CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Receive the report and provide direction as to the special study to be initiated by the Planning Team in 2026
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Allison Laff, AICP, Deputy Director
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
Staff issued a Manager's Memorandum (MM) to the City Council on April 16, 2026 that provided an overview of the Planning Team's workload, as well as availability for special projects (attached). At their May 5, 2026 meeting, the City Council directed staff to return on May 19 with an agenda item on this matter for discussion and direction.
DISCUSSION:
Based on current staffing and required workload items, the Planning Team can undertake one special study each year.
The 2026 Annual Budget includes $150,000 to hire a consultant to complete one special study or initiative. Even with consultant use, significant staff resources are required to manage the project, including consultant selection, review and comment on draft materials, and administration of the required public process.
Based on discussions leading into budget season, staff noted that either the I-88 Corridor or 5th Avenue project could be the special study for 2026. However, in recent months, additional topics such as affordable housing and housing-related zoning amendments have also been raised by the City Council.
An overview of each potential special project or initiative that has been raised is provided in the attached table. Additional supplemental background information is provided below the table.
Staff Recommendation
After reviewing the list of potential special projects, as well as their impetus and other considerations, the I-88 Land Use Plan is staff's recommended special study for 2026.
This plan would provide clear direction regarding the intended future land use of the corridor, which will be particularly helpful given the increased pressure to redevelop the...
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