Reimagining the Core
A Vision for Mobility and Vitality in Downtown Sebastopol Presentation to City Council
March 3, 2026
Process & Next Steps
Reimagining the Core: A Vision for Mobility and Vitality in Downtown Sebastopol
1. Council confirms “Preferred Alternative” (Tonight)
2. Consultant prepares draft report using the Preferred Alternative
3. Planning Commission reviews draft report and provides recommendation to Council
4. Council reviews PC recommendation and draft report
5. Council deems study is complete
01 02
03 04
Background
Community Input
Recommendations
Discussion
Agenda
Why We Are Here
Reimagining the Core: A Vision for Mobility and Vitality in Downtown Sebastopol • In 2023, compared to 73 other similarly-sized California cities:
• Sebastopol ranks the worst in overall pedestrian safety (15 to 65 yr) • 4th worst in pedestrian safety (>15 yr)
• 8th worst in pedestrian safety (65+)
• Sebastopol ranks 9th worst overall for all safety categories Study Timeline
Reimagining the Core: A Vision for Mobility and Vitality in Downtown Sebastopol Summer 2024
Existing Conditions Assessment
Fall 2024
Community Workshop & Survey
Fall/Winter 2024/2025
Circulation Options & Analysis
Spring 2025
Community Workshop
& Identify Alternatives
Fall/Winter 2025
Analyze Four Alternatives
Early 2026
Community Survey and
Refining Alternatives
Reimagining the Core: A Vision for Mobility and Vitality in Downtown Sebastopol Comprehensive Community Participation
Summer/Fall 2024 Phase 1: Community Goals & Priorities
Spring/Summer 2025 Phase 2: Corridor Vision & Project Options Fall/Winter 2025/2026 Phase 3: Identify Preferred Alternatives Reimagining the Core: A Vision for Mobility and Vitality in Downtown Sebastopol Targeted Engagement with Key Groups
We have met with various agencies and groups throughout the process • Caltrans
• SCTCA
• Sonoma County
• Sonoma Transit
• Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition
• Sebastopol Fire & Police
• Sebastopol Planning and Public Works
• Community representatives including Chamber of Commerce, business owners, residents
Online Survey (October 2024 to January 2025)
Reimagining the Core: A Vision for Mobility and Vitality in Downtown Sebastopol How do you primarily travel
around downtown?
What should be the priority for different modes
travelling to and through the downtown area?
Priority
Reimagining the Core: A Vision for Mobility and Vitality in Downtown Sebastopol Community Goals & Priorities (November 2024)
Reimagining the Core: A Vision for Mobility and Vitality in Downtown Sebastopol Community Vision & Options (May 2025)
One-Way Two-Way No-Way
Four Alternatives Identified
• Alternative 1: Fine Tune Today: Minimal amount of safety and streetscape improvements to not worsen downtown level of service
• Alternative 2: Test The Two Way: Minimal amount of safety and streetscape improvements to convert Main Street to two way on a temporary basis
• Alternative 3: Walkable One Way: Maximize streetscape opportunities on Main Street and leave one-way auto circulation • Alternative 4: Totally Two Way: Convert both Main Street and Petaluma Avenue to two way and maximize walkability
Enhancements in All Alternatives
All Alternatives include a base set of enhancements
• Explore enhancements to the Plaza
• Enhance the connection from Joe Rodota Trail to Main Street • Install “curb extensions” at intersections
• Install midblock crossing on Main Street
• Remove “slip lane” by Screaming Mimis
• Add crosswalk back near the CVS
• Prioritize bikes on Burnett Street
• Be consistent with Active Transportation Plan (ATP), The Commons, and upcoming PDA Grant effort
Community Survey (Winter 2025/2026)
Reimagining the Core: A Vision for Mobility and Vitality in Downtown Sebastopol • Survey open from December 22, 2026 to
February 8, 2026
• Email & newsletter outreach to
stakeholders, project lists, and City
subscribers
• Online & media promotion via City
website, social media, and local press
• In-person outreach through downtown
and business flyer distribution
• Nearly 650 responses
Alternative Count Percent
Alt 1: Fine Tune Today 160 25%
Alt 2: Test the Two Way 114 18%
Alt 3: Walkable One Way 221 34%
Alt 4: Totally Two Way 151 23%
646 100%
Planning Commission Recommendations
Reimagining the Core: A Vision for Mobility and Vitality in Downtown Sebastopol The Planning Commission recommendation describes a hybrid configuration that pulls components of the different alternatives, specifically:
• Pedestrian and walkability improvements from Alternative 3 • Bike facility layout from Alternative 3
• On-street parking on Main Street from Alternative 3
• Two-way vehicle circulation from Alternative 4
The Planning Commission Recommendation is consistent with community feedback for a safer, walkable downtown that supports local business and would foster a strong sense of community.
Planning Commission & Consultant
Recommendation
Reimagining the Core: A Vision for Mobility and Vitality in Downtown Sebastopol At 2/10/26 Meeting, it seemed consultant and Planning Commission had different recommendations.
Both the Planning Commission and the Consultant Recommendation supported the same ultimate downtown configuration:
• Pedestrian improvements, protected bikeways, and on-street parking from “Walkable One Way”
• Two-way vehicle circulation as the end condition
The difference is when and how the two-way decision is finalized — immediately, or after additional analysis.
Alt 3 vs Planning Commission Recommendation
Walkable One-Way
Planning Commission Recommendation
Alt 3 vs Planning Commission Recommendation
Walkable One-Way
Planning Commission Recommendation
Two-Way Streets
Reimagining the Core: A Vision for Mobility and Vitality in Downtown Sebastopol Lower speeds. Two-way streets would reduce speeds and
reduce crash severity risk
Support Climate Goals. Two-way streets would reduce about 275 metric tons of CO2 per year
Support Business. Two-way streets conversions are frequently associated with increased retail activity and property values Additional Recommendations
Reimagining the Core: A Vision for Mobility and Vitality in Downtown Sebastopol Regardless of which Alternative is preferred, we also recommend:
• Funding & Implementation Plan. Final report will include opportunities to seek funding and how to phase the planning, design, and implementation of the preferred alternative. • Parking Plan. Develop a parking, curbside, and wayfinding plan aligned with the Downtown vision.
• Gateway Treatments. Implement intersection improvements (e.g., roundabout or signal at the “Y”) to manage entry speeds into downtown core.
• Cost Effective Improvements. Advance low-cost speed reduction measures (striping, signage, signal timing) upon completion of this study.
• Continuous Community Engagement. Continue engagement with the community and businesses
Summary
Reimagining the Core: A Vision for Mobility and Vitality in Downtown Sebastopol • Proposed enhancements and “doing nothing” will not address traffic congestion • All Alternatives address community supported safety and streetscape improvements • Clear consensus for a more walkable livable, vibrant downtown • Planning Commission Recommendation is most fundable configuration, as it:
Addresses walking access, comfort and safety
Would result in lower operating speeds
Provides protected/separated bikeways
Reduces VMT
Matches community priorities and input received
• Process to secure funding and Caltrans approval will take time and effort