Montclair unveils $193 million five-year capital improvement plan; staff outline funding gaps and grant strategy

Montclair city staff on the evening of the workshop presented a five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for fiscal years 2024–2029 that lists 56 proposed projects and roughly $193 million in work over the period. "It is my privilege to be here tonight to present the 5-year Capital Improvement program for fiscal years 2024–2029," Monica, the presenter, told the council as she opened a detailed binder and two-page summary.

The plan combines completed projects, work under construction and a longer pipeline of design-phase projects. Monica said 17 projects were completed by June 30, totaling about $8.3 million, including pavement rehabilitation, flashing stop-sign replacements and alleyway improvements. She said facility improvements completed last year totaled roughly $763,000 and that park and sewer work were also included in the completed tally.

Why it matters: the CIP lays out candidates for the city’s capital spending and the order in which projects will be pursued, but it leaves significant construction funding unresolved. Monica flagged several large projects in design that rely on outside grants or future bond allocations; for example, she said the San Antonio Creek Trail needs about $16.5 million for construction that is "currently unfunded." The five-year summary presented to council shows a recommended $26.4 million in projects for FY2024–25, with $15.6 million concentrated on street and safety improvements.

Council members repeatedly pressed staff on how and when projects would begin if full funding is not yet secured. Monica said the city will continue design work to make grant applications competitive, but that physical construction will not begin until the city has identified the funding required to finish a project. "We would not start a project until we have identified the funding sources to complete it," she said.

Staff emphasized a multi-pronged funding approach: lease-revenue bond monies already issued after Measure L, ongoing pursuit of federal and state grant programs (including active-transportation and reconnecting-communities grants), and use of local funds such as gas tax and sewer operating revenues. Monica noted that certain projects include required local matches and that timing on grant awards can shift project schedules.

The presentation also summarized projects in design and under construction: six projects were under construction at the time of the workshop and about 16 were in design (representing several tens of millions of dollars in design-phase work). Facility highlights included a Civic Center generator upgrade, fire station remodels, and a library restroom and courtyard remodel that Monica said is about 90% in design.

Staff asked the council to note the CIP schedule is tentative and that the city will bring separate agenda items as projects move from design to construction. Monica and her team said they will hold public meetings on individual projects and continue seeking grant funding; no formal votes were taken at the workshop. The council then adjourned the workshop to reconvene for the regular council meeting at 7:00 p.m.