City seeks park‑impact seed funding for Civic Campus/Green Loop; design kickoff under contract

Project staff briefed the council on next steps for the Civic Campus and Green Loop work around Washington Square and Library Square. Staff said the city has executed a contract with an experienced landscape architecture firm to prepare a visioning study and construction documents; a kickoff and engagement schedule are imminent.

Staff explained the requested $2.9 million in park‑impact fees represents the park‑eligible portion of a block‑scale Green Loop implementation and is intended as seed construction funding for the civic‑center blocks (Washington Square/Library Square/adjacent right‑of‑way). Staff said the full block’s construction cost is forecast in a rough range (city staff provided a planning‑level estimate in the meeting), and that roughly 35–44% of a typical Green Loop block’s cost would be park‑impact eligible; the requested amount was described as the eligible park portion and a city construction seed. Project leads also said they have begun a capital‑campaign feasibility study to leverage philanthropic funds alongside city funds.

Councilors asked about park‑impact fee eligibility and whether the same funds could be reallocated to other park projects; staff said park‑impact fees are eligible only for increased levels of park service (not routine replacement) and that staff can provide finance with a verification of expirations and eligible alternatives. Staff asked for council direction on phasing and noted the project team expects to return with construction documents and a refined cost estimate following visioning and campaign planning.