Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board of Directors February 18 meeting agenda includes consideration for adoption the 24,856 housing units as the final regional housing needs determination for local cities and county jurisdictions to plan to accommodate through 2031.

The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) received the final Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) determination from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) of 24,856 housing units which is approximately 15 percent below the previous draft number of 29,313 units presented to the SBCAG Board of Directors last November. The final number represents Santa Barbara County’s eight-year, between 2023 and 2031, minimum housing need across various income-levels as defined by State law. On Thursday, February 18 the SBCAG Board of Directors will consider accepting the 24,856 RHNA number or request to file an objection to the State of California. The meeting starts at 10 a.m. and will be conducted with remote public participation only, suggested methods of participation is listed on the SBCAG Board meeting agenda.    
 
The 15 percent reduction is attributed to SBCAG staff’s continued consultation with HCD on the region’s draft determination that focused attention on further analyzing two components: accuracy of data sources and comparable regions related to overcrowding and cost burden. Additionally, updated American Community Survey data became available during the consultation process that was subsequently integrated into the formula calculating the final determination helping to lower the number of units.
 
The final RHNA determination was presented to SBCAG Technical Planning Advisory Committee earlier this month, the committee voted unanimously to recommend to the SBCAG Board of Directors to accept the final number. The technical committee is comprised of community development and planning staff from Santa Barbara County’s eight cities and the county.
 
Following a decision on the final RHNA number, the SBCAG Board of Directors must adopt a final methodology by which to distribute the 24,856 regional housing needs determination among Santa Barbara County’s eight cities and unincorporated areas. The final methodology will be considered for approval at the March SBCAG Board of Directors’ meeting. A draft methodology was presented to the SBCAG Board at the December 17 meeting which proposed distributing housing units by addressing the region’s jobs-housing imbalance as well as advance statutory objectives, such as promoting infill development, affirmatively furthering fair housing, and seek consistency across the region as related to the housing offered to the various income-level needs.
 
WHAT IS RHNA?
 
RHNA is the State’s fair share housing law.  It requires local governments to plan for a minimum number of housing units across four income groups.  The State’s Housing and Community Development department is responsible for determining each region’s need.  Regional agencies, such as SBCAG, are responsible for developing a methodology to allocate the housing units to local governments.  Finally, each local government, by updating its Housing Element, accommodates its share of housing need.  This is the 6th cycle which covers the 2023-2031 period. More information can be found on HCD’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation and Housing Elements’ webpage.  

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) launches new program for local residents and commuters to try out various models of electric bikes for free as a measure to reduce traffic and air pollution in Santa Barbara County. 
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EZ Bike Project, a new electric bicycle (e-bike) demo program operated by SBCAG Traffic Solutions division, gets underway offering a wide range of free e-bike demos of various models including cargo bikes, cruisers, city bikes, and folding bikes to local residents and commuters as a measure to reduce traffic and air pollution in Santa Barbara County. The EZ Bike Project is located at the Bike Spot, a City of Santa Barbara self-serve valet bike parking facility at 1219 Anacapa Street in Downtown Santa Barbara. Those interested to reserve an e-bike must either live or work in Santa Barbara County and can visit the EZ Bike website to sign-up for a demo. In the coming months, SBCAG plans to offer shorter demo rides on weekdays and during single-day pop-up opportunities countywide.
 
E-bikes have become more accessible to the average consumer. Most of the leading bike manufacturers offer a few different models making it challenging to compare one model from another when they are only available for purchase online. 
 
Kent Epperson, Director of SBCAG Traffic Solutions explains, “greater competition and economies of scale have brought down the price and increased the accessibility, quality and selection of e-bikes. The EZ Bike Project has a fleet of 10 e-bikes from local and online retailers that range in price from less than $1,000 to $3,500. The selection offers participants the opportunity to compare features, pricing, and ride quality between the different demo bikes. Either way, the investment one makes in an e-bike will save money compared to driving a car.”
 
While bicycle shops offer e-bike test rides of the models they carry, they are generally limited to a short test ride around the bike shop. The EZ Bike Project offers the opportunity to test riding an e-bike in a variety of conditions and routes over the weekend and at an individual’s own pace without the pressure to purchase a bicycle.
 
There are several benefits associated with e-bikes in transportation for the environment and personal health. Nancy Eckert, SBCAG’s EZ Bike Project coordinator, notes that in addition to those benefits how much joy an e-bike can bring to people who have never ridden an e-bike before, “e-bikes are smile factories. I know that when people return the bikes on Monday, they’ll come back with fun stories of the magic moments and childlike wonder that they experienced while test riding an e-bike.”
 
