our efforts to advocate for fast, flexible, affordable, and reliable internet service for all residents and businesses in our county.”
 
The public is encouraged to go to www.sbcag.org/broadband to self-report their internet needs and take a speed test on a personal computer or laptop at home, work, or wherever they connect by May 31. Individuals can also identify areas with low or no service, or where access to the internet is unaffordable within this test. Those without internet access can call SBCAG at 1-805-961-8902 to report why they do not have internet access. The Broadband survey and speed test is available in English and Spanish. Privacy controls protect responses and anonymous participation is an option. Data collected will include the location, internet speed, and monthly internet cost.
 
“Each of us can do one very important thing to improve internet access and affordability.  If your internet is too slow or unreliable or expensive, take the one-minute broadband internet survey and speed test before May 31,” said SBCAG Director Joan Hartmann, county supervisor. “This will allow us to validate where we have poor coverage. Help us take charge to improve affordable access to high-speed internet in our homes, schools, businesses, and libraries.
 
In December 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom signed historic legislation, Broadband for All, to advance the State’s commitment to bring affordable access to high-speed internet service across California. In Santa Barbara County an Alliance formed as a partnership between Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, Broadband Consortium of the Pacific Coast (BCPC), County of Santa Barbara and all eight cities, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and regional economic development organizations to collect data and information over five months related to the use, availability, and affordability of broadband internet throughout the region.
 
The information collected will be used to seek funding to improve affordable access to high-performing internet countywide with a goal to work toward digital inclusion.  

​A new, Clean Air Express 45-foot battery-electric intercity commuter bus made its debut in Santa Barbara County today, January 28. Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) in partnership with Caltrans purchased the all-electric intercity bus with funding provided by Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. The Clean Air Express is a weekday commuter bus service between Santa Maria and Lompoc and employment locations in South Santa Barbara County. The service is operated by SBCAG and funded by Measure A, Santa Barbara County’s transportation sales tax measure.
 
The Clean Air Express battery electric bus features a 220-mile range that easily meets the longest round trip in service of 150 miles. The all-electric bus combined with the replacement of a diesel bus eliminates 450 tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to CO2 emissions from more than 80 residential homes’ electricity use for one year. Through a partnership with Central Coast Community Energy, the bus is charged at SBCAG’s Transit Facility in Goleta with 100% renewable electricity.
 
“We know that transportation is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the United States,” said SBCAG Board of Directors Chair Das Williams. “A switch to cleaner, quieter, and smoother public transit options is a switch in the right direction, one that is imperative for our future – for our children and neighbors. Today we see just how the zero-emission vehicle industry’s evolving technology is changing the game for long-range transportation options improving the efficiency, experience, and commuter benefits to save energy and the environment.”
 
The Clean Air Express serves more than 7,000 passengers each per month with nine weekday round trips. The commuter bus service supports residents of Lompoc, Santa Maria, Buellton, Solvang, and adjacent unincorporated areas in North Santa Barbara County commuting to jobs in Goleta and Santa Barbara.
 
“All-electric buses serving long-distance commuters are the way forward to cleaner and healthier transportation options for all Californians,” said California State Senator Monique Limón. “I am proud that Santa Barbara County is among the first communities in the nation to provide an all-electric commuter bus as California transitions to zero-emission public transportation vehicles.”
 
Of the $850,000 cost of the all-electric bus, Caltrans provided $500,000 in SB 1 funds from the State Rail Assistance Program. SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually split between the state and local agencies. Road construction and transit projects progress more quickly based on the availability of SB 1 funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1. For more information about other transportation projects funded by SB 1, visit RebuildingCA.ca.gov.
 
“Critical SB 1 investments like this help connect communities and reduce environmental impacts from transportation,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “Caltrans is committed to doing its part to achieve California’s carbon neutrality goal no later than 2045, and projects like this are an important component of that effort.”
 
