REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution to Authorize the Filing of an Application to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for the Allocation of Fiscal Year 2026/27 Transportation Development Act Article 3 Funding for the Following Combination of Projects: $75,000 for the Design Phase for California Avenue and Frances Street from Project No. 1 (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) and Curb Extensions), $100,000 for Project No. 3 (Design Phase of Mathilda Bike Lane Project), $50,000 for the Design Phase of Project No. 4 (Quick Build Projects to Implement ATP), and Bank the Remaining $79,947 for Future Use
Report
SUMMARY OF COMMISSION ACTION
The Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 funds is a source of funding created by State legislation and processed through the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority and Metropolitan Transportation Commission that annually returns sales tax revenues designated for bicycle and pedestrian projects to local agencies. For fiscal year 2026/27, the City will receive $304,947 in TDA funding for reimbursement of eligible projects.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC) considered this item at three meetings. The first meeting held on January 15, 2026 was an introductory meeting that explained administrative information about TDA Article 3 funding and for the BPAC to suggest potential projects (RTC No. 26-0231). During the second meeting held on February 19, 2026, staff discussed the eligibility and cost estimates of potential projects. (RTC No. 26-0334). During the third meeting held on April 16, 2026, the BPAC voted on which projects to recommend to City Council (RTC No. 26-0131).
The BPAC considered multiple projects for use of the TDA Article 3 funds (“Candidate Project”):
1. Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) and Curb Extensions - Approximate Cost: $150,000 (Design), $600,000 (Construction)
2. Implement Crossing Improvements at the Intersection of Gail Avenue & Iris Avenue - Approximate Cost: $150,000 (Design), $415,000 (Construction)
3. Design Phase of Mathilda Bike Lane Project - Approximate Cost: $100,000 (Design)
4. Quick Build Projects to Implement ATP - Approximate Cost: $50,000 (Design), $160,000 (Construction)
5. Improve Pedestrian Access to Fair Oaks Park - Since the not yet constructed improvements require some planning study, TDA Article 3 Funding is not eligible for the planning phase.
Project No. 1 includes two locations, (1) the intersection of Sunset Avenue and Washington Avenue and (2) the intersection of California Avenue and Frances Street. The commission was unable to discuss the first location because two commissioners had conflicts of interest. Due to absences, the recusal of two commissioners resulted in a lack of a quorum with respect to the first location.
For Project Nos. 2 through 5, if Council decides to not use the TDA Article funds for any of these projects, staff will explore grant funding opportunities to implement the improvements.
At the April 16, 2026 BPAC meeting, the BPAC voted for Alternative 2: Recommend to City Council to use the TDA Article 3 FY 2026/2027 Funding for a project other than staff recommendation or for a combination of projects. They recommended the following combination of projects:
• $75,000 for the design phase for the second proposed location of California Avenue and Frances Street from Project No. 1 (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) and Curb Extensions);
• $100,000 for Project No. 3 (Design Phase of Mathilda Bike Lane Project);
• $50,000 for the design phase of Project No. 4 (Quick Build Projects to Implement ATP); and
• Bank the remaining $79,947 for future use.
The vote was 5-0, with 2 absent Commissioners.
Staff agrees with BPAC’s recommendation.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
As discussed in more detail in the report to BPAC, all projects proposed to be funded by this action will be exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under the Class 1 CEQA exemption for minor alteration of existing streets, sidewalks, and similar facilities involving negligible expansion of existing use (CEQA Guidelines 15301). Project No. 3 (Design Phase of Mathilda Bike Lane Project) will also qualify for a Class 4 exemption for creation of bike lanes in existing right-of-way (CEQA Guidelines 15304(h)).
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council meeting agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board at City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Public Library and in the Department of Public Safety Lobby. In addition, the agenda and this report are available at the City Hall reception desk located on the first floor of City Hall at 456 W. Olive Avenue (during normal business hours), and on the City's website.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution to Authorize the Filing of an Application to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for the Allocation of Fiscal Year 2026/27 Transportation Development Act Article 3 Funding for the Following Combination of Projects: $75,000 for the Design Phase for California Avenue and Frances Street from Project No. 1 (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) and Curb Extensions), $100,000 for Project No. 3 (Design Phase of Mathilda Bike Lane Project), $50,000 for the Design Phase of Project No. 4 (Quick Build Projects to Implement ATP), and Bank the Remaining $79,947 for Future Use.
JUSTIFICATION FOR RECOMMENDATION
The staff recommendation is aligned with BPAC’s motion, which aims to maximize the use of TDA Article 3 funding instead of banking for larger projects. This would support advancing implementation of the Active Transportation Plan to improve the pedestrian and bicycle network in the City. Construction funding has not been identified yet; however, completing the design phase of the listed projects would better position them for future grant opportunities for the construction phase due to improved project readiness.
Levine Act
LEVINE ACT
The Levine Act (Gov. Code Section 84308) prohibits city officials from participating in certain decisions regarding licenses, permits, and other entitlements for use if the official has received a campaign contribution of more than $500 from a party, participant, or agent of a party or participant in the previous 12 months. The Levine Act is intended to prevent financial influence on decisions that affect specific, identifiable persons or participants. For more information see the Fair Political Practices Commission website: www.fppc.ca.gov/learn/pay-to-play-limits-and-prohibitions.html
An “X” in the checklist below indicates that the action being considered falls under a Levine Act category or exemption:
SUBJECT TO THE LEVINE ACT
___ Land development entitlements
___ Other permit, license, or entitlement for use
___ Contract or franchise
EXEMPT FROM THE LEVINE ACT
___ Competitively bid contract*
___ Labor or personal employment contract
___ Contract under $50,000 or non-fiscal
_X_ Contract between public agencies
_ _ General policy and legislative actions
* "Competitively bid" means a contract that must be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
Staff
Prepared by: Angela Wong, Transportation Engineer
Reviewed by: Angela Obeso, Transportation and Traffic Manager
Reviewed by: Dennis Ng, Assistant Director, Public Works
Reviewed by: Ramana Chinnakotla, Interim Director, Public Works
Reviewed by: Sarah Johnson-Rios, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Tim Kirby, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Report to Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission 26-0131, April 16, 2026 (without attachments)
2. MTC Resolution No. 4108
3. Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) & Curb Extensions Project Location
4. Crossing Improvements at Gail Avenue and Iris Avenue Project Location
5. Design Phase of Mathilda Bike Lane Project Limits
6. Quick Build Projects to Implement ATP Project Locations
7. Improve Pedestrian Access to Fair Oaks Park Project Locations
Additional Attachments for Report to Council
8. Excerpt of Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Meeting of January 15, 2026
9. Excerpt of Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Meeting of February 19, 2026
10. Excerpt of Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Meeting of April 16, 2026
11. Resolution to Request to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for the Allocation of Fiscal Year 26/27 Transportation Development Act Article 3 Pedestrian/Bicycle Project Funding