Mesquite unveils draft master transportation plan; consultants propose higher impact fee for new development

Consultants and city staff introduced the draft Mesquite Master Transportation and Capital Improvement Plan to the City Council on Aug. 26 and recommended updates to long‑range projects, multimodal improvements and a formula for a new transportation impact fee. Max Barnes, a consulting project lead, summarized existing‑conditions work, public outreach (including a walk/bike audit and a March public meeting) and a prioritized project list that includes short‑, mid‑ and long‑term improvements such as intersection upgrades, additional signal capacity, crosswalks and bicycle facility connections across I‑15. "A big part of this is providing a mechanism to update traffic impact fees," Barnes said. The draft includes a recommended increase in the transportation impact fee for new residential development. Councilwoman Gonzales cited a draft figure of $672 per new home; staff clarified that the fee applies to new construction only and that the proposed number is based on trip‑generation rates and recent growth projections. City staff and the consultant said the fee is a draft recommendation and will be discussed in upcoming public outreach; adoption of the plan is scheduled for Oct. 28 after an open house on Sept. 17. Resident Wes Bulger spoke in public comment opposing higher fees on new construction, saying fee increases can disincentivize housing production. "Raising prices on doing that is just counterproductive," he said, asking council to weigh housing‑supply goals. Councilman Wanless moved to accept the presentation and send the plan through the scheduled open‑house and adoption process; Councilwoman Fielding seconded and the motion passed. Staff said they will proceed with the Sept. 17 open house, continued public engagement and bring adoption to council on Oct. 28, at which point council will consider the impact fee recommendation.