Council directs staff to prioritize downtown walkability, then midtown connectivity and trail links; finish existing networks before wide new rollouts

Transportation staff presented a citywide mobility framing that highlighted Vision Zero, the Palmetto Park Road walkability study, the Boca Connect on‑demand pilot and potential small autonomous vehicle trials, while noting county and state funding uncertainties.

Council discussion focused on priorities. Several members said downtown pedestrianism and connectivity across the tracks and Palmetto Park corridor should be the first priority because of the campus master plan and potential redevelopment impact. Members also asked staff to complete shared‑use trail connectivity (including consideration of an El Rio/Spanish River underpass) and to pursue incremental Complete Streets improvements and tactics that yield measurable safety benefits. For higher‑volume suburban corridors and the western residential areas, members urged use of technology (adaptive signal timing and AI) to improve throughput and safety.

Staff noted the transportation portfolio for the upcoming CIP has increased materially and cautioned the council about balancing maintenance and new projects; staff said citywide transportation planning will be coordinated with county efforts and that a citywide plan work order will come forward in the next month, with deliverables aligned to county timelines (targeting late 2025 for council briefings).

Next steps: staff will prioritize projects by district (downtown first), complete trail connectivity planning, integrate Vision Zero capital projects where federal funds are available, and return with a coordinated citywide transportation plan and CIP recommendations.