Front Street, 3rd Avenue and downtown redevelopment flagged as a top follow-up

Council members flagged downtown Front Street (and 3rd Avenue) as a top area for follow-up, noting the work spans transportation, utilities and placemaking. One council member said 3rd Avenue work is necessary regardless of Front Street and is currently programmed for design in 2027, with construction likely to span multiple years.

Staff noted that some Front Street funding assumptions include federal grant opportunities; Rob Gelder said portions of the project are currently in the CIP but that grant cycles and design timelines will affect the schedule. Councilmembers also discussed pairing a downtown redesign with a creative-district-style strategy to support businesses and tourism rather than relying solely on infrastructure investment.