Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Clara public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues in roads
Calabazas Boulevard Bicycle Lane Design
The committee is reviewing proposed bicycle lane configurations for Calabazas Boulevard to coordinate with upcoming roadway maintenance projects. This design choice will shape how safely and comfortably cyclists can navigate this corridor.
Benton-Brokaw Multimodal Crossing Feasibility Study
The city launched a feasibility study to explore options for bridging the railroad gap between Benton Road and Brokaw Road to improve walking, biking, and transit connections.
Vision Zero Traffic Safety Plan
The city took a major step toward eliminating traffic fatalities by adopting the Vision Zero Action Plan and adding a dedicated engineering position to oversee safety improvements.
VTA Governance and BART Phase II Oversight
The city responded to a county grand jury report criticizing VTA project management and board appointment practices. Councilmembers discussed how smaller cities like Santa Clara balance board rotation rules and institutional knowledge on major transit projects.
San Tomas Trail Extension Feasibility Study
Santa Clara County is studying a project to extend the Class I bike and pedestrian trail from Homestead Road to Moorpark Avenue. Residents and committee members raised concerns about intersection safety, tree removal, and traffic signal timing.
Street Improvement Requirements for Property Developments
Council reviewed requirements forcing property owners to make street and ADA improvements during remodels, deciding to study costs further.
Senior Transportation and Transit Access
Traffic engineering staff provided an update on the SV Hopper program's expansion to northern Santa Clara, noting strong ridership and offering assistance to seniors having trouble booking rides.
SV Hopper Transit Expansion and Youth Usage
Public Works staff presented information about the SV Hopper, a subsidized local ride-share service operating in Santa Clara, Cupertino, and San Jose, highlighting discounted student fares and upcoming Phase 2 expansion.
Stevens Creek Corridor Complete Streets and Grant Planning
Staff reviewed complete streets checklists for several major grant applications and recommended bike facility improvements for the 2027 annual paving project.
Mobility Framework and Parking Maximums
The task force discussed proposed transportation demand management policies and low parking maximums designed to leverage nearby transit options.