Advocacy Update

Written By Gwen Tunzini

Meeting with Larry Zimmer 09/02/25 – ADVOCACY EFFORTS

Our advocacy group met with Larry Zimmer, Clay Thistle and Kelley Casey from Public Works to get an update on ongoing projects:

The City has applied for grant money to fund 3 projects: 

  1. Improvements on Grove Street north of Dry Creek,

  2. Improvements on Mill Street west to 101 and

  3. Pavement improvements.

The chances of being approved for this funding is considered SLIM.  

Sources of money were reviewed and include:

  • SCTA – recently renamed SCTCA.  This is a county agency and largely something that provides funding.

  • CAL Trans – this is a state agency

  • SMART – this is the entity that funds SMART.  Approval of the train’s extension into Healdsburg will depend on passage of a ballot measure in November which will impose an additional tax on residents.  

  • City of Healdsburg

On the other hand, the City DOES have money for initiation of interchange improvements at the Dry Creek Interchange on 101 and South Healdsburg Avenue from the bridge westward to Exchange. They plan to take advantage of this available funding.  

Projects in the works:

  • March Avenue.  Final plans have been approved and do not consider the 10 foot traffic lanes that many of us pushed for.  Construction will begin in January, 2026.

  • Grove Street.  Final plans have been approved.  Construction will begin in March, 2026.

  • Healdsburg Avenue north of Powell to just shy of ENZO.  Plans are still in the design phase.  Construction is slated to begin March, 2027.

  • Powell and Johnson Streets.  Bulb Outs will be added.  Flashing beacons will be added.  Improvements (which will benefit pedestrians) will begin in December.

There are also plans to improve the connectivity between the Ward Street neighborhood and the future SMART depot and the current lack of sidewalks/reasonable pavement.  

Plans to improve the connectivity between Kennedy and First are still being considered.  The probability of removing parking on at least one side of Front Street may be an issue for the residents of the nearby apartment buildings as well as those that use this corridor to park in order to access Memorial Beach.  MOVE! needs to keep on top of this.  

Safe Routes to Schools are still in the scoping phase and will be considered as projects for future funding.  MOVE! needs to keep on top of this.

Bike Parking around the City is still sparse.  Additional parking will be considered in the next budget cycle.  MOVE! needs to keep on top of this.    

Gwen Tunzini
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