Title
Request to Set a Public Hearing for the Safe Routes to School Action Plan Update
PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND: The Town Council is asked to set a public hearing to consider adopting the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Action Plan Update. The update identifies infrastructure and programmatic strategies to improve safety and make it easier for students to walk, bike, and roll to school in and across Carrboro.
In 2023, the Town received an initial SRTS Non‑Infrastructure grant from the NC Department of Transportation’s Integrated Mobility Division (NCDOT‑IMD) to update the 2012 SRTS Strategic Action Plan and collaborate with the Town of Chapel Hill and Chapel Hill‑Carrboro City Schools on a district‑wide SRTS program. A supplemental grant awarded in 2025 supported continuation of this work.
In August 2025, the Town contracted with Three Oaks Engineering, Inc. to prepare the updated Action Plan. Over the past year, the consultant and Town staff have assessed existing travel conditions, engaged with students, families, and school administrators, and developed programmatic and infrastructure recommendations. These findings are organized into a draft Action Plan intended to guide the Town’s SRTS program over the next 5 years.
With further approval from NCDOT-IMD and the Town Council, the consultant’s scope was later expanded to also:
• Analyze existing conditions and recommend improvements for Carrboro students traveling to schools located in Chapel Hill; and
• Advance several priority projects through preliminary design and engineering to improve competitiveness for future funding and support earlier implementation.
These additional efforts are incorporated into the draft Action Plan.
Staff recommends that Town Council consider the resolution to set a public hearing for November 10, 2026 (Attachment A). The draft Action Plan (Attachment B) may be updated prior to the hearing based on advisory board and public feedback.
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Department
DEPARTMENT: Planning, Zoning, & Inspections
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Fiscal and Staff Impact
FISCAL AND STAFF IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with setting a public hearing. Staff time and project costs are associated with conducting the hearing, coordinating advisory board review, and facilitating public engagement on the draft Action Plan.
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Community Impact
COMMUNITY IMPACT: The SRTS Action Plan Update aims to make it safer and easier for all Carrboro students to walk, bike, and roll to school regardless of age, race, ability, or neighborhood. The draft includes a specific goal of “Expanding Access,” with strategies to reduce barriers for younger children, students with disabilities, and households with limited access to a vehicle. This and its related strategies are meant to guide how programmatic and infrastructure improvements should be prioritized.
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Climate Impact
CLIMATE IMPACT: By improving safety and convenience for students walking, biking, and rolling to school, the draft Action Plan seeks to reduce vehicle drop-offs and associated greenhouse gas emissions. The plan’s “Supporting a Healthy Community” goal includes strategies to mitigate potential impacts of new impervious bike-ped infrastructure, such as incorporating green infrastructure and prioritizing low-impact design.
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