The Clean Air Express was created by the Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District in 1990 to improve regional air quality by reducing the number of commuters driving alone. SBCAG assumed management of Clean Air Express in 2001 and has since expanded the service by purchasing new buses, adding payment flexibility, installing wireless internet access on all buses, and modernizing the customer’s online experience. The public can access easy-to-read information on the commuter bus service schedules, fares, and simple options to contact customer service by visiting the Clean Air Express website at www.cleanairexpress.com.

The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) Board elected their leadership for 2022. They also approved their regular meeting schedule until December 2022. County Supervisor Das Williams was unanimously chosen to serve as Chair and Lompoc Mayor Jenelle Osborne as Vice-Chair. Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse also joins the board as a new member. The first meeting of the year takes place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 20 in the Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors Hearing Room at 105 E. Anapamu St., 4th Floor. In-person and remote virtual participation options are available. The public is encouraged to view the agenda at www.sbcag.org/meetings for details on participation options.
 
“2021 saw a once-in-a-generation investment in modernizing public infrastructure on a national level to improve our roads, bridges, broadband, and historic commitments to tackle the climate crisis,” said Chair Das Williams. “Looking forward into 2022, I will work with my Board colleagues, SBCAG staff and community partners to ensure that state and federal investment meets the demands important to our communities and families. Together, we will aggressively seek funding to complete the Highway 101 project in the south coast, work with the community on commuter rail solutions in the central coast, and prioritize opportunities to achieve our cities and county housing goals in order to reduce traffic and air pollution.”
 
The completion of a countywide Broadband Strategic Plan is one of the top priorities for SBCAG in 2022 working with the Broadband Consortium of the Pacific Coast, regional economic development organizations, cities, county, and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. Federal and State governments have prioritized funding for communities to access high-performing internet in homes, schools, healthcare, libraries and businesses, and work toward digital inclusion across the county. By the end of the year, Santa Barbara communities will better understand the regional needs of broadband internet infrastructure for residents and businesses. It will also highlight opportunities to take action to increase capacity and disaster preparedness, and encourage industry competition.
 
SBCAG works to solve issues that are far-reaching and affect more than just one city, from traffic to housing, air quality and growth. In 2022, SBCAG also hopes to achieve these goals:

• Making progress on the construction of the first seven miles of the Highway 101 Carpinteria to Santa Barbara Project, the region’s number one transportation priority project.  Continuing to seek funding opportunities with state and federal partners to complete the Highway 101 project. The public can stay informed on construction activities by signing up to receive updates at www.sbroads.com.
• Powering up the first battery powered all-electric Clean Air Express commuter bus.
• Working on a multi-county strategy for expanding zero-emission vehicle infrastructure on the Central Coast in preparation for upcoming state and federal funding opportunities.
• Implementing California’s Regional Early Action Planning Grants to help accelerate progress toward state and local housing and climate commitments.
• Conducting an analysis of where and how people are traveling in Santa Barbara County through a Big Data Travel Trends Analysis project. 
• Adopting updated Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans for each airport in Santa Barbara County.
• Installing charging infrastructure at the SBCAG Regional Transit Facility in Goleta to power new zero-emission Coastal Express buses.
• Starting construction on the Measure A funded Highway 166 and Black Road intersection improvement project.

 
SBCAG board meetings take place on the third Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. The 2022 meeting calendar is available on SBCAG's meetings webpage. 

The digital transformation features a new, modern website and logo at a pivotal time for the intercity bus service which has connected communities in Santa Barbara County since 1991.  

​Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) launched a completely redesigned website and logo for the Clean Air Express commuter bus service with modern, easy-to-read information on service schedules, fares, and simple options to contact customer service. The site is now mobile-friendly with a better layout, accessibility, improved security, and offers Spanish language translation.  The user-friendly, new online experience provides commuters with a one-click cost calculator to clearly see how much someone can save using the service. Funded primarily by Measure A, the Clean Air Express serves residents of North Santa Barbara County who commute to their jobs in Goleta and Santa Barbara. The public can visit the new website at www.cleanairexpress.com.
 
“Clean Air Express’s new website is just one more way SBCAG is working to make public transit better and easier for commuters. It is our priority to have an online presence that helps people realize the potential of a fast, convenient, and money-saving way to get to work,” said Scott Spaulding, SBCAG rail and transit director. “Rebuilt from the ground up, CleanAirExpress.com offers a mobile-friendly, accessible and intuitive website that can be used anywhere, including on our buses using the free Wi-Fi service.”
 
