Finance committee debates DGNA visitor-use study; motion without optional video fails for lack of second

Civic Affairs presented a proposal from DGNA (consultant Steve Lawson) to study visitor use and pedestrian-vehicle interactions on Broadway. The consultant's phased approach includes phase 1 baseline monitoring and local-capacity training and later phases that use modeling to test mitigation options (e.g., one-way traffic scenarios, pedestrian amenities). Civic Affairs recommended phase 1; budget discussion referenced a total-program figure of $114,000 but identified phase 1 at roughly $65,000 and noted a $15,000 optional time-lapse video.

Proponents emphasized that DGNA's work includes training 2–3 local staff to collect data, creating local capacity to continue monitoring after the consultant completes the contract. Potter noted the consultancy's modeling tools (shown at a CLIA symposium) can run real-world scenarios and help choose practical interventions. Potter proposed deleting the optional $15,000 time-lapse video to reduce cost and make phase 1 more palatable to finance; he moved to recommend phase 1 without the time-lapse sample, but the motion received no second and therefore did not carry.

Skeptical voices warned the assembly has commissioned studies before without implementing findings; Chair Hanson urged clarity about what policy choices would follow from the data. Several members said they support collecting objective capacity and congestion data but are reluctant to add new budget amendments this fiscal year and prefer to consider this work during the next budget cycle when revenue increases are secured.

Next steps: Civic Affairs and staff will bring the proposal, refined scope and cost breakdown to upcoming assembly packets for further consideration; staff noted timing (data collection this summer) is tight for 2027 cruise-schedule adjustments.