Disabilities Advisory Commission Meeting Summary - March 4, 2026

The Disabilities Advisory Commission convened on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 5:30 PM at City Hall Complex, 915 I Street, Sacramento. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Keith Ellis (in the absence of Chair Sylvia Kramer) and included the swearing-in of new Commissioner Elsie Guerrero. The commission reviewed and commented on three major infrastructure projects—the H Street Bikeway, Sacramento Valley Station updates, and the Stockton Boulevard Safety and Transit Enhancement Project—and addressed consent items, staff reports, and public comments.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1 (File ID: 2026-00076): Approved the February 4, 2026 meeting minutes.
• Item 2 (File ID: 2026-00212): Approved the Disabilities Advisory Commission Follow-Up Log.
• Action: Motion by Commissioner Michael Barnbaum, seconded by Commissioner Satty Kaur. Passed unanimously (7 ayes: Barnbaum, Greenbaum, Guerrero, Igwegbe, Kaur, Pullen, and Vice Chair Ellis; 5 absent: Dyson, Napper, Patel, Wilson, and Chair Kramer).

Public Comments & Testimony

• LR Roberts (Older Women's League, formerly California for Disability Rights) spoke on two issues: (1) difficulty parking downtown for city meetings despite a disabled placard, and (2) criticism of police ticketing a homeless woman with a walker for lying on a bench at City Hall, suggesting the enforcement may be an ADA violation and mischaracterized as homeless services in the budget.

Discussion Items

• 3. H Street Bikeway (Cecilyn Foote, Associate Civil Engineer): Presented a project on H Street between 5th and 10th Streets to construct a two-way Class IV separated bikeway and Class II bike lanes on 10th Street, improving connectivity to Sacramento Valley Station. Key design elements include ADA-compliant curb ramps, audible pedestrian signals, and a sidewalk-level bikeway near City Hall. Public outreach began February 26, 2026. Preliminary engineering targets end of spring 2026; final design estimated at 12–18 months; construction possible in 2028 pending coordination with Sacramento Regional Transit. Commissioners raised concerns about bicyclist safety at stop signs, the need for accessible public engagement (ASL, large print, braille), and sidewalk clearance widths. Commissioner Pullen urged exceeding ADA minimums.

• 4. Sacramento Valley Station Project Update (Greg Taylor, Supervising Architect): Provided an update on multiple TERSIP-funded projects. New pedestrian entrance connecting the existing passenger tunnel to the Central Shops Plaza (construction underway, entertainment venue opening by end 2027). A new pickup/drop-off loop will shorten the walking distance to platforms to 540 feet. A new West Side Access Project (Burkett Street extension) with a cul-de-sac for bus layover and restroom facilities (construction by developer likely next year). Seventeen new regional bus stops downtown with reused canopies from San Francisco’s Transbay Terminal (detailed design 2026–2027, construction 2027–2028). Commissioner Barnbaum asked about coordination with SACRT 2050; Taylor confirmed ongoing collaboration. Commissioner Pullen expressed concerns about Amtrak’s shuttle not accommodating wheelchair users who cannot transfer, and suggested adding seating, lighting, and weather protection along the 540-foot path. Taylor agreed to return with a wayfinding presentation possibly in June.

• 5. Stockton Boulevard Safety and Transit Enhancement Project (Jesse Gothan, Supervising Engineer, and Greg Kyle, Kimley Horn): Currently in alternatives analysis (to complete summer 2026). Two BRT route alternatives: Alternative 1 (Route 51 alignment via 7th/8th/9th Streets) and Alternative 2 (Route 51/38 hybrid via T Street, 29th/30th, and J/L Streets). Three complete streets alternatives for segments—ranging from minimal improvements to a reimagined corridor with separated pedestrian/cyclist facilities. Public meeting scheduled April 15, 2026 at Oak Park Community Center. Commissioner Barnbaum voiced strong support for the hybrid alignment (Alternative 2) citing direct access to UC Davis Medical Center and one-seat ride to the station; Vice Chair Ellis echoed that preference. Commissioner Guerrero suggested applying for federal community project funding. No vote was taken (discussion only).

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved unanimously.
• Staff oral report: Annual report approved by the Planning and Public Engagement Committee (February 17, 2026) and forwarded to full City Council for March 24, 2026 meeting. Recommendation for a citywide accessibility coordinator was forwarded to Budget and Audit Committee (target May 5, 2026). Public comment process revision underway to comply with state law (expected by July 2026).
• Next meeting: Vice Chair Ellis announced the April 22 meeting is likely cancelled; the next meeting will be May 6, 2026. Formal notice will be provided 10 days prior.
• Commissioner announcements: Commissioner Barnbaum detailed Sacramento Regional Transit service disruptions for March–April 2026 due to platform modifications and track work at multiple stations (Marconi Arcade, Arden/Del Paso, Royal Oaks, Watt/I-80).
• Public comment noted by staff for future consideration.