City of Indio says public feedback is critical in process to apply for $2M state grant for city improvements

The City of Indio was looking for public feedback on safe routes to schools and community connections around the city. In order to garner public opinion, the city posted a link on their Facebook Page with a survey.

The survey focuses on how students and residents get to school, whether there are sidewalks along their route to school, and whether they use bikes or scooters to get there.

The survey also asks what improvements would be helpful, including more shade, additional crosswalks, more street lights, or a greater distance from cars driving along the street.

It was all in an effort to both get critical feedback, as well as increase the City's odds of being chosen for a $2-million state grant to fund those improvements. The City of Indio's Marketing and PIO, Jessica Mediano, says grants like these rely on strong input from residents.

"Active transportation projects, ATP projects, the grants tend to be very competitive from a state level," said Mediano. "So to ensure that we gave the most competitive application possible, the city decided to reach out to our residents because we know that their input is so valuable. We wanted to show that the community does want additional sidewalks, does want to increase our safe route to schools programming. And so by reaching out to our resident it would hopefully increase our chances of being awarded that funding.”

One of the projects includes the Clinton and Miles Avenue Safe Routes to School and Community Connections. The goal is to make commuting to schools, shopping centers, and community centers safer for kids and their families.

"Residents provided us and showed the value of expanding sidewalks, and adding more shade especially when its a little hot out. So if we increase shade, then we increase the ability for people to walk to their destination, whether it's schools, community services, or shopping," said Mediano.

The other project includes the Monroe Interchange over the I-10 Freeway. The city asked residents if they wanted additional sidewalks and bike lanes on each side, connecting the current CV Link project.

The City says the results to both surveys were clear and nearly identical.

"We were able to see that 69% of those that provided survey results or participated in the survey asked for more shade along their route," said Mediano. "We did think that we'd have higher results for greater distance from cars driving on the street, which we know is important for feeling safe along your route. But actually, the second highest response was more crosswalks. Streetlights were third, followed by water fountains and traffic lights." So, overall great feedback from the community that we can add to this grant opportunity, but also include in the program and project."

Residents News Channel Three's Tori King spoke to agreed:

"“I think more streetlights, more shade areas and more trees," said longtime resident Jordan Stone.

"I would like to see more boutique shopping store and bling store, but safe ways to get there," said Julia Edwards. "I don't really go out too much at night, but drive home from my daughter's house. And when I do I try to find my way home by which way the most street lights are up.”

If chosen for the grant, the funds would be awarded in June of 2025.

"Your input is valuable in helping us enhance our City. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts."

City of Indio

You can take the survey here.