E-bikes are recognized as more accessible to those who have physical limitations which might prevent them from riding a standard bike. Kendra Wise, Santa Barbara County supervising environmental health specialist, a recent e-bike convert after participating in a demo stated, “until I test rode an e-bike I had no idea that it was such a game changer.  After the demo day I ended up buying an electric bike and use it to commute whenever I can.  If a not-so-in-shape mom with a minivan can ride an e-bike, anyone can.”
 
Those interested to reserve an e-bike can visit the EZ Bike website to sign-up for a demo.  Reservation options are available for Thursday to Monday e-bike trials and must be made by 5pm the Wednesday prior to the reservation.  There is no charge for the demo, however a returnable credit card damage deposit is required to test ride a e-bike.
 
The EZ Bike Project is proud to partner with Trek Bicycles, Bicycle Bob’s, and Santa Barbara Electric Bikezzz.  These sponsors made it possible to offer a wider range of demo options for people to test ride.  Courtesy of the EZ Bike sponsors, participants of the EZ Bike Project can receive a discount for an e-bike or bike accessories. Bicycle Bob’s is offering a 10% discount (up to $250) on a Trek e-bike and Santa Barbara Electric Bikezzz is offering a free high security ABUS lock with the purchase of an e-bike.

The formal public comment period for the 2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) begins January 18. FTIP identifies federally funded surface transportation projects in Santa Barbara County that are proposed for implementation within the next four to five years.

This is the single, go-to, reference document for the public and government agencies to understand where, when, and how federal funding will be spent within the county. The 2021 FTIP is posted on the SBCAG website.  

Public comment will be accepted via mail through the U.S. Postal Services to SBCAG at 260 North San Antonio Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110, or via email to info@sbcag.org through 5:00 p.m. on February 17.  The SBCAG Board of Directors will consider adoption of 2021 FTIP on February 18, 2021.  

SBCAG Board of Directors recently elected their 2021 leadership and approved the Board of Directors regular meeting schedule through December 2021. Additionally, four newly elected city and county representatives joined the Board of Directors. Holly Sierra, Mayor of Buellton was selected to serve as Chair and Das Williams, County Supervisor First District to serve as Vice-Chair. The Board expressed their appreciation to outgoing Chair Gregg Hart, County Supervisor Second District. The four new members to the Board include: Ariston Julian, Mayor of Guadalupe; Bob Nelson, County Supervisor Fourth District; Jenelle Osborne, Mayor of Lompoc; and Charlie Uhrig, Mayor of Solvang.
 
“The era of 2020, amid the COVID-19 global public health crisis, stressed the importance of regional transportation investments and construction activities throughout Santa Barbara County to improve our communities, put people to work, and promote economic recovery,” said Chair Holly Serria. “Looking forward to 2021, I will work with my Board colleagues, SBCAG staff and our community partners to seek federal investment to meet the demands of moving goods and people through our county, including aggressively pursuing full funding to complete the Highway 101 project in the south coast and creating opportunities to prioritize safety improvements on our local roads for bicyclists and pedestrians.”
 
In 2021, SBCAG in partnership with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will continue to focus on the Santa Barbara U.S. 101 Multimodal Corridor Project, which is the number one transportation priority project of the region through Measure A, the transportation sales tax measure passed overwhelmingly by voters in 2008. In 2018, Measure A funding helped leverage $184 million in competitive State Senate Bill 1 funding for the project from Carpinteria to Summerland which began construction in April 2020. In the new year, SBCAG will seek federal investment through stimulus opportunities and the reauthorization of the Federal surface transportation bill to support the project. Additional funding will also help to improve local connections for pedestrians, bicyclists as well as transit and rail users. The public can stay informed on construction activities and progress by signing up to receive updates on the project's website.
 
The Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) process that began in 2020 is anticipated to conclude this year. RHNA is coordinated by SBCAG as directed by the State of California to support how Santa Barbara communities can adequately plan to meet the housing needs for our region. The Board will also consider adoption of Connected 2050, Santa Barbara County’s next Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP-SCS).  The RTP-SCS is a long-range transportation plan that is updated every four years and helps guide future planning efforts and policy decisions that affect transportation, including its relationship with housing and land use. 
 
Other notable efforts this year include integrating the 2020 Census data into transportation planning efforts, adoption of the Federal Transportation Improvement Program which outlines when and how federal transportation funds are to be spent in Santa Barbara County, and adoption of an updated Public Participation Plan. Additionally, SBCAG is collaborating with the Caltrans District 5 and Central Coast partners to develop a U.S. 101 Business Plan and apply for a grant to create a Central Coast Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy.    
 
