HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 10b - Resolution No. 7647 - California Dept. of Transportation
STAFF REPORT
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
DATE: September 16, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager/Development Services
Director
Kevin Merrill, City Engineer
By: Alana Johnson, Transportation Services Manager
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION NO. 7647, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, OR
DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO FUND DEVELOPMENT OF
ARCADIA’S ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
CEQA: Not a Project
Recommendation: Adopt
SUMMARY
In January 2025, the Development Services Department (“DSD”) submitted an
application to the California Department of Transportation (“Caltrans”) for a
Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant. The goal of the application was to secure
funding for the development of an Active Transportation Plan (“ATP”) for the City. The
ATP will formalize the City’s efforts and investments in active transportation policies
and programs, such as transit, walking, biking, and other non-motorized modes of
travel. The total grant request was $319,150, with a minimum required local match
of 11.47% ($41,349), bringing the total project cost to $360,499. The application was
successful, and in July 2025, the City was notified that it had been conditionally
awarded the grant.
It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 7647, authorizing the
City Manager, or designee, to execute a grant agreement with the California
Department of Transportation to fund the development of Arcadia’s Active
Transportation Plan.
Reso No. 7647 - ATP Grant
September 16, 2025
Page 2 of 4
BACKGROUND
An ATP is a strategic planning document that guides a City’s efforts to improve transit,
walking, biking, and other non-motorized modes of travel. It assesses current
conditions, identifies network gaps and barriers, and proposes infrastructure
improvements, such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and crosswalks. It also outlines safety
strategies, community priorities, design standards, and funding mechanisms to
support implementation.
Having an ATP is essential for promoting safety, especially for vulnerable users like
children, seniors, and people with disabilities, while also encouraging healthy
lifestyles, reducing vehicle emissions, and supporting climate and sustainability
goals. It enhances community livability and equity by improving access for all
residents, regardless of income or vehicle ownership.
An adopted ATP also strengthens the City’s competitiveness for regional, state, and
federal grant funding opportunities. Agencies such as Caltrans and the Federal
Highway Administration (“FHWA”) prioritize jurisdictions with current,
comprehensive plans. An ATP demonstrates that the City has a clear vision,
prioritized projects, and is ready for implementation, which are key criteria in
securing grant funding.
DISCUSSION
Arcadia has made substantial investments in bicycle, pedestrian, and transit
infrastructure. These efforts include developing a Citywide bicycle network, targeted
sidewalk enhancements, and accessibility upgrades at bus stops, particularly those
serving Arcadia Transit. To further reduce emissions and improve air quality, the
majority of the Arcadia Transit fleet has been converted to compressed natural gas
(“CNG”). Most recently, a comprehensive assessment of the transit system has been
undertaken to identify opportunities for enhancing service efficiency, reliability, and
the overall rider experience.
A formal ATP would consolidate these efforts into a unified framework, helping to
document progress, identify future priorities, and guide implementation through
consistent design standards and policy goals. It would also enhance
Reso No. 7647 - ATP Grant
September 16, 2025
Page 3 of 4
interdepartmental coordination and strengthen the City’s position in competing for
grant funding.
If Resolution No. 7647 is adopted, Caltrans will prepare an official grant agreement
between its agency and the City for execution. Following this, a Request for Proposals
(“RFP”) will be released to procure a consultant to assist in the development of the
ATP. The RFP and subsequent work must comply with specific Caltrans requirements,
including an already approved scope of work and reporting expectations. A
Professional Services Agreement (“PSA”) will be brought forward to the City Council
for approval upon selecting a consultant.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The proposed action of accepting grant funding does not constitute a project under
the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), as it can be seen with certainty that
it will have no impact on the environment.
CEQA review may be warranted at a later date, such as when individual projects are
brought forward to implement the ATP.
FISCAL IMPACT
If approved, the City will receive $319,150 in Caltrans Sustainable Transportation
Planning Grant funding,, and will contribute a required minimum local match of
11.47% ($41,349), using Proposition A funds, bringing the total project cost to
$360,499. This project does not require any General Fund dollars.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council determine that the proposed action is not a
project under CEQA; and adopt Resolution No. 7647, authorizing the City Manager,
or designee, to execute a grant agreement with the California Department of
Transportation to fund the development of Arcadia’s Active Transportation Plan.
Reso No. 7647 - ATP Grant
September 16, 2025
Page 4 of 4
Attachment: Resolution No. 7647