San Diego Cuts Funding for Gaslamp Promenade, Halting Pedestrian Plaza Plan

The city's withdrawal of funding for daily bollard operations has stalled the Gaslamp Promenade project, leaving business owners and the local association at odds.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Gaslamp Promenade plan to transform Fifth Avenue in downtown San Diego into a car-free pedestrian corridor has hit a roadblock after the city notified the Gaslamp Quarter Association that it would no longer pay for the daily operations of the steel bollards that sealed off traffic. This has left the physical infrastructure largely idle, and business owners who invested in the vision now uncertain about the future of the project.

Why it matters

The Gaslamp Promenade was pitched as a key post-pandemic recovery tool and a way to make the urban core more walkable, with the support of city leaders and downtown boosters. Its stalling has left business owners frustrated and questioning the future of the ambitious pedestrian-first plan for Fifth Avenue.

The details

The Gaslamp Promenade plan called for an eight-plaza transformation of Fifth Avenue from Broadway to K Street, turning the strip into a pedestrian-first corridor filled with dining, art and events. The city initially supported the project, including providing funding for the daily installation, removal and storage of the steel bollards that created the pedestrian corridor. However, the city has now notified the Gaslamp Quarter Association that it will no longer cover these operational costs, effectively ending the daily closures of Fifth Avenue.

  • In May 2023, permanent steel bollards and a "Slow Street" setup were installed on Fifth Avenue as part of the Gaslamp Promenade project.
  • Last month, the city notified the Gaslamp Quarter Association that it would no longer support operations for the bollard program.

The players

Gaslamp Quarter Association

The organization behind the Gaslamp Promenade plan, which is now trying to sort out costs and next steps with the city.

Ruth-Ann Thorn

A gallery owner who bought nearby property partly because of the Gaslamp Promenade plan, and is now not thrilled with the project's pause.

Michael Trimble

The executive director of the Gaslamp Quarter Association, who has said the group is trying to sort out costs and next steps with the city.

City of San Diego

The municipal government that initially supported the Gaslamp Promenade project but has now withdrawn funding for the daily bollard operations, effectively ending the pedestrian corridor.

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What’s next

The Gaslamp Quarter Association is exploring options, including renegotiating contracts and seeking private funding, to try to revive the Gaslamp Promenade project. The next round of city budget talks, along with any new agreement between the city and the association, will determine whether the ambitious pedestrian plaza plan moves forward or remains stalled.

The takeaway

The stalling of the Gaslamp Promenade project highlights the challenges cities face in balancing budgets and funding priorities, even for high-profile initiatives aimed at improving walkability and supporting local businesses. The outcome of this dispute will be closely watched as a test case for the future of pedestrian-focused urban planning in San Diego.