Title
a. Accept a $180,000 Grant Award from the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) related to the 2026 Monterey County Active Transportation Plan (ATP) and Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) Analysis to develop and support a comprehensive strategy to create walking, biking, and non-motorized transportation options for vulnerable and underserved persons through the County of Monterey;
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a retroactive non-standard Professional Services Agreement (“Agreement”) with the State of California Department of Transportation in the amount of $180,000 for a term effective November 1, 2025 through December 31, 2028;
c. Accept non-standard insurance and indemnification provisions in Agreement, as recommended by the Director of Health Services; and
d. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to sign up to three (3) future amendments to this Agreement, where the amendments do not significantly change the scope of work and do not cause an increase of more than 10% ($18,000) of the original contract amount, for a revised not to exceed agreement amount of $198,000.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors:
a. Accept a $180,000 Grant Award from the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) related to the 2026 Monterey County Active Transportation Plan (ATP) and Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) Analysis to develop and support a comprehensive strategy to create walking, biking, and non-motorized transportation options for vulnerable and underserved persons through the County of Monterey;
b. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to execute a retroactive non-standard Professional Services Agreement (“Agreement”) with the State of California Department of Transportation in the amount of $180,000 for a term effective November 1, 2025 through December 31, 2028;
c. Accept non-standard insurance and indemnification provisions in Agreement, as recommended by the Director of Health Services; and
d. Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to sign up to three (3) future amendments to this Agreement, where the amendments do not significantly change the scope of work and do not cause an increase of more than 10% ($18,000) of the original contract amount, for a revised not to exceed agreement amount of $198,000.
SUMMARY:
The County of Monterey Health Department, in partnership with TAMC, is updating the region’s Active Transportation Plan to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. Using a Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) analysis, the project will identify network gaps, assess road safety, and prioritize projects that enhance walking and biking infrastructure. The plan emphasizes community engagement, particularly among vulnerable populations such as youth and older adults, to ensure local input informs decision-making. Supported by $180,000 in funding through 2028, the County’s Office of Equity will lead bilingual outreach efforts and help position public agencies for future grant opportunities to create safer, more connected transportation networks.
DISCUSSION:
The County of Monterey Health Department, in collaboration with the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC), has long supported healthy and safe transportation options for county residents. Together, they have worked to improve safety and increase the number of students walking and biking to schools across the county. This collaboration has included the development of regional Safe Routes to School Plans and the implementation of multiple non-infrastructure Active Transportation programs over the past several years.
The upcoming 2026 Monterey County Active Transportation Plan and Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) Analysis (“the Plan”) will build on this foundation by creating a comprehensive strategy to expand walking, biking, and other non-motorized transportation options for vulnerable and underserved residents throughout Monterey County. This Plan updates the previous Monterey County Active Transportation Plan adopted in 2018.
A key component of the Plan is the Level of Traffic Stress analysis, which will evaluate the experiences of pedestrians and cyclists and produce an interactive map identifying gaps in the existing bicycle and pedestrian networks. This information will guide TAMC and local jurisdictions in prioritizing and implementing the projects that offer the greatest safety and connectivity benefits. Broad community and stakeholder engagement will ensure that recommendations reflect local needs and align with regional priorities. The project will be led by TAMC, in partnership with its member agencies, the Monterey County Health Department, and Caltrans District 5.
The overarching goal of this effort is to increase walking and bicycling among Monterey County residents, particularly among vulnerable groups such as youth and older adults-populations that often have limited transportation options and heightened safety concerns. These groups are disproportionately impacted by unsafe road conditions. Between 2017 and 2020, Monterey County had some of the highest collision rates in California involving pedestrians and bicyclists:
1st out of 58 counties for pedestrian injuries or fatalities under age 15,
9th out of 58 for pedestrians aged 65 and older, and
15th out of 58 for bicyclists under age 15.
From 2018 to 2022 alone, there were 1,043 bicycle and pedestrian collisions, including 47 fatalities.
Through the LTS analysis, the Plan will provide a data-driven understanding of current conditions, pinpointing high-risk areas that need targeted interventions. Priority will be given to projects that close network gaps along high-collision corridors, near transit, and around affordable housing developments-helping integrate these improvements into broader development and environmental mitigation strategies. Community engagement will generate local data on safety concerns and inform how projects are prioritized.
The final Plan will serve as a strategic tool for public agencies seeking grant funding to build a safe, connected network for active transportation users of all ages and abilities. All community engagement and outreach activities will be conducted in both English and Spanish to ensure inclusive participation.
The County of Monterey will receive an allocation of $180,000 to support this effort through December 31, 2028. These funds will enable the Health Department’s Office of Equity to lead community engagement and outreach for the project, with any remaining funds used for coordination, administration, and grant management.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The Offices of County Counsel and the Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved this Agreement as to form and fiscal provisions, respectively.
FINANCING:
There will be no impact to the General Fund from approval of this action. There are sufficient appropriations in the Health Departments Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Adopted Budget 001-4000-8600-HEA014 to accommodate the current FY’s costs. For the FYs out, provision will be made in the Requested Budget for the appropriate year.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This project advances Strategic Goal A: Well-Being and Quality of Life by promoting healthier, more active communities through safer walking and biking options; Strategic Goal B: Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future by supporting the development of safe, connected, and sustainable transportation networks; and Strategic Goal C: Safe and Resilient Communities by reducing pedestrian and bicyclist injuries and enhancing overall roadway safety for Monterey County residents.
Mark a check next to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
__X__ Well-Being and Quality of Life
__X__ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
__X__ Safe and Resilient Communities
_____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
Prepared by: Vicente Lara, Program Manager II, 755-4390
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Agreement