Transportation Commission

Transportation Commission — January 13, 2026

This was a regular meeting of Bellingham's Transportation Commission, held in a hybrid format at the Pacific Street Operations Center and via Zoom. The commission welcomed a new member and took binding votes on two substantive items.

Public Comment

One resident, Selena K. from the York Neighborhood, spoke in opposition to recent WTA (Whatcom Transportation Authority) fare increases, asking the Transportation Commission to make recommendations against implementing them. (Note: Chair Tim Wilder later confirmed during his report that WTA's fare increases were passed by WTA in December 2025.)

New Commissioner Welcome

Brad Johnson was welcomed as a new commissioner and shared remarks about his background. No vote was required.

Approval of December 9, 2025 Meeting Minutes

The commission approved the minutes from its previous meeting without discussion.

Vote: Moved by Cindy Dennis, seconded by Aaron Miller. Passed unanimously.

Commute Trip Reduction Update (Interlocal Agreement)

Staff member Dylan Casper presented an update on Commute Trip Reduction (CTR), a state-mandated program that requires larger employers to reduce single-occupancy vehicle commute trips among their employees. The presentation covered the city's Interlocal Agreement, which is the formal cooperative arrangement governing how CTR responsibilities are shared between the city and other jurisdictions or agencies. Commissioners asked questions and the commission voted to approve the agreement.

Vote: Moved by Jamin Agosti, seconded by Jacki Quinn. Passed unanimously.

Speed Limit Setting Policy

Staff member Tim Hohmann presented a policy governing how the city sets speed limits. The minutes do not detail the specific content of the policy, but commissioners asked questions before voting to approve it. This type of policy typically establishes the criteria and process by which speed limits on city streets are evaluated and changed — a meaningful tool for traffic safety management.

Vote: Moved by Jamin Agosti, seconded by Jonathan Huegel. Passed unanimously.

Climate Action Goals

Staff member Seth Vidaña presented on this topic, though the minutes note the presentation was focused on electric vehicle (EV) charging in the right of way (see next item). The minutes do not provide additional detail distinguishing this item's discussion from the EV charging item below.

Electric Vehicle Charging in the Right of Way

Seth Vidaña also presented specifically on the topic of installing EV charging infrastructure within the public right of way (i.e., on-street or in public spaces). Commissioners asked questions, but no vote was taken on this item — it appears to have been an informational discussion. The minutes do not record a specific policy decision or recommendation emerging from either the Climate Action Goals or EV charging discussions.

Staff Report

Several staff members provided updates on ongoing projects:

Key Takeaways