Urbana BPAC weighs Snow Angel signage, Safe Routes to School outreach and event sponsorships

BPAC members on July 21 discussed neighborhood outreach ideas, collaborating with existing programs and how to allocate limited discretionary funds for upcoming events.

The chair presented examples of 'Snow Angel' yard signs (a small, visible sign with a QR code linking to a volunteer sign‑up) and asked whether BPAC should design, fund or distribute similar signage. Members generally favored coordinating with Safe Routes to School rather than creating a separate program, suggested producing multiple sign designs (text vs. logo/sticker) so households can choose what makes them comfortable, and proposed low‑cost pilot printing of a small batch for community use. "If Safe Routes to School is already working, we can just give them our support rather than reinventing something ourselves," one member said.

Carmen Franks reported BPAC’s engineering operating budget is about $2,500 and that staff had received an ask to sponsor MTD’s Light the Night event for roughly $1,725; BPAC previously contributed about $500 to the regional planning commission’s Bike to Work Day. Members indicated general support for collaborating on outreach and agreed staff will return with more detailed cost options at the next meeting before any spending vote.

Safe Routes to School outreach ideas discussed included distributing maps at student registration, placing temporary arrow signs or painted indicators the week before school, and using back‑to‑school events to hand out route materials. Members asked staff to reach out to Safe Routes to School and MTD to coordinate timing and signage options.

No formal funding decision was made; BPAC will revisit funding and program coordination in its next packet.