CRA staff previews East‑West connectivity, autonomous shuttle pilot and Meisner Park work

CRA staff delivered a multi‑month preview of topics the agency plans to bring back for board consideration, including transportation and park maintenance items that could affect downtown mobility and public space.

Deputy/Director staff said Kimley‑Horn (Brad Davis) will present an analysis of East‑West connectivity at the Dec. 15 meeting to evaluate at‑grade and elevated alternatives for downtown circulation. The presentation aims to analyze congestion and traffic interactions with potential new transit or shuttle options.

Staff also flagged a Jan. 5 overview of CRA capital improvement projects and left Jan. 20 open for government‑center matters. A Feb. 9 item will review the autonomous shuttle pilot and Boca Connect ridership data; staff noted the pilot is currently being tested at Meisner Park and could be significant for East‑West connections whether routes are at grade or elevated. A Feb. 23 slot will address maintenance and aesthetic improvements at Meisner Park, including benches, light fixtures and gazebo color schemes. A March 23 item will update the board on land development regulations and downtown investment policy.

Commissioners asked staff to focus meeting time on items that require board action and, where appropriate, to provide memos or written updates for informational items. Staff said engineers have been engaging stakeholders and that the December and early‑2026 items should provide meaningful information for policy decisions.

No formal actions were taken; staff will return with the presentations and data at the meetings noted.