Agenda Item #13.8
For Council Meeting of: April 7, 2026
CITY OF SANTA ROSA
CITY COUNCIL
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: DAN HENNESSEY, DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS SUBJECT: TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT (TDA) ARTICLE 3 GRANT APPLICATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 AGENDA ACTION: RESOLUTION
RECOMMENDATION
The Transportation and Public Works Department recommends that the Council, by resolution: 1) request that the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) allocate $15,000 from Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2027 Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 funds towards the installation of one Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the intersection of College Avenue and Beaver Street; 2) request that MTC allocate $143,189 from FY 2026-2027 TDA Article 3 funds towards the Safety Demonstration Projects at High Injury Intersections project; and 3) authorize the Director of Transportation and Public Works to file the applications and other required documents to request and allocate the funds, recommended by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Enhancing our active transportation network is critical in providing safe and equitable transportation access for all. Improving crosswalk access and safety at intersections are important elements in moving towards goals established in the Vision Zero Implementation Plan, adopted by the Council in July 2022. The addition of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) has proven to provide increased compliance in vehicles yielding to pedestrians, while installation of safety materials at intersections can shorten crossing distances for pedestrians and slow vehicles as they proceed straight or turn at intersections. This project includes two components: 1) to install one Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon in the City of Santa Rosa (City); and 2) to supplement funding for the Safety Demonstration Projects at High Injury Intersections project.
GOAL
This item relates to Council Goal #2 - Invest in the Development and Maintenance of the City's Infrastructure.
BACKGROUND/PRIOR COUNCIL REVIEW
TDA funds are generated from a statewide 1/4 cent sales tax. Article 3 of the TDA sets aside approximately 2% of those monies for bicycle and pedestrian planning and projects. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) administers TDA Article 3, which is distributed based on population.
The City annually receives TDA Article 3 funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects. The estimated balance for FY 2026-2027 is $158,189.
The Sonoma County Transportation and Climate Authorities (SCTCA) issued a call for projects in February 2026. TDA 3 project applications are due to the SCTCA on March 12, 2026.
ANALYSIS
With support from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, staff is proposing that the TDA Article 3 funds be divided towards two projects. A portion of the funds, $15,000 will be used to install an RRFB at the intersection of College Avenue and Beaver Street while the remaining $143,189 will be used to install safety demonstration projects at High Injury Intersections in various locations around the City. The RRFB at College Avenue and Beaver Street was chosen due to the risk of future collisions. The location of additional intersection safety demonstration projects is undetermined at this time, but will follow a similar criteria: intersections on the High Injury Network which are often locations with higher collisions, higher daily vehicle volume, speed, etc.
MTC requires a local resolution authorizing the request for allocation of FY 2026-2027 TDA Article 3 funds for eligible projects which are due to the SCTCA on April 27, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of this action does not have a fiscal impact on the General Fund.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The recommended action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(c), which exempts the operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing streets, sidewalks, gutters, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and similar public infrastructure involving negligible or no expansion of use. The proposed installation of a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon and intersection safety demonstration improvements are minor safety improvements within the existing public right-of-way and will not expand the capacity of the roadway.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
On January 15, 2026, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board (BPAB) passed a motion to allocate $15,000 of FY 2026-2027 TDA 3 funds to implement RRFB pedestrian enhancements and $143,189 of FY 2026-2027 TDA Article 3 funds to fund the Safety Demonstration Projects at High Injury Intersections project.
NOTIFICATION
Not applicable.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution
Exhibit A – Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon Application Exhibit B – Safety Demonstration Projects at High Injury Intersections Application Exhibit C – Required Findings
PRESENTER(S)
Dan Hennessey, Director of Transportation and Public Works Torina Wilson, Transportation Planner
TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT (TDA) ARTICLE 3 GRANT APPLICATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 PAGE 3 OF 3