Public Notice
Public Hearings Announced for Proposed Amendment to the Measure A Ordinance and Investment Plan
March 5, 2024
Two public hearings are scheduled to discuss a proposed amendment to the Measure A Ordinance and Investment Plan involving the Goleta Overpass Improvements Project
Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) is set to hold two public hearings concerning an amendment to the Measure A Ordinance and Investment Plan. The proposed amendment involves the Goleta Overpass Improvements Project, and a change to the City of Goleta Project Connect. The hearings offer the public an opportunity to learn about the proposed amendment and voice their opinions.
The SBCAG Board of Directors will conduct a public hearing at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 21 to discuss the amendment proposal. This meeting will take place at the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Hearing Room in Santa Barbara located at 105 E. Anapamu Street, 4th Floor, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
A final vote of the Board is expected at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 18. This meeting will take place at the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Hearing Room in Santa Maria located at 511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria, CA 93455.
Information on how to remotely participate in both hearings in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and online will be provided on the Board of Directors agenda. The agendas will be published on the SBCAG website no less than 48 hours prior to the meetings start.
The public is encouraged to self-subscribe to receive various SBCAG-related Board and Committee meeting agenda notifications directly to their inbox.
In November 2008, Santa Barbara County voters overwhelmingly approved Measure A, a local transportation initiative funded by a half-cent sales tax, with 79% in favor. This measure finances a wide range of transportation projects and programs endorsed by the voters.
The City of Goleta authorized an amendment request to SBCAG. The amendment aims to shift funding from the Goleta Overpass Improvements Project to a new initiative, City of Goleta Project Connect. Project Connect focuses on enhancing transportation and safety for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, improving access to the airport, boosting regional traffic flow, and creating crucial links through Goleta. It also aims to increase stormwater capacity under Hollister Bridge in San Jose Creek, supporting economic growth in underserved areas. The amendment proposal reflects the city’s strategy to address funding challenges and project viability. The City anticipates the start of construction for Project Connect to begin in March 2024. The public can learn more about Project Connect on the City of Goleta’s website.
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About Measure A:
Voters approved a slate of transportation projects and programs for Measure A by 79% in November 2008. Spending is divided into three categories: 13.4 percent to relieve traffic congestion and improve safety on U.S. Highway 101 in the South Coast and 43.3 percent each for North County and South Coast for high-priority transportation projects including local street improvements, increasing transportation opportunities for transit dependent residents including the elderly and disabled, building safer walking and bike routes to school and providing increased opportunities for carpool and vanpool programs.
Santa Barbara County Association of Governments administers Measure A according to strict accountability provisions including annual independent financial audits and public review of expenditures by the Measure A Citizen’s Oversight Committee.
