The City Council approved a professional services agreement to advance Trillium Boulevard to 30% design as part of a Complete Streets, multimodal reconstruction program. Staff explained the city will use a phase‑gate approach: the current contract funds alternatives analysis, a preliminary design package, grant research and community engagement to identify a preferred cross‑section before returning to council for approval to proceed to final design and construction.

Why it matters: Trillium Boulevard is a collector roadway used by motor vehicles, buses, bicyclists and pedestrians. Staff said the project presents an opportunity to separate bike and pedestrian facilities, add green stormwater infrastructure and improve transit access. The 30% design milestone is intended to produce the level of detail needed to pursue outside grants and secure additional construction funding.

Contract and funding: Staff presented a contract amount of $621,858.03 to the selected consultant for the first phase, including subconsultants for traffic analysis, lighting, arboriculture, cultural resources, geotechnical work and public outreach. Staff said the full construction cost exceeds the existing CIP estimate and that the city currently budgets approximately $3,800,000 toward the project across multiple years; the 30% design contract will use available CIP funds and allow the city to seek grants and partnerships to reduce the construction burden. Councilors asked about how much of the contract would be spent in 2025 versus 2026; staff indicated some design fees are expected in the current year with the alternatives analysis finishing in January 2026 and the 30% package returning to council in June 2026.

Community process: Staff emphasized stakeholder engagement, including workshops and outreach to neighborhood groups, transit users and property owners, and said the 30% design level will allow evaluation of multiple cross‑section options and a public decision gate before committing to a final alignment. Council approved the resolution authorizing the city manager to sign the agreement; the motion passed 5–1.

Next steps: On staff recommendation and following the phase‑gate plan, the consultant will begin alternatives work and community outreach; staff will return to council with the 30% design package, cost estimates and recommended funding strategies before proceeding to final design and construction.