Regular meetings of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board of Directors occur on the 3rd Thursday of each month, convening at 10:00 a.m. Listed below is the 2021 Meeting schedule. SBCAG Board of Directors meetings, temporarily, no longer provide in-person public participation in response to California Governor’s stay at home orders as well as a regional stay at home order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Alternative methods of participation are listed on meeting agendas, which can be found on SBCAG’s website.  
 
2021 SBCAG Board of Directors Regular Meeting Dates (link)
All meetings will be conducted virtually for members of the public until further notice

Noon to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
(login open at 11:45 a.m.)
Zoom Webinar

Click here to join the meeting
Manual login information:
Meeting ID: 878 2598 4392; Passcode: 626049

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) is updating the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) for the cities and unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County, this is referred to as Connected2050. Connected2050 and is part of a multi-year effort to improve the balance of transportation and housing needs with social, economic, and environmental goals. An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is being prepared to evaluate and inform the public and decision-makers of the potential environmental impacts from implementing Connected2050.

EIR SCOPING MEETING PURPOSE

• Provide an overview of the environmental process for Connected2050. 
• Solicit feedback on the extent and content of the environmental analysis to be included in the EIR.
• Share updates and request feedback on Connected2050 including a discussion on the preferred future scenario of infill and transit-oriented development and a range of transportation and land use alternatives. 

For members of the public unable to attend the scoping meeting, they may submit written comments through the U.S. Postal Service to the attention of Jared Carvalho at SBCAG, 260 North San Antonio Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110, or by e-mail to JCarvalho@sbcag.org by January 15, 2021.
 
For more information, visit www.connected2050.org;
Spanish website www.conectados2050.org; or
Contact SBCAG via telephone at: (805) 961-8900

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martes, 5 de enero, 2021
mediodía a 1 p.m. 
(La sesión se abre a las 11:45 a.m.)
Zoom Webinar 

Haga clic aqui para unirse a la reunión
Información de acceso manual:
Identificación de reunión: 878 2598 4392; Contraseña: 626049

La Asociación de Gobiernos del Condado de Santa Bárbara (SBCAG por sus siglas en inglés) está actualizando el Plan Regional de Transporte (RTP por sus siglas en inglés)  y la Estrategia de Comunidades Sostenibles (SCS por sus siglas en inglés) para las ciudades y áreas no incorporadas del Condado de Santa Bárbara, esto se denomina Conectados 2050. Conectados 2050 es parte de un esfuerzo de varios años para mejorar el equilibrio de las necesidades de transporte y vivienda con los objetivos sociales, económicos y ambientales. Se está preparando un Informe de Impacto Ambiental (EIR por sus siglas en inglés) para evaluar e informar al público y a los responsables de la toma de decisiones sobre los posibles impactos ambientales de la implementación de Conectados 2050.
 
PROPOSITO DE LA REUNION DE ESTUDIO DE EIR
La reunión de estudio de la EIR será una foro abierto virtual informal que:

• Proporcionara una visión general del proceso ambiental para Conectados 2050.
• Solicitará información sobre el alcance y el contenido del análisis ambiental que se incluirá en el EIR
• Compartirá información actualizada y solicitará comentarios sobre Conectados 2050, incluido un debate sobre el escenario futuro preferido de desarrollo orientado al relleno y al tránsito y una gama de alternativas de transporte y uso de la tierra.

 
En caso de que el público no pueda asistir a la reunión de estudio, puede presentar observaciones por escrito a través del Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos a la atención de Jared Carvalho en SBCAG, 260 North San Antonio Road, Suite B, Santa Bárbara, CA 93110, o por correo electrónico a: JCarvalho@sbcag.org por el 15 de enero, 2021.
 
Para mas información visite www.connected2050.org;
Sitio web en español www.conectados2050.org; o
Contacte a SBCAG por teléfono al: (805) 961-8900

SBCAG is receiving public comments on the draft Title VI Plan and Limited English Proficiency Plan to be considered for adoption by the SBCAG Board of Directors on Thursday, January 21, 2021. The draft Title VI Plan and Limited English Proficiency Plan is available on SBCAG's website or by written request as outlined below. 
 
