REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Study Session and Update on the Stevens Creek Boulevard Vision Study
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clara, City of San Jose, City of Cupertino, County of Santa Clara, and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) are finalizing the Stevens Creek Boulevard Corridor Vision Study (Study), which is a two-year, community-based, multi-jurisdictional transportation study for the Stevens Creek Boulevard/West San Carlos corridor. The goal is to create a vision for this corridor focusing on complete streets, multi-modal transportation improvements, and possible high-capacity transit options to connect Diridon Station in San Jose through Santa Clara and to the De Anza College/Highway 85 area in Cupertino.
The Stevens Creek Boulevard corridor (Attachment 1), beginning along West San Carlos Street near Diridon Station and extending west to Highway 85, is a major roadway that connects regional job centers focusing on health, education, and tech to housing and commercial areas. Prominent sites along the corridor include De Anza College, Main Street Cupertino, Vallco mixed-use mall (currently under development), Apple headquarters, Agilent Technologies headquarters, various commercial sites in Santa Clara, and five San Jose Urban Villages, one of which includes the Santana Row/Valley Fair shopping district, and the new West San Jose Innovation Zone. Additionally, the Stevens Creek Boulevard area is identified as a "Future Focus Area" in the City of Santa Clara's General Plan.
The corridor has experienced growth in commercial and residential land uses, and it is anticipated that this trend will continue. In 2019, the cities of Cupertino, Santa Clara, San Jose, and Santa Clara County adopted resolutions in support of initiating a “vision study” of the Stevens Creek Corridor (Attachment 2). Adopting these resolutions formalized interest in creating a common vision for improved mobility along Stevens Creek Boulevard, including potential improvements to pedestrian, bicycle, and transit infrastructure to enhance quality of life for all community members residing in and using the corridor.
It should be noted that this is a planning study only and does not include design, environmental review, or construction of any improvements. At the completion of the work effort, if the jurisdictions decide to move forward with specific plans or improvements, then additional funds would be required for design and construction.
In August 2022, the City Council authorized staff to move forward with the Study. On behalf of the participating agencies, the City of San Jose procured transportation consultant services (Iteris Inc. and Winter Consulting) for the Study and entered into funding reimbursement agreements with all participating jurisdictions.
In early 2023, the Study consulting team began early engagement with the various community groups and stakeholders along the Stevens Creek Boulevard corridor.
Stevens Creek Corridor Steering Committee: A Stevens Creek Corridor Steering Committee (Steering Committee) was formed and includes elected officials from the Cities of Santa Clara, Cupertino, San Jose, and the County of Santa Clara. Councilmember Teresa O’Neill, Councilmember Anthony Becker, and Mayor Gillmor have served on this committee. On January 14, 2025, the Council approved Vice Mayor Kelly Cox to serve on the Steering Committee. Since 2020, the Steering Committee has met seven times (five times since start of the Vision Study).
Community Advisory Group: To enhance community involvement and advise the Steering Committee, the Study includes a Community Advisory Group (CAG) that provides public input on corridor needs and potential improvements. The CAG is comprised of 12 community members representing various community interests such as bicycle and pedestrian advocates, business owners, neighborhood associations, and students. Santa Clara Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) member Perry Penvenne is part of the CAG.
DISCUSSION
This Study Session will update the Council on efforts completed to date and outline the draft recommendations in the Study. Feedback received will be shared with the other agencies and potentially considered for incorporation into the Study. The final Study will be brought forward for Council’s consideration at a future meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is a study session, and no action is being taken by the City Council that constitutes a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational policy making or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment. Projects to remove physical barriers that may occur as a result of the Plan are subject to future discretionary approvals and environmental review for such projects will be required in the future on a project-by-project basis as part of the approval processes for each project.
FISCAL IMPACT
Because this is a Study Session item, it does not have fiscal impacts beyond the staff and consultant time involved in preparing the Study and this report. Estimated costs associated with implementation of the proposed plan will be discussed during staff’s informational presentation.
COORDINATION
This item was coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office and the City Manager’s Office. The preparation of the Study included involvement from the City of Cupertino, City of San Jose, County of Santa Clara, Valley Transportation Authority, community members, the Stevens Creek Boulevard Vision Study Steering Committee, and the Santa Clara Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Note and File Study Session Report and provide any feedback on the draft Stevens Creek Boulevard Vision Study.
Staff
Reviewed by: Craig Mobeck, Director of Public Works
Approved by: Jōvan Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Location Map
2. 2019 Santa Clara Resolution