The Special City Commission Meeting held on October 28, 2024, in Yankton focused on the city's 2024 plan recommendations, emphasizing the implementation of the "Complete Streets" philosophy for future road construction projects. This approach aims to enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility by incorporating sidewalks, curb and gutter systems, and other active transportation features into road designs.

Key discussions included collaboration with community partners and landowners to identify high-priority needs and explore grant opportunities to support local investments. A significant proposal was to extend the Martin Creek Green Belt, which would run along the banks of Martin Creek from West City Limits Road to Highway 50. This extension is seen as both an opportunity and a challenge, as it aims to create a cohesive corridor while ensuring effective stormwater management.

The meeting also addressed the need for ongoing maintenance of existing improvements as new sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly features are added. The commission discussed evaluating the potential increase of the Yankton Road Tax (YRT) to provide additional funding for streets and sidewalks. Current YRT rates generate approximately $440,000 annually, and an increase of 10 to 20 cents per foot could significantly boost this revenue.

The Complete Streets initiative represents a shift in how road projects are approached, moving away from traditional methods that focused solely on asphalt resurfacing. The city plans to adopt a more flexible design strategy, allowing engineering staff to select appropriate features based on specific community needs and constraints.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the city's commitment to improving infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for residents through thoughtful urban planning and community engagement. The next steps will involve further public input and the identification of priority projects to advance these initiatives.