Farmers Branch staff: Active Transportation Plan, Complete Streets head to council; Inwood Trail funding not approved

City staff told the City of Farmers Branch Sustainability Committee on July 9 that the Active Transportation Plan and a Complete Streets policy will be presented to City Council in a study session on Aug. 19 and are scheduled for a council vote on the regular agenda Sept. 16.

The committee’s staff presenter said the committee had unanimously recommended both documents and that consultants will present the plan to council at the Aug. 19 study session so members may ask questions. “The consultant’s gonna be presenting the information to them and allowing them to ask questions,” the staff member said. Committee members were encouraged to contact their council members or the mayor to express support during the study-session period.

Why it matters: Council consideration is the next formal step before any changes in street design or active-transportation projects can move forward. The plan and policy set priorities for walking, biking and street design that can affect capital budgeting, permitting and future construction.

The committee discussion also included the Inwood Trail project along an easement controlled by Encore. Staff reported that a council resolution seeking TxDOT funding for the project did not pass, meaning the city will not pursue that particular funding source at this time. Staff said the Inwood Trail remained listed in the Active Transportation Plan but that the project carried a significant potential city match: an estimated 80/20 grant match that would have left the city responsible for roughly $800,000 out of pocket if pursued now. The staff member described the amount as approximate.

Committee members noted that the Inwood Trail design work and preliminary plans already exist and that the trail could be revisited if alternate funding becomes available, or through mechanisms such as trail bonds. Staff confirmed the easement status reduces some right-of-way work but poses other property-related challenges.

Discussion vs. decisions: The Sustainability Committee did not take any formal action on the Active Transportation Plan at the July 9 meeting; the committee’s prior recommendation is described in the council packet. The only formal decisions reported in the meeting regarding the Inwood Trail were made by City Council (the funding resolution was not passed), not by the committee.

Committee-next steps and context: Staff said council will receive the consultant’s presentation Aug. 19 and that the Sept. 16 agenda includes a possible council vote. Committee members were advised to attend the study session or provide public comment to their council representative if they wish to influence council questions before the vote.

At the meeting, Alex (staff member) served as the presenter of the update; no formal committee vote on the plan or funding occurred during the July 9 meeting.