On December 2, the Santa Barbara City Council will be considering an updated contract or Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) with developer Alliance Bernstein (AB) of the proposed redevelopment of Paseo Nuevo which excludes the original commitment of an included 80 affordable housing units as part of the proposed redevelopment. This unforeseen change results in a major reduction, leaving just 24 of the proposed 233 units as affordable.

Sign this petition to urge the Council to ensure that the originally contemplated—80 low-income units—is reflected and obtained through the Redevelopment of Paseo Nuevo. If the developer elects not to develop the 80 units, we support the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara's ask of an in-lieu contribution of $125,000 per unit for the remaining 56 units (approximately $7 million total) to be deposited into the City’s Local Housing Trust Fund to increase our affordable housing stock.

Residents, including families, seniors, tenants, and local workers are feeling the pressure, struggling to find and maintain housing that fits within their means-- and meets our region's demands. The proposal coming to the Council on December 2 does not reflect a plan to support a diverse and inclusive community and to commit to sustainable growth and development downtown. In the wake of Santa Barbara's urgent housing emergency, a proposed housing development with only 10% affordability is unacceptable and irresponsible. Without adequate affordable housing, we risk increasing displacement and losing the unique character of Santa Barbara. 

Join us in calling on the council to prioritize affordable housing at Paseo Nuevo. We need your support to show that our community values inclusivity and affordability in meaningful ways. Sign and share this petition to ensure a future where Santa Barbara remains a place for everyone.

We encourage anyone who cares about housing affordability, especially tenants who live in Santa Barbara's Downtown to comment on the petition so that we can showcase your comments during public testimony.