In July, Clean Air Express introduced contactless “tap to ride” payment options on all buses that makes it easy for customers to pay their fare by simply tapping a credit, debit card, or using a mobile wallet on a smart phone or watch.
 
The Clean Air Express was created by the Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District in 1991 to improve regional air quality by reducing the number of commuters driving alone. SBCAG assumed management of Clean Air Express in 2001 and has since expanded the service by purchasing new buses, adding payment flexibility, installing wireless internet access on all buses, and modernizing the customer’s online experience. Dowitcher Designs, an award-winning Santa Barbara integrated marketing agency, was contracted by SBCAG to create the more modern, streamlined, user-friendly website. 
 
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​ABOUT CLEAN AIR EXPRESS
The Clean Air Express is a weekday commuter bus service operated by SBCAG and funded by Measure A, Santa Barbara County’s Transportation Sales Tax measure. It serves residents of Lompoc, Santa Maria, Buellton, Solvang, and adjacent unincorporated areas in North Santa Barbara County commuting to jobs in Goleta and Santa Barbara. Clean Air Express features a fleet of 17 charter-style buses. The service currently operates a reduced schedule due to COVID-19, operating 20 one-way trips each weekday, down from 26. The Clean Air Express serves an average of 7,000 riders per month. The service eliminates as many as 400,000 vehicle miles traveled from the County’s roads each month, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the region.

A look at U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 Census data provides an overview of population and demographic trends and shifts in Santa Barbara County.

Every 10 years the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a once-per-decade count of the nation’s population. The Census is a U.S. Constitutional requirement of the federal government used to allot the number of congressional representatives for each state, to redraw the boundaries of legislative districts within a state, and to determine federal funding to support community services. A look into the 2020 Census count results released to the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) Board of Directors shows that the region is growing slower than the statewide average, housing production continues to not keep up with existing population and growth, an increase in the countywide proportion of the Hispanic/Latino population, and North County continues to gain in its share of the region’s population, 54 percent in 2020 compared to 52 percent in 2010. The Summary Report contains a variety of interesting and useful data points relevant to the Santa Barbara County region which is available for the public to download below. 
 
The 2020 Census Summary Report is prepared by SBCAG as the State Census Data Affiliate Center in Santa Barbara County. “Information from the 2020 Census helps decision makers better understand the region’s population, how to plan for housing, jobs, schools, and to know how much state and federal funding the region will receive for essential community services,” said Marjie Kirn, executive director of SBCAG.
 
The 2020 Census report is based on information contained in the release of the Census Redistricting File – an early product from the U.S. Census Bureau of results from the 2020 Census count. The data is limited and specific to population for cities and unincorporated areas, housing units and Race and Hispanic Origin. In September, the U.S. Census Bureau released the Redistricting File in an easier-to-use format for the public, now available on data.census.gov.
 
Important highlights from the latest summary report include:

• The 2020 Census population of Santa Barbara County is 448,229 persons, increasing by 5.7 percent or 24,334 persons since 2010.
• The proportion of Santa Barbara County’s population relative to the state population has declined since 1970. For essential programs and services that rely on population to distribute funds, a lower percentage represents a smaller proportion of Statewide population and potential funding.
• The City of Santa Maria showed the largest population growth in the County over the ten-year period increasing by 10,154 persons. The City of Goleta experienced the largest population growth in the South Coast with a 2,802 person increase.
• The cities of Solvang and Guadalupe experienced the largest percentage population increase between 2010 and 2020 with an increase of 16.8 percent and 13.8 percent, respectively. The City of Santa Barbara experienced the smallest percent increase of 0.3 percent.
• The unincorporated county has the largest share of countywide population with 31 percent. The City of Santa Maria follows with 25 percent and has the largest share relative to other incorporated jurisdictions.
• The North County share of countywide population is 54 percent, or 239,868 persons increasing from 52 percent in 2010.
• Unincorporated areas such as the Eastern Goleta Valley is a newly designated place resulting in the first official Census population estimate unique to that community of 28,656 persons. The communities of Isla Vista and University of California Santa Barbara have also been redefined for the 2020 Census resulting in estimates of 28,656 and 9,710 persons, respectively.
• The communities of Summerland and Montecito experienced population declines between 2010 and 2020.
• The largest numerical increase in housing units from 2010 to 2020 occurred in the City of Santa Maria with 1,666 new units followed by the City of Goleta with 1,170 new units.
• The City of Guadalupe has the highest average number of persons per household at 3.91 persons in the region and the City of Solvang is the lowest at 2.34 persons.
• Since 2010, for every 4.5 new resident in the region, one new housing unit was added.
• The countywide proportion of the Hispanic/Latino population in 2020 is 47 percent, an increase of 4.1 percent from 2010.

