REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Update on City Position as Part of Envision Silicon Valley and the Proposed 2016 Transportation Ballot Measure (Information Only)
Report
BACKGROUND
On August 18, 2015, the City held a four topic Council Study Session, including a discussion on “Transportation Initiatives and Proposed Ballot Measure.” As part of that discussion staff provided updates on the proposed 2016 transportation ballot measure, the Envision Silicon Valley process, the City’s priorities for transportation funding, and an update on coordination with the North County and West Valley cities. The City priorities for funding are as follows:
• Construction funding for 101/237/Mathilda Interchange
• Lawrence Expressway grade separations within Sunnyvale
• Bike and pedestrian funding
• Maximize pavement/flexible funding
• Competitive funding for Cal train grade separations
On February 9, 2016, staff provided an update on a proposal developed by the North County and West Valley Cities. The proposal included an advocacy position for funding categories and levels (Attachment 1) as part of the proposed measure. Council supported the categories as listed in the proposal, but not any specific funding allocations. In addition, Council supported adding a category for low/wage earner social justice issues.
Staff participates on a monthly basis in the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). As part of the TAC, staff has continued to work with other cities in the County to develop a draft category and funding proposal for the proposed measure. Ultimately the TAC proposal would be forwarded to VTA commission and the VTA Board for their consideration.
EXISTING POLICY
General Plan, Chapter 3, Land Use and Transportation, Goal LT-1 - Coordinated Regional Planning - Protect and sustain high quality of life in Sunnyvale by participating in coordinated land use and transportation planning in the region
General Plan, Chapter 3, Land Use and Transportation, Goal LT-5 - Effective, Safe, Pleasant, and Convenient Transportation - Attain a transportation system that is effective, safe, pleasant, and convenient.
General Plan, Chapter 3, Land Use and Transportation, Policy LT-5.7 - Pursue local, state, and federal transportation funding sources to finance City transportation capital improvement projects consistent with City priorities.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an information report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) is required.
DISCUSSION
As part of the TAC, staff has met over the last few months to discuss the proposed ballot measure. Based on previous discussions with Council, staff has advocated for funding and categories that align with City priorities. At this time the following draft TAC proposal has been developed:
|
Category |
Allocation (in Millions) |
|
BART* |
$1,400 |
|
Local Streets** |
$1,200 |
|
Core Transit*** |
$300 |
|
Congestion Relief (Highway 85)**** |
$400 |
|
Active Transportation |
$350 |
|
Caltrain |
$900 |
|
Highways |
$700 |
|
Expressways |
$750 |
|
Total |
$6,000 |
*BART would receive an additional $100 million if revenues exceed $6,000 million.
**Revenues over $6,100 million would be directed to Local Streets.
***Projects that strengthen current routes provide first and last mile connections to active transit routes, serve all segments of the population (including senior, low income, disabled, and students).
****To include $25 million for Comprehensive Study.
Staff believes the draft TAC proposal provides the appropriate categories and funding levels to support City priorities and aligns with Council direction. Staff still expects modifications as part of the TAC process, however, the categories and funding levels are expected to stay within the same range. Two items to highlight are the BART and Congestion Relief categories. Funding from those categories could shift from one to the other, however as long as Local Streets is maintained above $1,000M and Core Transit is maintained above $200M, the City’s goals will still be met. Unless significant changes are made that could affect City priorities, staff is planning to express that the above proposal aligns with Council direction at the TAC meeting. Given the tight schedule and the established City Council direction on funding ranges and categories, staff also proposes not to return to Council for further consideration unless there is a significant departure that requires further Council direction. The City Council could always direct City staff to return with an update and we will certainly continue to keep the City Council updated through regular information updates.
It is important to note that any TAC recommendation will go through a full VTA Committee and Board process as part of Envision Silicon Valley. In addition, a community outreach process will be completed. Ultimately the VTA Board will make a final determination on the proposed categories, funding levels, and any specific projects that will be included.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Senior Center, Community Center and Department of Public Safety; and by making the agenda and report available at the Sunnyvale Public Library, the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
Staff
Prepared: Manuel Pineda, Director, Public Works
Reviewed by: Kent Steffens, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENT
1. North County and West Valley Cities February 9 Proposal