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the routes in the high-risk network. He said that is the Planning Department’s goal as well, but <br />when you start to look through the existing characteristics of the roadway and the available <br />resources, there is often a gap. He stressed that the plan is still very much under review, and they <br />will likely be making further revisions, especially regarding the infrastructure recommendations <br />in order to reduce that gap. <br /> <br />Ms. Otulana then provided a similar overview of the Safe Streets for All Plan (SS4A). She <br />explained that the goal of this plan is to take a safe systems approach and proactively recommend <br />strategies for safety, as opposed to waiting for crashes to occur. The adoption of this plan will <br />also ensure that Lakewood is eligible to apply for federal funding from the USDOT. She <br />reviewed the equity impact assessment that was conducted as part of the project, and highlighted <br />the following focus areas: safety, equity, culture change, data-based approach, and safe routes for <br />youth. She then shared the recommended strategies and discussed the proposed prioritization <br />frameworkfor the City of Lakewood to implement those strategies. <br />Councilmember Strebig asked a question regarding the focus area of culture change within the <br />Safe Streets for All Action Plan. Ms. Otulana provided a comprehensive response, outlining that <br />the culture change strategies are aimed at shifting transportation practices among Lakewood’s <br />residents, professionals, and city leadership. Ms. Otulana emphasized the importance of <br />informing the community about the necessity of adopting a safe approach to transportation and <br />infrastructure. The approach recommends teaching best practice design guidelines to enhance the <br />efficiency and safety of roadways and transportation systems. Ms. Otulana further recommended <br />training staff on systemic safety principles and incorporating equity considerations, highlighting <br />the need for multiple layers of training. <br />Vice President Shachner asked if Council has role in prioritizing and implementing certain plans <br />within the Active Transportation and Safe Streets For All plans. Ms. Otulana suggested adopting <br />complete streets policies, which have been effective in many communities, as a way to <br />structurally prioritize implementation. She stated that Council could also pass a resolution to <br />formalize Lakewood's commitment to these complete streets policies. <br />Chair Baker requested clarification on what complete streets policy entails. Ms. Otulana <br />explained that it involves developing a decision-making process for roadway projects, tailored to <br />city-specific needs, such as Lakewood's focus on pedestrians and cyclists. She also highlighted <br />that the policy includes project selection criteria and design guidance to support these priorities. <br />President Kepple asked a question regarding the integration of the Active Transportation Plan <br />with the ADA Transition Plan. Planning Director Leininger responded by explaining that while <br />each plan has its distinct priorities, there are significant intersections between the two, allowing <br />for collaborative efforts in certain areas. President Kepple also expressed concerns about the <br />complexity of managing a high volume of project decisions related to transportation <br />infrastructure. In response, Planning Director Leininger assured that the management is handled <br />by numerous project managers, allowing the City to maintain focus on current projects while <br />adhering to recommendations and guidelines for effective coordination. <br /> <br />2 <br /> <br /> <br />