Santa Clarita’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for the 2025-26 fiscal year was reviewed this week by the Planning Commission, laying out a comprehensive roadmap for infrastructure enhancements across the city. Budget Officer Michael Villegas presented the plan, which allocates $81.5 million beginning July 1. This includes $67.8 million for new projects and $13.7 million for previously approved initiatives, spread across a total of 44 projects.
At the heart of the plan is the $34.5 million Via Princessa Park, a 34-acre development near the intersection of Whites Canyon Road and Via Princessa. In addition to the park’s main construction, surrounding area improvements are also planned. Other park-related investments include $3 million for maintenance yard upgrades, $2.7 million for replacing Newhall Park’s pool pump room, and smaller allocations for playground equipment, David March Park, and open space in Needham Ranch. The recent court-approved acquisition of Hart Park has also led to a $2.5 million allocation, with further funding expected over the next five years to meet its $10 million renovation estimate.
Additional facility investments include $2.5 million for a new SCVTV studio on Citrus Street and $2.7 million for a hydrogen fueling station. A design plan for expanding the Sports Complex and a rebudgeted $750,000 affordable housing project are also included, though the latter is pending a future partnership with a nonprofit developer.
Roads and Traffic Circulation Get Over $6 Million Boost
The Santa Clarita’s Capital Plan earmarks over $6 million for circulation improvements, focusing on alleviating traffic congestion and improving transit efficiency. Notably, $3.1 million has been set aside for a Federal Circulation Improvement Program, aimed at modifying intersections near the Valencia Town Center, including Valencia Boulevard at McBean Parkway and the mall entrance. The changes will update medians, signals, striping, and landscaping to better handle current and future traffic demands.
Other notable transportation projects include $500,000 for traffic-signal upgrades, and approximately $440,000 each for bicycle and pedestrian crossing enhancements. The city also plans to extend key routes: $290,000 will go toward designing the Dockweiler Drive extension, expected to significantly impact Placerita Canyon, while $320,000 is allocated for a Via Princessa extension. Another $825,000 is budgeted for work on the Vista Canyon Road Bridge.
Although the city is taking a conservative fiscal stance this year reflected in a 15% decrease in overall Santa Clarita’s Capital Plan spending compared to last year spending on new projects is nearly on par with the previous year, only slightly down by $300,000.
Maintenance, Trails, and Infrastructure Take Priority
Routine maintenance and infrastructure upgrades remain a top priority, with the slurry seal road program topping the list at $17 million, making it the largest line item in this year’s CIP. City officials compare the street treatment to applying lotion to skin, essential for preserving roadway quality. Additional allocations include $600,000 for concrete rehabilitation, $477,000 for well redevelopment, and $500,000 for preventive bridge maintenance.
Santa Clarita’s Capital Plan 80 miles of trails and 20 miles of paseos also receive attention, with $1.5 million allocated for a Class I bike trail along Railroad Avenue. These investments reflect the city’s ongoing commitment to enhancing both transportation infrastructure and recreational amenities, ensuring long-term benefits for residents and future growth.
