Site work for a multi-residential development in Santa Barbara, California. Conceptual plans call for site work for a multi-residential development.

Please read this RFP in its entirely before beginning a proposal. Direct questions to the County staff listed at the end of this document, or send questions to HCD@countyofsb.org. Introduction The County Community Services Department’s Division of Housing and Community Development requests proposals from qualified public private partnership consultants to prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a lower- to moderate-income workforce affordable housing development, to be published for housing developer respondents. Project Location Proposals may inform, guide, and influence future land use, housing projects and programs throughout the south coast housing market area of Santa Barbara County, specifically in the City of Santa Barbara. Deliverables will consist of Request(s) for Proposals for two or more workforce housing development sites located at: The Probation building (123 East Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara); and Feasibility of housing on other sites, including the Engineering building (123 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara) (demolition of building), Human Resources building (1226 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara) (and abutting parking area) and the Administrative building parking lot (105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara). Deliverables may consist of a combined large RFP, individual RFPs, or any combination thereof based upon the selected consultant’s recommendation to strategically solicit bids. The RFP(s) will be presented to the County’s Board of Supervisors for authorization to proceed. Project Background The County of Santa Barbara is committed to addressing the critical need for workforce housing through a comprehensive and strategic implementation plan. In fall 2024, a consultant delivered a Study that informs and describes future land use, housing projects, and programs which may be used to guide the County’s response to the insufficient supply of workforce housing. This Study included analysis of County-owned Sites for Feasibility of Conversion to Housing or New Housing Construction. The Study represents the culmination of extensive stakeholder engagement involving key community members, developers, local businesses, and housing experts, combined with a deep analysis of the community’s workforce housing needs. This thorough examination has informed the development of specific recommended implementation actions designed to enhance workforce housing initiatives and address unique challenges and opportunities within the County. By leveraging these insights and fostering continued stakeholder collaboration, the County will create sustainable housing solutions that support the economic vitality and well-being of the community. The Study provides an in-depth discussion of the key areas of analysis that may be used to help inform a strategic implementation plan. The Study and its recommended implementation actions align with other County strategic planning documents, such as the 2023-2031 Housing Element Update, Calle Real Master Plan, and the Community Action Plan to Address Homelessness. On April 8, 2025, the Board authorized action to identify a contractor to repurpose the current site of the Probation building (123 East Carrillo Street in the City of Santa Barbara) to housing. This will likely involve a two-year timeframe, which largely coincides with construction estimated to complete the new Probation building. Assuming this timeframe, construction of new housing could commence shortly after the new building is completed and staff relocated. Based on city zoning, staff estimates that development of this site may yield at least 60 units, more than originally estimated in the 2023-2031 Housing Element Update. Staff anticipates returning to the Board by the end of the calendar year for approval of an RFP that affords the County an opportunity to partner with a private sector developer, a public private-public partnership, and work to realize a timely development of this low-to-moderate workforce housing development project. This timeframe may extend in to first quarter of 2026 if additional time is needed to address issues that may emerge during the site analysis and preparation of the RFP. The expectation is that in such a partnership, the County’s contribution may take the form of a sale or long-term land lease, while the private entity would be responsible for securing project funding, construction, and management. The Board also authorized staff to determine the feasibility of repurposing the parking areas adjacent to the current site of the Engineering building (123 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara), Human Resources building (1226 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara) and the Administrative building parking lot (105 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara), including demolition of both the Human Resources and Engineering buildings, where there are a number of logistical and financial issues that need to be carefully studied and evaluated. While the property is ideal for housing, given the downtown location, proximity to shopping, and an array of mobility options, it does present some challenges. For example, the extent to which local zoning applies or whether the County could self-permit new construction, understanding existing and new infrastructure requirements, mitigating the loss of parking, and the question as to how such a venture might be financed are all issues needing careful consideration. Preliminarily, staff estimates the site may be suitable for construction in the range of 100 units. Assuming it is determined it is feasible to repurpose the properties for housing, staff will return to the Board with an RFP to utilize the current site of the Engineering building, Human Resources building, and the Administrative building parking lot, for housing.