Metro transportation staff updated the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission on progress implementing the Choose How You Move referendum and a recent $104,000,000 capital drawdown intended to accelerate sidewalks, signal upgrades, transit service improvements and safety projects.

The presentation, delivered by program staff, detailed program categories on a one-page overview and map linking funding to 11 foundational projects, WeGo service upgrades and all-access corridors. "We just hit the 1 year anniversary of the referendum vote on November 5," staff said, noting that the drawdown was a one-time cash opportunity to advance projects already planned by WeGo and NDOT.

Why it matters: the program funds are intended to speed visible safety and accessibility changes (sidewalk fills, crossing upgrades, signal improvements) along corridors with existing or planned transit service. Staff said the initiative identifies 86 miles of sidewalks for delivery and separates short-term interim safety work from longer, multi‑year full corridor rebuilds.

Staff emphasized that downtown signal work shown on the map reflects only Choose How You Move funding and not other ongoing downtown investments. The presentation also described efforts to coordinate across Metro departments, NDOT, WeGo and federal grant partners to leverage additional funds and to sequence projects so short-term improvements address urgent safety issues while longer corridor design continues.

Commissioners pressed staff on several points during the Q&A: what constitutes the "safety improvements" (lane striping, crossing upgrades, pedestrian hybrid beacons), whether previously proposed dedicated bus lanes and full sidewalk builds are still planned (staff said some elements were put on hold while the broader corridor is studied), and how the $104 million drawdown relates to projected annual revenue from the half‑cent sales tax. On staffing, staff said Metro will rely on a mix of in‑house capacity building and consultants and that immediate expansion of departments will be phased rather than a single large hiring push.

Staff also described the JourneyPass pilot — a program that uses housing and nutrition assistance criteria to distribute free WeGo fare access to qualifying riders — and said outreach materials and dates are updated on the program website.

Next steps: staff asked BPAC members to review the packet and provide feedback on what presentation formats or questions would help commissioners engage neighbors. The commission did not take formal action beyond discussion; BPAC members will continue to receive periodic program updates and may provide advisory comments to NDOT and council liaisons.