Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) - 10/15/26

The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) board meeting on October 15, 2026, primarily marked SBCAG’s 60th anniversary and reviewed regional transportation planning and investment. The presentation described Measure A and earlier Measure D funding, major Highway 101 projects, and the agency’s role in attracting state and federal funds; it cited $134 million secured for Highway 101 improvements and more than $760 million in outside funding leveraged. Public commenters urged the board to pursue funding and interagency coordination for Isla Vista beach-access stairs and to address congestion and safety on Highway 166 between Guadalupe and Santa Maria; no action was taken on those requests.

The board unanimously approved the consent calendar items other than item 4G, then separately and unanimously approved a 12-member State Route 135 Corridor Study Stakeholder Advisory Committee slate, adding an at-large member. In a committee report, a director said the LOSSAN board had approved a one-year, $73 million Amtrak operating contract for Pacific Surfliner service through September 2027, maintaining the current schedule. Caltrans reported receiving 20 applications for its Sustainable Transportation Grant Program, with award announcements expected in spring 2027; no awards were made at this meeting.