Glendale council approves Measure R programming, $9 million appropriation and design contracts for multimodal road projects

On Feb. 18, 2025, the Glendale City Council voted to approve new programming and modifications under Measure R and to authorize professional services agreements and appropriations to advance a package of multimodal street projects, including a $9 million appropriation for the North Verdugo Road Multimodal Improvements Project and a local-match appropriation of $1,216,440 for four Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) projects.

The motions, carried by 3–2 roll-call votes on multiple agenda items, allow staff to execute a $1,572,625 professional services agreement with Mark Thomas and Company, Inc. for engineering on the North Verdugo corridor, amend an existing Mark Thomas agreement for additional work on the San Fernando Road Beautification Phase 2 project (an increase of $254,915 and 24 months), and to program Measure R subregional return funds for design and preliminary work. Council also approved amendments to other design contracts and funding for the city's pavement management implementation work tied to bicycle infrastructure design.

Why it matters: The votes clear the way for consultants to complete preliminary design, surveys and outreach on corridors where staff and consultants are evaluating bike facilities, traffic-safety countermeasures and signal modernization. Opponents warned that design work is proceeding before the citywide bicycle plan and broader community survey are finalized; supporters emphasized safety improvements and the need to reduce collisions while preparing projects for state and regional grant timelines.

Most important facts

- The council approved programming changes and a resolution of…