Agenda Packet 3-11-20 Work Session

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March 11, 2020, Work Session – Item 2 Efforts to reduce transportation-related fatalities or serious injuries are consistent with a triple bottom line approach to decision-making in the community. Reducing harm to people supports a healthy community. Making streets safer for people who walk, use a mobility device, ride a bicycle or the bus makes those options more comfortable and attractive compared to driving a car and is consistent with climate recovery goals. Reducing crashes and the financial costs of harm to people or property also supports a healthy economy. PREVIOUS COUNCIL DIRECTION On November 18, 2015, the Eugene City Council adopted Resolution 5143, “A resolution setting as official policy the Vision Zero goal that no loss of life or serious injury on our transportation system is acceptable.” https://www.eugene-or.gov/DocumentCenter/View/27858 Following this policy direction, staff provided active legislative support through letter submission and public hearing testimony (by then City Engineer Matt Rodrigues) to pass SB 558 allowing cities to designate lower speeds on residential streets. The concept for this bill was one of the top five priorities for the 2019 legislative session for the League of Oregon Cities’ Transportation Policy Committee, on which City of Eugene Transportation Planning Manager Rob Inerfeld serves and Councilor Evans was the chair. COUNCIL OPTIONS The City Council may consider the following options: A.Support setting a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to designate lower speed limits onresidential streets.B.Oppose setting a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to designate lower speed limits onresidential streets.C.Request additional information or work sessions prior to making a decision about whether toset a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to designate lower speed limits on residentialstreets. CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION Given City Council’s previous action that sets as official policy Vision Zero's goal of zero fatalities or serious injuries on our transportation system, the City Manager recommends support for setting a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to designate lower speed limits on residential streets. SUGGESTED MOTION Move to direct the City Manager to set a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to designate a speed limit that is five miles per hour lower than the statutory speed limit where authorized by state statute. CC Agenda - Page 2