Solvang Council Unanimously Directs Staff to Initiate State Route 246 Relinquishment

The Solvang City Council voted unanimously to direct staff to initiate the State Route 246 relinquishment process with Caltrans District 5. The decision, approved by a 5-0 vote during the June 8, 2026 meeting, authorizes the city manager to execute necessary forms to begin exploring local control of Mission Drive through downtown Solvang. City staff requested authorization to begin exploring the relinquishment process, which Caltrans estimates will take between three to nine years to complete. Discussion around the prospective transfer referenced financial considerations, including an estimated $18,800,000 figure and a separate $1,000,000 amount discussed during the proceeding. All five council members—Mark Infanti, Claudia Orona, Louise Smith, Elizabeth Orona, and Mayor David Brown—voted in favor of the motion, with no dissenting votes recorded. SYV Today Staff Report. Primary source: City of Solvang meeting recording available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGzg3BSp1Jg (published June 8, 2026).