The Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association (DSBIA) announced the release of its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting the newly formed organization’s transition from formation to community impact. Since launching district-wide maintenance services in September, DSBIA has delivered consistent, visible improvements across the downtown core.
“2025 marked a defining year for Downtown,” said Robin Elander, Executive Director of DSBIA. “We moved quickly from building a new organization’s infrastructure to delivering measurable improvements in cleanliness, safety, beautification, and adding new activations and programming – all key enhancements for downtown. We are committed to continuing to invest in and maintain a downtown we can all be proud of.”
New Maintenance Services Statistics (Sept–December 2025):
- 5,135 trash bags filled
- 103,768 pounds of trash removed
- 382 blocks pressure washed
- 9.1 minutes average response time (113 service calls)
These outcomes reflect DSBIA’s commitment to responsive maintenance, enhanced public realm conditions, and creating a welcoming downtown experience for businesses, residents, employees, and visitors.
Services Launched in 2025 Include:
- New district-wide daily janitorial services and weekly pressure washing
- District-wide landscape management
- Paseo lighting improvements
- Downtown Window Beautification Program: Initiated program in collaboration with the County Office of Arts and Culture and Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative to transform vacant storefronts into vibrant works of art that enhance street-level appeal and help position spaces for prospective tenants.
- Activation of the DSBIA Maintenance Request Hotline: 805-242-1311, Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM, 7 Days a Week. Text a photo, the nearest cross-street, and a brief description of service request for service.
Looking Ahead: Strategic Priorities
Building on early successes, DSBIA’s recently adopted Strategic Plan outlines a focused set of initiatives designed to strengthen downtown’s economic resilience and community experience. Some highlights include:
Additional Paseo Enhancements:
Creating more welcoming and beautiful paseos with overhead string lights or wrapped tree lighting in Stroke Placita, Dollar Tree Plaza, The Paseo Next to Dargans, Paseo to Lot 3 from Figueroa amongst others.
Housing
Supporting policies, programs, and development projects that increase downtown housing density, and accelerate more opportunities for people to live and work downtown
Security Camera Grant Program & Security Services
Expanding access to cameras and security patrols to deter nuisance activities and support local businesses.
Marketing & Activations:
DSBIA will execute a comprehensive marketing campaign to improve district communication and cultivate a renewed sense of local pride including the launch of a fresh, user-friendly website to showcase the new brand and encourage visitation. DSBIA will also continue to produce events and expand activations and programming in partnership with local nonprofits and cultural organizations to drive economic development and increase foot traffic throughout the district.
The full 2025 Annual Report is available here. Learn more about DSBIA’s work to revitalize downtown at DowntownSB.org.
The Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association (DSBIA) is a nonprofit dedicated to providing enhanced services to make downtown a vibrant place for visitors, investors, and residents. For more information on DSBIA’s events, programs, and a directory of businesses, visit www.DowntownSB.org.
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