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RTA study recommends combining tools to sustain Geneva’s downtown; public restrooms and pedestrian safety rise as priorities
Summary
An RTA study of Special Service Area (SSA) #1 found a steady levy (0.7%) generating ~$300k–$400k annually but warned levy growth is limited by a stable EAV; report recommends complementary tools (business district, TIF, targeted levies) to fund downtown needs such as public restrooms, pedestrian safety on 3rd Street and parking solutions.
Geneva — The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and consultants presented a final study of Special Service Area (SSA) #1, the downtown business district, and recommended pairing the existing SSA levy with targeted financing tools to address maintenance and capital needs.
RTA and Johnson Research Group representatives said SSA #1 is a commercial-only district historically funded by a fixed levy (0.7%), which produces roughly $300,000–$400,000 per year and remains fairly stable because downtown property values are steady. That stability means the levy buys less over time relative to rising service demands.
The study highlighted recurring stakeholder feedback: the need for public restrooms throughout downtown, pedestrian safety improvements along 3rd Street, and parking issues tied to changing commuter ridership after the pandemic. The presenters noted a measured ridership recovery — a 16% month-over-month increase in certain 2025 months compared with 2024 — but cautioned full recovery to pre-pandemic commuter parking levels is uncertain.
Recommended approaches include modest levy adjustments if the business community supports them, creation of a complementary business district (a geographically specific sales-tax tool that would not duplicate property-tax-based SSAs), and careful use of bond financing only for appropriate capital investments. Consultants urged annual reporting for SSA #1 similar to TIF annual reports to improve transparency and to build support if levy increases are later proposed.
The council received the report and asked for follow-up work on parking-fee histories, coordination with Metro/PACE for commuter service and facility needs, and further outreach on possible business-district constructs.
What's next: staff will coordinate with RTA to refine parking-fee analysis, provide more detailed financial scenarios for any levy change or business-district proposal, and return to council with implementation options.
