During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the Riverside neighborhood's lack of feedback regarding local infrastructure improvements, with the only request being for a speed limit sign. This prompted a broader conversation about the need for community input in prioritizing transportation projects, particularly in light of limited funding.

Planning Director Spencer introduced a proposal aimed at enhancing the city’s active transportation infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of connectivity and comfort in bike lanes and pedestrian pathways. He noted that while the city has made progress in building its network opportunistically, a more strategic approach is necessary to ensure that new projects effectively connect existing routes and provide safe, comfortable travel options.

The proposal, dubbed the \"27 by 2027\" initiative, aims to establish 27 miles of fully connected bike paths by 2027. Spencer highlighted the need for adaptive design and quick-build strategies to achieve this ambitious goal without significant public expenditure. The plan seeks to leverage existing infrastructure and prioritize high-comfort routes that integrate with the current trail network.

Council members raised concerns about the effectiveness of quick-build strategies, referencing past projects that did not meet community needs. Spencer assured that the proposal would be data-driven, with plans to collect pre- and post-implementation data to assess the impact of new infrastructure on traffic patterns and user safety.

Funding for the initiative remains uncertain, with Spencer indicating potential grant opportunities and existing revenue sources, such as traffic impact fees, as possible avenues for financial support. The estimated cost for the entire network is around $6 million, which Spencer described as a cost-effective solution for the proposed improvements.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore community feedback and data collection methods to ensure that the proposed infrastructure meets the needs of residents and effectively promotes active transportation throughout the city.