Spokane officials to vote on creation of expansive Transportation Commission
(The Center Square) – The City of Spokane is moving to consolidate most of its transportation-related boards, clearing up red tape around recommending new initiatives to its elected officials.
If approved, the decision would create a new, all-encompassing Transportation Commission, combining the responsibilities of each board into one entity. The endeavor is free outside of administrative costs but would give the commission greater power.
The goal is to provide a more transparent process by removing unnecessary hurdles and setbacks. However, it would also give a single group the power to make recommendations for projects and initiatives requiring millions of dollars as long as the city council approves them.
“Both residents and City staff find it challenging to identify the appropriate advisory body to attend for a given topic,” stated Monday’s Council agenda. “City staff regularly give the same presentation to multiple advisory bodies.”
Spokane has a Bicycle Advisory Board, Citizens’ Transportation Advisory Board, Parking Advisory Board and a Plan Commission Transportation Subcommittee. While each has unique responsibilities, the lack of unity creates confusion as to what goes where.
The new commission would replace all of the current transportation-related bodies except the Bicycle Advisory Board. Several city council amendments saved that board, placing a representative from it on the Transportation Commission instead.
The Bicycle Advisory Board would continue to function independently but rely on the new commission to pass its recommendations onto the mayor and city council.
The new format also requires the commission to recommend projects, policies and initiatives for the Six-Year Comprehensive Street Program, Transportation Benefit District, Pedestrian Master Plan, Parking System and Automated Traffic Safety Cameras.
Ultimately, the commission is tasked with providing recommendations to help “achieve a safe and equitable multimodal transportation system consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.”
The move is just one of many to increase foot and bicycle traffic around town in the last few years. Spokane recently completed several multi-modal projects and has more on the books in the coming years. The city council will vote on a program Monday night as well.
If approved, the commission would also compile annual work plans and state of transportation reports. However, the overall scope of responsibilities could change depending on which amendment the city council chooses to adopt before its anticipated approval later tonight.
The commission will include representation from disabled community members and those from historically underrepresented areas or marginalized communities.
“Consolidating the boards into one Transportation Commission will provide a transparent and holistic venue for consideration of transportation initiatives, programs, and projects and a formalized process for making recommendations to the City Council and Administration,” according to Monday’s Council agenda.