SBCAG, as a subrecipient of Federal aid through two of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (US DOT’s) operating administrations, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is accountable for compliance with both Title VI and the following implementing regulations: US DOT’s “Nondiscrimination in Federally-Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation” (49 CFR Part 21), FTA’s “Title VI Requirements and Guidelines for Federal Transit Administration Recipients (FTA Circular 4702.1B), and FHWA’s “Title VI Program and Related Statutes” (23 CFR Part 200). The draft Title VI Plan and Limited English Proficiency Plan was developed to guide SBCAG in its administration and management of Title VI-related activities.
 
SBCAG is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, as protected by Title VI and the implementing regulations listed above.
 
Written comments can be submitted to SBCAG by mail or email no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 20, 2021. Mail comments to SBCAG at 260 North San Antonio Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110.  Comments may also be emailed to info@sbcag.org. 
 
To obtain services or copies in an alternate format or language, please contact SBCAG at (805) 961-8900 or by email at info@sbcag.org.
 
Para recibir servicios o copias en otro formato o idioma, contacte a SBCAG al (805)961-8900 o info@sbcag.org.

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La Asociación de Gobiernos del Condado de Santa Bárbara (SBCAG por sus siglas en inglés) está recibiendo comentarios públicos sobre el borrador del Plan del Título VI y el Plan de Competencia Limitada en Inglés que será considerado para su adopción por la Junta Directiva de SBCAG el jueves 21 de enero de 2021. El borrador del Plan del Título VI y del Plan de Competencia Limitada en Inglés está disponible en www.sbcag.org/documents o mediante solicitud por escrito como se indica a continuación
 
SBCAG, como subreceptor de la ayuda federal a través de dos de las administraciones operativas del Departamento de Transporte de los EE.UU. (US DOT), la Administración Federal de Tránsito (FTA por sus siglas en inglés) y la Administración Federal de Carreteras (FHWA por sus siglas en inglés), es responsable del cumplimiento tanto del Título VI como de las siguientes regulaciones de implementación: La "No discriminación en los programas con asistencia federal del Departamento de Transporte" del Departamento de Transporte de los Estados Unidos (49 CFR Parte 21), los "Requisitos y pautas del Título VI para los receptores de la Administración Federal de Tránsito" de la FTA (Circular 4702.1B de la FTA) y el "Programa del Título VI y estatutos relacionados" de la FHWA (23 CFR Parte 200). El borrador del Plan del Título VI y del Plan de Conocimiento Limitado del Inglés fue desarrollado para guiar a SBCAG en su administración y manejo de las actividades relacionadas con el Título VI.
 
SBCAG se compromete a asegurar que ninguna persona sea excluida de la participación o se le nieguen los beneficios de sus servicios por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, edad o discapacidad, como está protegido por el Título VI y los reglamentos de aplicación mencionados anteriormente.
 
Los comentarios escritos pueden ser enviados a SBCAG por correo o correo electrónico a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del miércoles 20 de enero de 2021. Envíe sus comentarios a SBCAG a 260 North San Antonio Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110.  Los comentarios también pueden ser enviados por correo electrónico a info@sbcag.org.
 
Para obtener servicios o copias en un formato o lenguaje alternativo, por favor contacte a SBCAG al (805) 961-8900 o por correo electrónico a info@sbcag.org.

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) Board of Directors at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 17 will conduct a public hearing and consider a recommended methodology that forms the basis for how projected and existing regional housing needs are distributed among Santa Barbara county’s eight cities and unincorporated areas between 2023 and 2031, as part of the 6th RHNA cycle. SBCAG received a draft number of housing units from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) earlier this year of 29,313 units, which is a 166 percent increase from the previous cycle. The proposed methodology seeks to distribute the housing units by addressing the region’s jobs-housing imbalance as well as advance statutory objectives, such as promoting infill development, affirmatively furthering fair housing, and seek consistency across the region as related to the housing offered to the various income-level housing needs.
 
The recommended methodology is a result of discussions over several meetings this past year with the local planning and community development divisions throughout Santa Barbara County as well as State HCD. The methodology proposes a two-step process and is representative of Santa Barbara County’s distinct subregions – North County and South Coast – to allow for an intentional focus on the county’s respective, subregional jobs-housing imbalance. It allocates 60 percent of the region’s RHNA housing unit determination to South Coast where 60 percent of the region’s jobs exist.
 
The first step to the methodology will factor existing and forecasted jobs to address the current jobs-housing imbalance while also acknowledging that future conditions will shift over time. The second step allocates housing units to each respective local jurisdiction giving equal weight to social equity considerations of communities experiencing overcrowding and cost burden. Cost burden and overcrowding are both defined by the U.S. Census Bureau and are indicated by households expending more than 30 percent of income on housing for cost burden, and households with more than one person per room, including a living room, for overcrowding.  The methodology allocates housing units to local jurisdictions based on their relative proportion of cost burdened and overcrowded households.
 