SBCAG’s summary report of the redistricting file is a portion of the 2020 census data expected to be released over the next few years by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Demographic and Housing Characteristics file is expected to be released in 2022. Additionally, a detailed American Community Survey is expected in December 2021 by the U.S. Census Bureau that includes data on age, gender, income, and household relationship. Urban area delineations and population counts will be released in 2023. SBCAG will continue to present information as it becomes available. 

[[[En español]]]
​
Informational listening session on December 1 seeks public input on how bus systems, dial-a-ride, and paratransit services can better serve residents in Santa Barbara County. 

An unmet transit needs listening session will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, via Zoom Webinar hosted by the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG). The public is encouraged to stop by anytime during the two-hour virtual listening session to share comments or concerns about bus systems, dial-a-ride and paratransit services in Santa Barbara County, or express needs for new or expanded services in the county. Spanish language interpretation services will be available during the listening session.
 
Those unable to attend the December 1, 2021, listening session can take an online survey in English or Spanish until Friday, December 3, 2021. The public can also submit comments in writing to SBCAG at 260 North San Antonio Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110, or by email to comment@sbcag.org.
 
Comments provided at the listening session, on the online survey, or in writing are shared with local decision makers, transit agencies, and the California Department of Transportation to help influence options for transit services and projects. A summary of public input is presented to Santa Barbara County Transit Advisory Committee and SBCAG Board of Directors in early 2022.
 
WHAT:               Unmet Transit Needs Listening Session
WHEN:               4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, December 1, 2021,
                            (visit virtually anytime during the two-hour listening session)
WHERE:             Zoom Webinar*       
                            Webinar ID: 843 8403 4139; Passcode: 718234; OR
                            Telephone: (669) 900-9128 
                         
                            *Spanish-language interpretation services available

DETAILS:         SBCAG is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for this meeting.
                         In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, accommodation requests should be
                         made by Monday, November 29 to SBCAG at (805) 961-8900.
                                     
                         Online Survey,
                         www.surveymonkey.com/r/SBCAG_TNA (English);
                         www.surveymonkey.com/r/TNA_ESP (Spanish)
                                      
                      Provide feedback in writing to SBCAG at 260 North San Antonio Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara,
                      CA 93110, or by email to comment@sbcag.org.

SBCAG will receive comments on transit needs in Santa Barbara County, as required under Section 99401.5 of the Public Utilities Code. 

[[en español]]

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) Highway 154 Safety Committee announced they will convene a meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 29 via zoom webinar. The September 29 meeting will focus on the latest traffic safety and improvement efforts for Highway 154. The committee last met in December 2019. Spanish language interpretation services will be available through Bridging Voices-Uniendo Voces.
 
“As Santa Barbara County rebuilds our economy and more residents return to work, it is vital that we keep a close watch on public safety for Highway 154,” said Joan Hartmann, chair of the Highway 154 Safety Committee. “I encourage all members of the public who travel on Highway 154 to attend and participate in this committee meeting to hear the latest on regional safety initiatives and to share any comments or concerns.”   
 
