Transportation Commission

Transportation Commission — May 12, 2026

This was a regular meeting of the Bellingham Transportation Commission, held in hybrid format at the Pacific Street Operations Center and via Zoom. Two members (Addie Candib and Jacki Quinn) were excused; all other seven commissioners were present.

Public Comment

Miles Silverman, a Cordata neighborhood resident, used the public comment period to highlight non-motorized connectivity gaps and opportunities in his area. He spoke specifically about the trail connection from King Mountain to Barkley, and about segments along Hammar Drive, Division Street, and Iron Gate Road that link the Jill's Court trail to Sunset Pond. Silverman urged Public Works and Parks departments to do more to publicize these connections to residents who may not know they exist.

Approval of April 14, 2026 Meeting Minutes

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

Vote: Moved by Brad Johnson, seconded by Andrea Reiter; passed unanimously.

Draft 2027–2032 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)

Staff member Tim Hohmann presented the draft Transportation Improvement Program, which is the city's six-year capital planning document for transportation projects and a requirement for maintaining eligibility for state and federal funding. Commissioners asked questions of staff, though the minutes do not detail the specific questions or discussion points raised. The commission voted to approve the draft TIP, which will move forward in the planning and public process.

Vote: Moved by Jamin Agosti, seconded by Cindy Dennis; passed unanimously.

Non-Motorized Program Project Update (ES572)

Jessica Bennett presented an update on ES572, the citywide non-motorized improvements program. This ongoing program funds sidewalk, trail, and other walking and biking infrastructure improvements throughout Bellingham. Staff answered commissioner questions, though specifics of the discussion are not captured in the minutes.

*(No vote was taken; this was an informational update.)*

Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan — Targets and Measures Discussion

Staff member Connor Harron facilitated a working session focused on the city's Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. Rather than a traditional presentation, commissioners broke into small groups to discuss assigned scenarios related to plan targets and performance measures. This appears to be part of an ongoing planning effort to define how the city will measure progress toward its active transportation goals. No vote was taken; this was a workshop-style discussion intended to gather commissioner input to inform plan development.

*(No vote was taken; this was a facilitated discussion.)*

Staff Updates

Tim Hohmann provided two brief updates outside the formal agenda items: Transportation Impact Fees are under review or development (no further detail provided in the minutes), and changes to speed limits are expected to come before the City Council in the near future.

Key Takeaways