CITY OF COMMERCE AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Street Light Master Plan Adoption
MEETING DATE: January 13, 2026
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council will consider receiving and filing the Citywide Street Lighting Master Plan and a presentation by Transportation & Energy Solutions, Consultant for preparation of the Master Plan.
BACKGROUND:
The City has approximately 3,094 streetlights citywide of which 2,407 are owned by Southern California Edison (SCE) and 549 by the City of Commerce. Streetlights offer many benefits to the Community beyond mere illumination. They enhance night-time safety of pedestrians and drivers, help deter crime by increasing visibility, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Informational Guide reports that adding proper lighting can reduce nighttime crashes by 50 percent. Additionally proper streetlighting creates a sense of security, contribute to the aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods and support local economies by making commercial areas more inviting after dark thus contributing directly to improve safety and the quality of life the residents. On June 13, 2023, the City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement with Transportation & Energy Solutions, Inc. (TES) for the development of the Citywide Street Lighting Master Plan. To ensure proper lighting TES conducted a comprehensive study of the City’s streetlight system which includes both SCE and City-owned assets ANALYSIS:
TES worked closely with the City to review and analyze existing street-lighting infrastructure and to develop a comprehensive Master Plan. The Plan inventories both City and SCE-owned assets, evaluates current lighting conditions, and proposes phased improvements that meet American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards while enhancing safety and aesthetics. Key deliverables of the Master Plan are:
A citywide AutoCAD map with roadway and lighting infrastructure index; A complete lighting inventory database, including SCE and City-owned facilities; Street Light Manager software and a user app for ongoing asset management; Photometric (illumination levels) analysis of existing conditions and recommendations for improvements; Photometric analysis demonstrating conformance of proposed improvements with standards; Prioritized short-term and long-term improvement strategies with cost estimates; Discussion of future lighting technologies and recommendations.
As part of the Master Plan, TES also developed a user-friendly app designed to improve asset management. The app will allow staff to identify the location and other details of each streetlight like ownership, type of fixture and pole.
This tool will enhance the City’s ability to manage and maintain its streetlight system by providing instant access to critical asset information.
It is recommended that City Council receive and file the Citywide Street Lighting Master Plan and a presentation by Transportation & Energy Solutions, Consultant for development of the Master Plan.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve staff recommendation
2. Disapprove staff recommendation
3. Provide further direction to staff
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the adoption of the Master Plan. The estimated costs are approximately $660,200 and $3,317,775 for short and long-term improvements respectively. Implementation of recommendations will be subject to the availability of funding and will be considered by the City Council during future budget cycles.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC GOALS:
This agenda item relates to the 2016 Strategic Plan
Infrastructure and Facilities:
Guiding Principle 3: Maintain and prioritize improvements to city facilities and infrastructure in accordance with adopted master planning documents, including the Green Zone Implementation Plan to accomplish achievable annual and long-term goals.
Guiding Principle 4: Develop and invest in infrastructure and beautification projects that support economic growth.
Approved and Recommended by: Shahid Abbas, Director of Public Works Fiscal Impact reviewed by: Alvaro Castellon, Director of Finance Approved as to form by: Noel Tapia, City Attorney
Respectfully submitted: Ernie Hernandez, City Manager ATTACHMENT:
Master Plan
Presentation