City of Bellingham Transportation Commission
The Bellingham Transportation Commission spent nearly four and a half hours on February 10 reviewing major policy and funding issues that will shape the city's transportation future. The centerpiece was approval of a new Transportation Impact Fee (TIF) program that reduces rates by 16% for single-family homes while maintaining multimodal project funding. The commission also received comprehensive briefings on the city's ambitious 2026 grant strategy targeting $200+ million in transportation projects and participated in an innovative behavior change workshop focused on reducing speeding throughout the city. Public testimony highlighted ongoing concerns about TIF methodology, with Planning Commissioner Dan Hunker arguing that current impact fee calculations penalize urban infill development and work against comprehensive plan goals. The commission's discussion revealed tension between using standardized industry methodologies versus creating more nuanced approaches that better reflect Bellingham's transit-oriented development priorities. The grant strategy presentation demonstrated the city's sophisticated approach to securing federal and state transportation funding, with multiple applications pending across programs from Safe Routes to School to freight improvements. Staff emphasized uncertainty in the federal funding landscape, noting that many Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act programs are reaching their end. The meeting concluded with an engaging workshop on traffic safety behavior change, where commissioners mapped barriers to slower speeds and discussed community messaging strategies. This initiative represents a new approach to Vision Zero goals, focusing on social norming rather than traditional enforcement or infrastructure-only solutions.
**Transportation Impact Fee Program Update — APPROVED 7-1** - New TIF rate: $1,802.05 per person trip (down from $2,830 per vehicle trip equivalent) - Single-family homes: $3,297.75 (16% reduction from 2025 rate of $3,857.29) - Staff recommendation aligned with commission action - Based on $104…
**Transportation Impact Fee Implementation:** Council consideration scheduled for March 23, 2026. Staff will present Transportation Commission recommendation along with any Planning Commission input. **Grant Applications:** Multiple deadlines approaching including April 15 for Safe Routes to School and Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety programs, March 6 for City Safety program, and February 27 for National Highway Freight Program. **Local Road Safety Plan:** Staff will present …