Dear Councilmembers,
M-Group’s “Public Plaza Concepts” slides include some great ideas for Santa
Cruz Ave. I want to highlight the asphalt art proposal and encourage
connecting it with the 2025–2026 Slow Streets Program development.
A national study from Bloomberg Philanthropies found that asphalt art
projects led to a 50% decrease in crashes involving pedestrians and a 37%
drop in crashes resulting in injuries. Integrating this idea across
multiple programs in the annual work plan (Downtown Vibrancy and Safe
Routes) could streamline implementation, reducing both staff overhead and
cost.
I’ve attached the full study, since both the 600 Block and the Slow Streets
Program are in next week’s City Council agenda. I hope the Allied Arts
neighborhoods ongoing push for safer neighborhood streets can support the
rollout of a broader, evidence-backed approach citywide.
Thanks,
Laura