The Highway 154 Safety Committee was formed in the Fall of 2019 to raise awareness on regional initiatives and projects to help reduce fatalities and injuries, promote efforts to educate the public on traffic safety, and support funding of public safety agencies to enforce traffic laws. Five SBCAG Directors are appointed to the committee: Joan Hartmann (Supervisor, Third District), Gregg Hart (Supervisor, Second District), Paula Perotte (Mayor, Goleta), Holly Sierra (Mayor, Buellton), and Charlie Uhrig (Mayor, Solvang). Ex-Officio members including Monique Limón, California’s 19th Senate District; Steve Bennett, 37th Assembly District; as well as representatives from the California Highway Patrol, Caltrans, District 5, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, and Santa Barbara County Public Works Division.
 
A committee agenda will be available on Santa Barbara County Association of Government’s website in advance of September 29. Members of the public can also sign up to be added to the Highway 154 Safety Committee agenda notification email list serv by emailing SBCAG at info@sbcag.org. The meeting will feature presentations from State and local agencies. The public will have an opportunity to meet and ask questions of representatives from Caltrans, California Highway Patrol, Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, and local/state elected officials. 
 
WHAT:              Highway 154 Safety Committee
WHEN:              6 p.m., Wednesday, September 29
WHERE:            Zoom Webinar, there are multiple options to participate in the virtual meeting
                            * one-click link; Passcode: 916453
                            * Webinar ID: 844 0520 1303; Passcode: 916453
                            * Dial by telephone: (669) 900 9128; Webinar ID: 844 0520 1303; Passcode: 916453 

Highway 154 Safety Town Hall Flyer (digitally linked to download)

Volante del Ayuntamiento sobre la seguridad de la carretera 154 (enlazado digitalmente para descargar)

Mark Bradley, Geoffrey Slaff, and Dennis Story re-appointed to four-year terms on the oversight committee responsible for the accountability of the expenditure of an estimated $1 billion of Measure A, voter-mandated, high priority transportation projects and programs. 

Mark Funkhouser (Santa Maria), Carson Link (Lompoc), and Eric Melsheimer (Orcutt) were appointed to fill three vacancies along with the re-appointment of Mark Bradley (Santa Barbara), Geoffrey Slaff (Montecito), and Dennis Story (Goleta) to serve on the Measure A Citizens Oversight Committee by the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) Board of Directors. Each appointee will serve a four-year term that will conclude September 2025.
 
“The six community leaders appointed to the Measure A Citizens Oversight Committee will continue impactful work and important accountability over the next four years,” said Holly Sierra, chair of SBCAG board of directors. “I am confident in their leadership for the oversight of voter mandates that fund more than $1 billion in regional transportation initiatives in our communities.”
 
An open, competitive recruitment process occurred in July and August to fill three vacancies for north county and “at-large” positions on the oversight committee.  
 
“I was impressed with the quality and enthusiasm of applicants who were willing to dedicate their time and talents to fill vacancies of north county and “at-large” positions on the Measure A Citizens Oversight Committee,” said Bob Nelson, chair of SBCAG north county subregional committee. “The priorities of North County residents will be well-served by the caliber of experience of Mark Funkhouser, Carson Link, and Eric Melsheimer.”    
 
Mark Funkhouser, the director of Sustainability/Custodial Services for the Chumash Casino Resort, leads the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ green initiatives. His main areas of focus throughout his 18-year career with the tribe have been eliminating waste, improving energy efficiency and reducing overall resource consumption. Mark’s proudest professional moment occurred in 2019 when the Chumash Casino Resort became the first casino in the world to earn TRUE Zero Waste certification from Green Business Certification, Inc. (GBCI). The resort diverts more than 90 percent of its waste stream from local landfills.
 
Carson Link, the district representative for Senator Monique Limón, is a Lompoc native and community advocate. Professionally, he is focused on transportation related issues and is often traveling from Lompoc throughout Santa Barbara County. Link previously worked for United Way coordinating outreach to the Central Coast’s homeless population.
 
Eric Melsheimer, the chief executive officer of Melfred Borzall, a Santa Maria company which designs and manufactures tools for underground construction. He is a 25-year resident of Orcutt and is active on the Orcutt Union School District Measure G Citizens Oversight Committee, community ambassador with Allan Hancock College. He is an engineer with degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics and Astronautics.
 