New to the 6th RHNA cycle is the implementation of Senate Bill 828 (SB 828) which resulted in a significant increase in the number of housing units that the region’s local governments must plan to accommodate adding overcrowding, cost burden and changing the method for calculating vacancy rate in determining the regions housing needs.
 
Following the discussion at the SBCAG Board of Directors, the draft methodology will be submitted to the California Department of HCD for its approval and return to the SBCAG Board of Directors for adoption, which could occur by March 2021.
 
The public can view the RHNA Methodology staff report, listed as Item 8, on the December 17 SBCAG Board agenda.  
 
For more detailed information, please visit SBCAG'S RHNA webpage.
 
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WHAT IS RHNA?
RHNA is the State’s fair share housing law.  It requires local governments to plan for a minimum number of housing units across four income groups.  The State’s Housing and Community Development department is responsible for determining each region’s need.  Regional agencies, such as SBCAG, are responsible for developing a methodology to allocate the housing units to local governments.  Finally, each local government, by updating its Housing Element, accommodates its share of housing need.  The 6th cycle covers the 2023-2031 period. More information can be found on HCD’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation and Housing Elements webpage.

Public asked to provide feedback by Dec. 2 on how bus systems, dial-a-ride and paratransit services can better serve their needs in Santa Barbara County. 

The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) is holding an unmet transit needs hearing at Noon and 5:30 p.m. on December 2, 2020 via Zoom Webinar. The public is encouraged to participate in one of the two hearing options 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 at both public hearing options.
 
Those unable to participate in the virtual hearing opportunities can take an online survey in English and Spanish until December 2, 2020. 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. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations to participate in the December 2, 2020 hearing should contact SBCAG at least three working days prior to the meeting at (805) 961-8900.
 
WHAT:              Unmet Transit Needs Hearing

WHEN:              Noon and 5:30 p.m. on December 2, 2020 (attend one of the two options)

WHERE:            Zoom Webinar:*
                           Manually join: Webinar ID: 829 1767 1869; Passcode: 221523; OR
                           Telephone: (669) 900-9128; Webinar ID: 829 1767 1869; Passcode: 221523.
                          *Spanish-language interpretation services available

DETAILS:         SBCAG will conduct the public hearing to receive comments on transit needs in Santa
                         Barbara County, as required under Section 99401.5 of the Public Utilities Code.

Spanish-Language release available via this link,  Audiencia Publica Virtual de Necesidades de Transito No Satisfechas

Focus of committee is to ensure accountability for high priority transportation projects throughout Santa Barbara county 

Santa Barbara County Association of Governments is seeking civic-minded, interested individuals to serve on a committee of community leaders, a part of the Measure A Citizens’ Oversight Committee. The committee oversees the ongoing investment of Measure A sales tax funds for high priority transportation projects and programs that address the current and future needs of Santa Barbara county. The Committee is comprised of 11 members, including four from North County, four from South County and three “at-large.” Applicants will be considered to fill three open positions on the committee for an “at-large” member, and two North County members who can represent transportation interests in the county.
 
On November 4, 2008, Measure A was approved in Santa Barbara county with 79% voter support, a one-half of one percent (1/2%) sales tax for transportation projects and programs over 30 years. Measure A is administered by Santa Barbara County Association of Governments and it is estimated to provide more than $1 billion of local investment in transportation projects through 2040. Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board of Directors appointed a Measure A Citizens’ Oversight Committee to help ensure accountability to voters regarding the expenditure of funds.
 
The Measure A Citizens’ Oversight Committee is made up of a balance of transportation users that represent geographic, social, cultural and economic interests in the county. Appointed members serve four-year terms and can be reappointed for additional terms at the discretion of the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board of Directors. As determined by the committee, they meet as needed or one to three times a year. The committee is responsible for annually submitting comments to the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board of Directors on whether the provisions, requirements and voter mandates as outlined by Measure A’s Investment Plan and Ordinance have been properly carried out.
 
Three positions are open for consideration of an appointment by the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments Board of Directors. To apply, applicants are encouraged to complete a application by July 29, 2020. The application is available upon request to Lauren Bianchi Klemann, Government Affairs and Public Information Manager by email at lbianchiklemann@sbcag.org or telephone at: (805) 961-8900.
 
More information about Measure A is available on the measure’s website at www.measurea.net.