Committee approves forwarding CVTA-backed Diamond District administration agreement

The committee voted to forward Ordinance 2026‑084, authorizing the city administrator to execute a standard project administration agreement with the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) for the Diamond District transportation infrastructure project.

Diana Moore Clark, deputy director of public works, told the committee the department requested $12,900,000 to support Phase 1A improvements associated with the Diamond District redevelopment. "The CVTA approved approximately 80% of those funds," she said, and added that the agreement cannot exceed the approximately $10.3 million CVTA contribution unless additional funding is requested through a separate application process. The improvements listed include multimodal neighborhood streets, transit access enhancements, signalized intersection improvements, utility demolition, pavement, sidewalks, lighting, benches, transit shelters and other streetscape elements.

Council members asked about total project budgets, local matches and schedule. Clark said the full council previously approved a $37 million GO bond for the broader Diamond District package, and that additional funding (approximately $2.624 million) is from the EDA; she said the project is expected to be completed and all funds expended by May 2027. Staff indicated there is no local match required for the CVTA portion.

A motion to forward the ordinance to council with a recommendation to approve passed by voice vote. Committee members asked staff to confirm start dates and procurement details and to coordinate project management and invoicing through the stated project managers.

Next steps: the city will finalize the administration agreement with CVTA, proceed with procurement/invoicing as described, and return any requested clarifications to the committee.