The Measure A Investment Plan and Ordinance provides an estimated $140 million in matching funds to make local and U.S. highway 101 multimodal improvements from Santa Barbara to Mussel Shoals. The plan also provides an estimated $455 million each in North County and South Coast for transportation projects and programs to build safer walking and bike routes to schools, increase senior and disabled accessibility to public transit, increase options for carpool and vanpool programs as well as local street improvements such as pothole repairs and synchronized traffic signals.
 
The next meeting of the Measure A Citizens Oversight Committee will take place on Thursday, October 21 that will include the annual review of the Measure A audit.
 
More information about Measure A is available on the measure’s website at www.measurea.net.
 
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Santa Barbara County Association of Governments adopted Connected 2050, the Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy, which identifies how $11.3 billion will be invested over the next 30 years for the movement of people and goods. 
​
An 18-month process to bring about a vision for regional growth and development in Santa Barbara County concluded with the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) Board of Directors adopting Connected 2050, the Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy, at their August 19, 2021 meeting. The plan was adopted 12-0 with Director Bob Nelson abstaining.
 
Connected 2050 is a long-range plan for the region’s future that balances transportation and housing needs with social, economic, and environmental goals. The final plan prioritizes bringing jobs to housing centers and housing to job centers, then making sure they are connected with transit service, bike paths, and pedestrian-friendly streets. The plan is required by state law and updated every four years.  
 
“Connected 2050 provides the building blocks for how we, as a community, are going to grow and prioritize spending where people live, work, play and travel in our county,” said Holly Sierra, chair of Santa Barbara County Association of Governments. “More than a vision, it’s a plan that puts strategies to work to shape a better and more sustainable future for our county.”
 
The Santa Barbara County region’s transportation network consists of approximately 2,054 miles of maintained public roadways; 338 miles of Class I, II, and III bikeways, 13 public transit services and dozens of private transportation services; three railroad operators; five public-use airports; and one public harbor facility. Together they provide for the transport of people and goods in the region.
 
Connected 2050 identifies $11.3 billion available for transportation investments specific to Santa Barbara County from federal, State, regional and local sources over the next 30 years. Measure A, the local sales tax measure, accounts for 14 percent of the anticipated revenues. The total cost of projects in the plan is approximately $8.3 billion: $3.1 billion for highway and streets/roads projects, $2.6 billion for transit projects, $1.7 billion bicycle and pedestrian projects, and $81 million for rail projects. Projects such as road maintenance for sidewalk or bikeway improvements that cannot be categorized in a specific travel mode account for approximately $700 million.
 
Several new aspects were considered as part of the development of Connected 2050, among them, the recognition that the plan was being created within the same timeframe as the COVID-19 global pandemic which has had widespread impact on the transportation sector and how the public engaged in the development of the plan.  
 
“COVID-19 has forced a transformation in how people traditionally define their workplaces and participate in their communities,” said Marjie Kirn, executive director of SBCAG. “Regional transportation planning agencies like SBCAG have been working for decades to accomplish what has occurred over last 18-months with remote work. However, Connected 2050’s vision is a future with expanded transit service and will require a careful analysis of the lasting impacts of remote work and the transportation industry on a regional scale in the years to come.”
 
The final adopted Connected 2050 Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy is available for the public to review and download along with the technical appendices on SBCAG’s regional transportation plan webpage. In the final, adopted Connected 2050 documents, the public can access more information about the regional goals, projects, and available resources that make up current and future priorities for the regional transportation network. 

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WHAT IS AN RTP-SCS?
A regional transportation plan–sustainable communities’ strategy (RTP-SCS) is a federally required long-range transportation plan prepared by a metropolitan planning organization such as SBCAG and is updated every four years, and includes projections of population, household, and employment growth and travel demand, along with a specific list of proposed projects to be funded. Per California Senate Bill 375, SBCAG must also integrate land use and transportation strategies that will achieve California Air Resources Board (ARB) greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets that contribute to climate change.