Investing in Our Town: The Capital Improvement Program

Since 2000, the Town has invested an average of $7.8 million per year in major projects, resulting in improved public facilities, enhanced park experiences, transportation improvements, and amenities that enhance the overall quality of life in Danville.

The advance planning and budgeting to implement these major projects happens through the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The CIP is structured to identify, prioritize, and fund projects that address current and long-term community needs. Projects typically include acquisition of land, new construction exceeding $15,000, or capital maintenance activities associated with existing parks, buildings, or streets. In addition, the CIP includes a Pavement Management Program, allocating approximately $3 million annually for maintenance of the 323 lane miles of public streets maintained by the Town.

A 5-year CIP plan is developed every year, prepared by Town staff for a public hearing process and then presented to the Town Council. When the Council approves the CIP, it includes budget appropriation for the future projects.

Funding comes from a variety of revenue sources, primarily general fund revenues and also special funds such as grants, development fees, transportation impact fees, sales tax, and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The funds invested by the Town are often a pre-requisite for gaining outside funding, and for the 2022–23 CIP year, Town staff were able to secure $1.70 in special funds for every $1 invested from the general fund.

The additional funding will come in handy during the challenging construction environment post-pandemic. Construction labor and materials costs have continued to increase, and projects are being evaluated to ensure the most “bang for our buck” while still staying on budget. The next 5-year CIP review process will begin this year in May, and updates on current projects are available at www.danvilletowntalks.org.

Here are a few projects in progress now:

Diablo Road Trail

Design work is underway for this $5.7 million project which will construct a new 0.9 mile paved trail along Diablo Road between Fairway Drive and the new Magee Preserve development.

Downtown Master Plan

The catalyst project is in the schematic design phase, and will move to the construction design phase with a final design expected later this year.

Capital Maintenance Projects

Replaces components within existing facilities, including park play areas, sports fields, courts and hard surfaces, storm drains, sidewalks, and trails.

Pavement Management

Annual effort invests $3 million per year to maintain residential streets at a high level of service.

Park Improvements

A new playground is in store for Oak Hill Park later this summer, and the turf at Sycamore Valley Park will be replaced this summer. Conceptual designs at Diablo Vista Park are underway for playground improvements and a multi-sport skate park.

For a complete list of CIP projects, budget, and timeline, view the 2022/23 Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program report at www.danville.ca.gov/budget.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design is a crime prevention philosophy based on the idea that the proper design and effective use of the built environment can help prevent crime. Here are a few ways this philosophy can provide defense against residential burglaries:

1 2 3 4 5 6

Lock all outside doors and windows before leaving your home or going to bed. Be sure to include your garage doors.

Have adequate lighting both inside and outside.

Consider using timers inside, and motion sensor or dusk to dawn illumination for exterior lighting.

Alarms systems provide peace of mind to homeowners when installed and most importantly used. Cameras are effective when properly functioning.

Keep doors and windows free of debris and foliage so as not to act as “cover” for burglars.

Never leave keys under doormats, flowerbeds, mailboxes or other “secret” hiding places.

When travelling, be sure to advise neighbors so they can monitor your mail, newspapers and deliveries.

This crime prevention philosophy depends on the whole community acting together, so take care of your property and that of your neighbors by reporting any suspicious activity.