To: Board of Supervisors
From: Warren Lai, Public Works Director/Chief Engineer
Report Title: MOU with City of San Ramon to participate in the San Ramon Valley Street Smarts Program, San Ramon area.
Recommendation: Recommendation of the County Administrator
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Public Works Director, or designee, to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of San Ramon (City) to pay the City $20,000 for the County's share of program costs, to participate in the San Ramon Valley Street Smarts Program (Street Smarts Program), for the period July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, San Ramon area. (District II)
FISCAL IMPACT:
In addition to the $20,000 payment to the City, the County will incur labor costs for staff to attend program meetings. All costs will be charged to the Local Road Fund.
An allocation of $20,000 has been approved to be transferred from The Livable Communities Trust Fund to the Local Road Fund.
BACKGROUND:
The Street Smarts Program is a collaborative effort among the County Public Works Department, the City of San Ramon, the Town of Danville, the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, and the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District to support traffic, bicyclist, and pedestrian safety for school children. It supports goal five of the Smart Growth Action Plan to help fund transit and other transportation improvements that foster smart growth principles. The County has participated in this program since 2004 by funding a share of the costs to implement the program. During Fiscal Year 2026/27, the City of San Ramon is administering the program and is requesting that the County fund a total of $20,000 for program development and administrative support services. On November 4, 2025, the Board of Supervisors approved an allocation of $20,000 from the Livable Communities Trust Fund to the Public Works Department to participate in the Street Smarts program for FY2026/27.
The Public Works Director, or designee, will execute on behalf of the County, a MOU with the City to participate in the Street Smarts Program for the period July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The MOU is attached in its substantially final form and will be executed in a form approved by County Counsel.
The Street Smarts Program campaign is implemented through the collaborative effort of the Street Smarts Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee), which meets periodically to implement program components. The Advisory Committee has adopted several large-scale programs to be implemented. They include the following:
- Street Smarts Media Press Release: A press release will be sent out prior and following Program Events. The release will encourage members of the media and the public to learn about Street Smarts' traffic safety education events for the upcoming school year.
- Elementary and Middle School Safety Assemblies and Video Contest: Street Smarts will implement engaging safety assemblies at all 22 elementary and eight middle schools in the San Ramon Valley, teaching students the fundamentals of bicycle and pedestrian safety. Additionally, a Video Contest for middle and high school students offering the opportunity to explore traffic safety through creative, short videos on bicycle and pedestrian themes.
- Community Bicycle Rodeo/Festival: As a component of Street Smarts' Safe Routes to School Efforts, Street Smarts is planning a Community Bicycle Rodeo/Festival for Fall 2026. This event will provide students with a safe and supervised environment to practice their cycling and traffic safety skills, promoting confidence and responsible behavior on the road.
- High School: Street Smarts is partnering with CHP Start Smart to offer a free two-hour driver safety education class for new and prospective teenage drivers, along with their parents or guardians. Held twice a year at each of the four high schools, these presentations provide a vital opportunity for families to discuss important driving laws, responsibilities, and expectations. Our goal is to promote safe driving habits and enhance safety around SRVUSD schools.
- Community Outreach Efforts: Street Smarts staff will participate in multiple community events as part of its outreach efforts. At the events, Street Smarts staff will feature traffic safety educational materials and engaging activities for children, fostering awareness and promoting safe practices.
The Street Smarts Program advances traffic, bicyclist, and pedestrian safety within the San Ramon Valley. For these reasons, Supervisor Andersen recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve continuing participation in the program during Fiscal Year 2026/2027 and allocate an award of $20,000 for program support and administrative services.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Contra Costa County will no longer be a participant in the Street Smarts Program.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
The Street Smarts Program supports Outcome 5: Communities are Safe and Provide a High Quality of Life for Children and Families.