Item Coversheet

BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT

Item No. B.i.
For Meeting of: October 1, 2019

ITEM TITLE:Presentation by City of Yakima Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee on Potential Pedestrian Master Plan
SUBMITTED BY:

Neil McClure, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Chair

Joseph Calhoun, Planning Manager

Bob Desgrosellier, Acting Chief Engineer

SUMMARY EXPLANATION:

A Pedestrian Master Plan would complement the existing non-motorized planning documents already funded and approved by the City of Yakima.  A Pedestrian Master Plan, like the ADA Master Plan and the Bicycle Master Plan, would serve as a valuable tool in helping to prioritize and effectively manage our City’s investments in it’s non-motorized transportation system.

 

A Pedestrian Master Plan would complete the non-motorized portions of the Transportation Master Plan. The projected cost of a Pedestrian Master Plan is $40,000 to $70,000. The Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee has been working to determine the value of including a Pedestrian Master Plan within the City’s transportation planning documents.  A well-designed Pedestrian Master Plan will help to prioritize the components of the plan and bring maximum value to our pedestrian projects.  A well-designed Pedestrian Master Plan would incorporate the following:

1. Pedestrian Safety

2. Project Equity within the City

3. Promote Healthy Lifestyles

4. Promote Economic Sustainability

5. Connectivity of Pedestrian Facilities

6. Integration with Multi-Modal Transportation

7. Effective Land Use and Site Design 

 

As part of our work, the Committee held a special meeting in January, inviting community stakeholders to gauge there support for adding a Pedestrian Master Plan to our City’s planning documents.  We were gratified by the enthusiastic support that the idea received from those that were able to attend.  Those in attendance clearly understood the value of a planning document that recognized the importance of an integrated transportation system that recognized all users.  Also recognized was the value pedestrian facilities added to the quality of life within a community in addition to the safety that a well-designed pedestrian system brings to its citizens.  A well-designed Master Plan helps to prioritize our City’s investments in its neighborhoods. As part of our discussions we looked at different ways to fund the plan. We have identified existing sources within the City’s funding stream and we also have identified some outside sources that may help reduce the cost to the city.City Sources:

1. Non Motorized portion of the City’s gas tax revenue

2. Yakima Transit Pedestrian Connectivity revenue

3. Transportation Benefit District revenue 

4. General Fund Outside Sources: Requires Grant Writing

 

Yakima COG: Manages State and Federal dollars

1. Commute Trip Reduction money

2. Transportation Alternative money

 

Health District

1. Healthy Communities money

 

Yakima Foundation: Grant cycle closed until next April 1

ITEM BUDGETED:No
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:Neighborhood and Community Building
APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL: Interim City Manager

   
   
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
BOARD/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the Committee and/or staff to seek funding opportunities