‘Savannah Moves’ plan framed as implementation‑focused multimodal strategy; staff to return with catalyst projects

City planning staff and consultants updated the Savannah City Council on Savannah Moves, a multimodal transportation plan intended to knit together small‑area projects, funding strategies and Vision Zero safety goals into an implementation‑ready program.

Fayda Masimo, chief of planning and economic development, said Savannah Moves will integrate work already underway—waterfront community improvement planning, Hutchinson Island evacuation planning and small‑area studies on the East, West and South sides—into a coordinated set of catalyst projects. “This is our overall multimodal transportation plan for the city,” Masimo said. “We are marrying the work of Savannah Moves into the small area approach that is occurring with regard to planning and urban design and development activities.”

What staff presented: the plan uses a three‑phase process: (1) small area planning (current phase) to identify immediate catalyst projects, (2) plan development to refine and prioritize projects by mode, and (3) implementation with a clear project pipeline for funding and construction. Staff said the phase‑1 work will conclude in May with a catalyst‑projects memo; the team expects to present a phase‑2 update in October 2026 and bring Savannah Moves to council for adoption in December (final year target). Equity and Vision Zero (the city’s program to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries) will be applied as guiding lenses for project selection.

Scope and funding: presenters said the plan will align GPS goals, pursue federal and state grants and leverage local funding sources such as hotel‑motel tax revenues; staff emphasized preparing “shovel‑ready” projects so the city can quickly pursue grant dollars when they become available.

Local corridors and projects: small‑area studies include the waterfront CID, Hutchinson Island evacuation and a 37th Street corridor study that is already in concept and design. For 37th Street staff reported strong public interest in adding bike lanes and associated safety infrastructure; design decisions (e.g., where to add bike lanes versus preserving parking) remain under development and will be refined with stakeholder input.

Engagement and governance: staff described a three‑committee structure—policy, coordination and technical committees—charged with shepherding engagement and vetting projects; the policy committee is composed of council appointees. A digital survey, focus groups and multiple public meetings will provide opportunities for community input throughout the phases.

Next steps: staff will publish a catalyst memo this summer for the technical committee, continue community outreach, present a phase‑2 update in October 2026 and return with a final plan and implementation strategy for council consideration in December. No formal vote was taken at the workshop.

Why it matters: staff said Savannah Moves aims to move people more equitably and efficiently, to accelerate funding readiness and to connect small‑area projects into a citywide multimodal infrastructure program that advances safety, equity and economic development.