Council approves SWA Group contract for 40 First Avenue corridor study to guide economic development

By consent vote, the Capitola City Council authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with SWA Group for a 40 First Avenue Corridor Study in an amount not to exceed $105,000.

City staff presented the project background during the consent items. The study will assess existing infrastructure and identify placemaking, landscaping and public‑realm improvements, traffic and safety options, and a phased menu of concept ideas with estimated pricing for implementation. Staff said the work will complete several tasks identified in earlier economic development studies and that the funding plan includes grant money (RE funds) and previously budgeted general fund dollars.

Staff said six firms submitted proposals and SWA Group was selected based on prior experience. The study is expected to include public outreach, an initial phase of background analysis, visioning and concept development, refinement and finalization of concepts, and a phasing strategy.

Councilmember Orbach pulled the item briefly for discussion to ask a few questions; after a short presentation staff opened the item to public comment (none came forward) and the council returned the item to the consent calendar. The consent motion approving items 7a–f, which included the SWA Group agreement, passed unanimously.