Council hears how Transportation Strategic Plan programs will be implemented through the CIP

Transportation staff presented to the council on Feb. 3 how the city will move TSP programs from planning into implementation and the capital improvement program (CIP).

Manager Steven explained staff categorized programs into asset‑condition (prioritized by infrastructure condition), policy‑driven (guided by adopted policies and plans) and community‑driven (projects that respond to neighborhood nominations and engagement). He used crosswalk upgrades as an example: staff will identify safety priorities through the Safety Action Plan or other studies, coordinate with planned capital projects where possible and either bundle upgrades into programs or implement as standalone CIP items.

Council members raised concerns that the new programmatic approach might fragment funding and produce more study rather than construction. They urged transparency and annual reporting for each new program, and asked staff to preserve flexibility to move funds across programs for high‑priority needs. Staff said an annual implementation report similar to the street levy report could provide maps, outcomes and transparency.

Council also asked staff to consider elevating bicycle infrastructure (including protected bike lanes) to a programmatic priority and to ensure equity considerations guide project selection across neighborhoods. Staff said equity scoring for CIP projects exists and will be applied; they also noted grant opportunities and coordination with partners can change schedule and priorities.

What happens next: staff will return with more detailed program performance metrics and suggested annual reporting to show where funds are invested and projects delivered.