Last week, the Sacramento City Council made a move to revolutionize the way Sacramentans move around their neighborhoods. The council gave a green light to the Neighborhood Connections Plan, a strategy developed over a two-year period with the people's voice at its core. This plan is crucial to the Streets for People Active Transportation Plan and is designed to lay down low-stress pathways for walkers, cyclists, and rollers alike, aiming to shift the gears of urban mobility towards a more pedestrian-friendly future.
By adopting this plan, Sacramento has shown a firm commitment to rewrite the narrative of city streets, making them safer and more navigable for all modes of travel. "Sacramento is committed to making our streets safer and more accessible for everyone, regardless of how they travel," Jeff Jelsma, a transportation planner for the Department of Public Works, told Sacramento City Express. With a focus on calming traffic, establishing safer crossings, and enhancing wayfinding, the plan sketches a cityscape that redefines accessibility.
This plan focuses on sustainability and equity, aligning with the Sacramento 2040 General Plan and the Climate Action Plan. It aims to increase active transportation to 6% by 2030 and 12% by 2045, with a network of 237 miles of primary routes and 194 miles of secondary routes, making it easier to access schools, parks, and services by foot or bike.
The plan will improve access to key city destinations, with 90% of K-12 schools, 68% of essential services, and 86% of civic locations within 200 feet of the network. The $676.9 million project will be funded through grants and private partnerships, and while costly, the council’s approval is a big step toward securing the funds.
Community input was key in developing the Neighborhood Connections Plan, with a three-phase engagement process allowing residents to share their ideas. The plan was endorsed by the Active Transportation Commission in January and is backed by a Caltrans Sustainable Communities Grant. The full Streets for People Plan, including the Neighborhood Connections Plan, is set to be unveiled in summer 2025, marking a major step in Sacramento’s urban development.
