Public Works outlines FY26 road program: ‘complete streets’ work slated across all wards

Public Works Director Chris Garland and the department’s project team on Aug. 18 presented the city’s fiscal 2025–26 road program, describing a “complete streets” approach that will add curbs, gutters, sidewalks and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps across multiple wards.

Garland said the department has wrapped up the 2024–25 program and is moving into the 2025–26 program. He defined "complete streets" as “ones that provide safe and convenient access for all users of the road, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users and vehicle traffic,” and said the program will add new curbs, gutters, sidewalks and ADA ramps on selected streets.

Project scope and sequencing Garland and project manager Marvin Coleman provided an itemized list of streets by ward and said the city website and BoardDocs contain maps and the current project status. Examples of streets expected this season include: - Sixth Street (Elmwood to Fulton) will be treated as part of a complete-streets project to add curbs, gutters, sidewalks and ADA ramps in areas that currently have none. - Fulton Avenue (Washington to Dodge) and portions of Washington corridor depending on bid timing and sequencing. - Neighborhood streets identified across wards, including McAllister, Linot, Cornelia Avenue, Baldwin, Jenkinson Court, Metropolitan Avenue and others listed in the project spreadsheet.

Garland explained sequencing priorities: lead-service replacements for water service will influence which streets are done first. Where lead-service work has been completed, streets will be resurfaced or receive concrete work; some previously completed pavement patches may receive a grinding/overlay correction if lead-service work occurred after paving.

Staffing and project team Garland introduced the project team: Marvin Coleman (project manager), Antonio Dominguez (water utilities director), civil engineers, project coordinators, budget and public-relations staff and others drawn from Public Works and the mayor’s office. He said some lead-service work continues into the winter; road work will run while contractors and the city coordinate around utility replacements.

Public information and next steps Garland told council members that a project map is available on the city website and that residents on affected streets will receive direct notices that include a contact number for project questions. The council earlier approved the FY26 road program contract to the lowest qualified bidder (award to Peter Baker & Son) during the meeting’s consent items; Garland said that work will be scheduled and that progress and updates will be posted online.

Ending Council members thanked Public Works staff for the public-facing project mapping, urged continued efforts to coordinate with utilities and asked staff to report progress. Residents with specific questions were directed to the project manager contact on the mailed notices and the city website.