Street Maintenance Fee Increase

Decision to Move Forward with Street Maintenance Fee Increase

In 2020, City Council set the goal of continuing to “focus on pavement quality and pathways.” In 2021, Council refined the goal to “increase funding for pedestrian facilities, beginning with safe routes to school.” In September 2021, Council held a study session on funding options and directed staff to return to Council to explore changes to the SMF or, alternatively, pursue a General Obligation Bond.

In May 2022, Council agreed that increasing the SMF was the best option for creating an increased source of funding for pathway infrastructure improvements. Additionally, Council decided to increase the SMF rather than proposing a General Obligation Bond, which would have increased property taxes.

The City Council held a Study Session in November to discuss the rate increase options. During the December 6, 2022 City Council meeting, the City Council voted to approve an increase to the Street Maintenance Fee as a part of the 2023 Master Fees and Charges. Rate increases will go into effect July 1, 2023. 

Street Maintenance Fee Increases

The approved SMF rate increases will create an additional $1.5 million per year for the Street Fund to be used for projects like pathways, sidewalks, and pedestrian safety improvements.

Proposed rate increases per category:

The rate of each category is based on the trip generation value for each category of property, determined by the Institute of Transportation Engineers. More information on how the SMF is determined can be found here.

Photo: Example of an area near Westridge Elementary that would benefit from a bike lane.