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Committee agrees to extend Active Streets for Business program; staff intends to seek ordinance codification in 2026
Summary
DPW told the committee the 'Active Streets for Business' pandemic-era program will be extended through the winter as a final temporary extension and staff plans to prepare an ordinance in 2026 to codify the program and avoid repeated committee approvals; aldermen asked clarifying questions about parklets, sidewalk cafes and sponsorship for codification.
James Washington, Public Works Coordination Manager, presented File 251020 describing an extension of the Active Streets for Business program that allows street closures and other uses for outdoor dining and business activation. Washington said the program began in 2020 during the pandemic, differs from sidewalk cafe and parklet programs, and that this extension is the last temporary renewal before staff seeks ordinance codification in 2026.
Council members asked for clarification about scope and whether parklets are included (parklets are a separate program), and who will sponsor the ordinance to codify the program. Washington said the city does not yet have a sponsor for codification but offered to work with interested aldermen. Alderman Taylor moved adoption of the resolution to extend the program; with no objections, the committee ordered the file approved.
Councilors signaled interest in discussing parklet policy and potential neighborhood buy-in for street closures during the ordinance drafting process. DPW staff offered to have follow-up conversations with aldermen about parklets and potential ordinance language.
