The Waterloo City Council voted to amend its Complete Streets/Comprehensive Safety Action Plan to add a project converting portions of Fifth and Sixth streets from one‑way to two‑way and to allow staff to pursue federal Safe Streets for All funding for a larger downtown reconstruction project.

Jamie Knudson, city engineer, explained the amendment is necessary to apply for federal funding for an estimated $30 million project that includes reconstruction of Dry Run Arch and streetscape work. Knudson said applying for the grant requires the project elements described in the plan and that federal funding could cover roughly 80% of eligible costs. "That $30,000,000 project, we're looking for federal funds to help pay for this," Knudson said, noting Dry Run Arch alone is an estimated $10 million item.

Council debate was extensive. Councilor Childs said he did not believe "the positives outweigh the negatives" of converting the one‑way streets and said the conversion would not improve travel times. Other council members responded that the change was requested by downtown business owners and neighborhood groups to improve access to both sides of downtown, slow speeds, and support pedestrian activity. Councilor Wilder said neighborhood groups have asked for the project and would support it.

City staff said the conversion applies to the downtown core between Franklin and Randolph; other one‑way sections beyond that would remain unchanged. Staff also warned the reconstruction could take years before construction begins because grant application and award processes are lengthy: Knudson said it could be 18 months to hear about grant awards and two to three years before construction if the city is successful.

Council members asked about fiscal exposure if federal funding is not awarded. Knudson said a funding agreement would return to council if the grant is awarded and that federal grants typically require local matching funds for the portion not covered by the grant. City staff emphasized the infrastructure—particularly Dry Run Arch—needs replacement in coming years whether or not federal funds are obtained.

The council approved the amendment and associated actions during the consent/resolution segment of the meeting; staff will proceed with the grant application and return any future funding agreements to the council for approval.

The discussion highlighted tensions between preservation of traffic flow and downtown business access, and the city will continue outreach as design and grant efforts move forward.