Council moves car‑free Telegraph budget referral to consent amid broad public support

The Berkeley City Council on Jan. 27 added a budget referral intended to fund initial phases of a car‑free Telegraph Avenue (north of Dwight) to the consent calendar, advancing the long‑running initiative for pedestrianizing the corridor.

Council member Humbert and Vice Mayor Luna Parra were among sponsors thanked for advancing the item. During the consent discussion, council members and multiple members of the public described the proposal as decades in the making and said it would improve safety, accessibility and local economic vibrancy. Public commenters including student and neighborhood advocates urged approval and said Telegraph has a high rate of pedestrian and bicycle injuries.

Funding and process notes: Sponsors said the referral requests no general‑fund dollars but instead looks to restricted special funds including an LRDP settlement with UC Berkeley and Measure FF revenues; the motion as presented did not specify an exact general‑fund appropriation. Council moved item 22 to the consent calendar and then adopted the consent calendar, advancing the referral without additional separate debate.

Why it matters: Telegraph Avenue is a high‑injury corridor, according to council comments; backers argued pedestrianization would create public space, reduce car dependence, and bring economic benefits to local businesses. Opponents and commenters urged attention to delivery access and impacts on existing businesses during implementation planning.

Next steps: With the referral on consent, staff will proceed with the budget referral process and any required outreach and planning; council members suggested leveraging university settlement funds and other grant sources for future phases.