10/5/2021 |
Clark County Board of Commissioners
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Agenda note: DOCUMENT(S): Submitted
1. Drives – Data – Ideas – Change (10 pages)
2. An Economic Summary on the Benefits of Complete Streets (1) submitted by Andrew Woods, UNLV Center for Business and Economic Research
Following introduction of the item, Mr. Woods spoke via telephone and advised that Complete Streets promoted walking, bicycling, and transit riding; provided travel options for those with limited access to cars; improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists; City of Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, Reno, and downtown Summerlin have incorporated some elements of Complete Streets; spoke regarding the impact of Complete Streets on safety, mobility, economics, and the environment; Complete Streets could contribute to reducing obesity and risk of chronic diseases, which would lead to reduced healthcare costs; provided examples of where Complete Streets could work including areas around academic campuses, sport facilities, workforce hubs, and parts of major traffic corridors that have a mix of employment, retail, and basic services.
Responding to a question from Commissioner Kirkpatrick, Mr. Woods advised that residents on the east side were major users of walking and cycling, but current focus was on areas of growth; was aware of projects concerning economic development on the east side were being studied which included mobility and walkability; and people wouldn’t use areas as much unless safety, such as bike lanes or lighted areas, was addressed.
Commissioner Jones advised of multiple sources of funding for roadways, such as the fuel tax, federal funding, and funding from room tax revenue, and were restricted to roadways, and room tax revenue could only be used in the resort corridor; funds from Question 10 (Q10), enacted in 2003, were not limited to roadways but could be used for trails, pedestrian facilities, etc.; $98 million dollars was currently programmed for Q10 funds, $49 million of that was programmed for pedestrian bridges on the Strip, and $45 million of that was programmed for Fiscal Year 2023 but it could be likely that the $45 million dollars could be reprogrammed to room tax revenue; funds should be spent where they were needed most, such as the east side and communities of color; suggested that a consultant be hired to work with Denis Cederburg and Public Works to look at how better utilize the Q10 funds to improve pedestrian safety and walkability, particularly in areas where the improvements were needed most.
Commissioner Kirkpatrick advised of the Census Tracks identified by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, of which every Commissioner had a portion of, could be utilized for pedestrian safety.
Responding to a question from Commissioner Jones, Ms. King advised that another agenda item would not be needed to retain a consultant for the Q10 funds as it was part of the discussion today and was considered direction to staff. | |
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