Transportation Commission

Transportation Commission — February 10, 2026

A regular meeting of the Bellingham Transportation Commission was held at the Pacific Street Operations Center and via Zoom, running from 6:00 PM to 8:02 PM. All nine commissioners were present. Staff reports, chair report, and announcements were skipped due to time constraints.

Public Comment

Two members of the public spoke during the open comment period.

Dan Bloemker, a Planning Commissioner, commented on a memo from the American Planning Association raising concerns about Transportation Impact Fees (TIFs) — likely timed to coincide with the TIF Rate Study item later on the agenda.

Miles Silverman, a resident of the Cordata neighborhood, spoke regarding the city's new speed limit policy, though the minutes do not detail the specific concerns he raised.

Approval of January 13, 2026 Meeting Minutes

The commission voted to approve the minutes from its previous meeting.

Vote: Moved by Brad Johnson, seconded by Andrea Reiter. Passed with one abstention (abstaining commissioner not identified in the minutes).

Transportation Impact Fee Rate Study

Chris Comeau and Brent Turley of the Transpo Group — a transportation consulting firm — presented an update on the Transportation Impact Fee (TIF) rate study. Transportation Impact Fees are charges assessed on new development to help fund transportation infrastructure needed to accommodate growth. The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer period with commissioners and city staff.

The minutes do not detail the specific content of the presentation, proposed rate changes, or the direction given to staff. Notably, this item drew public comment from a Planning Commissioner who flagged concerns raised by the American Planning Association about TIF methodology or structure. No vote was taken; this was an informational presentation.

Grants Strategy

City staff member Dylan Casper presented a Grants Strategy to the commission, followed by questions from commissioners. The minutes do not describe the specific grants being pursued, funding sources, or the strategic framework presented. No vote was taken; this appears to have been an informational briefing and discussion.

Traffic Safety Behavior Change Program

City staff member Connor Harron presented what the minutes call the "Traffic Safety Behavior Shift Program," which focuses on changing road user behavior as a component of the city's broader traffic safety efforts. Commissioners asked questions of staff. The minutes do not detail the specific initiatives, target behaviors, or budget involved. No vote was taken; this was an informational presentation.

Key Takeaways