Category: Analysis

In the name of ‘balance,’ Oregon continues to chase large road-widening projects without evidence that these actually reduce congestion for drivers while underinvesting in the safety of people not driving.

As City of Eugene staff develop options for renewing Eugene’s street bond measure, BEST suggested 1) a street improvement bond, 2) to fund critical unfunded needs, 3) providing broad benefits, 4) with a balance of accountability and flexibility, 5) at the same tax rate.

This week with the support of BEST and our partners, the Eugene City Council followed by the Lane Transit District Board of Directors gave the green light to pursuing investments in “complete streets” to improve safety for everyone and to encourage more people to walk, bike, or ride the bus, thereby reducing traffic for those who drive.

BEST executive director Rob Zako testified to the Oregon Transportation Commission, urging them to direct the flexible portion of Oregon’s share of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act away from highways and towards active transportation, slowing climate change, and local transportation needs.

BEST recently provided Eugene and Lane Transit District officials with an analysis of what has changed with MovingAhead since the public hearing 2-1/2 years ago and offered recommendations for next steps to ensure success.

We and many others in the community believe such targeted investments, with federal support, are the smart way to benefit everyone getting where they need to go, safely, and to invest in the long-term health of our local economy.

On February 14, 2022, the River Road Community Organization (RRCO) hosted a discussion of plans to widen Beltline Highway between Delta Highway and River Road.

BEST and other transportation leaders are calling on the Oregon Transportation Commission to direct more of Oregon’s share of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to active transportation and slowing climate change.

BEST joined a challenge to the legal sufficiency of a proposed statewide ballot measure that would require votes of certain counties on new transportation funding sources.

Responding to questions about potential environmental impacts of widening Highway 126 between Veneta and Eugene, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) denied that there were any “that rise to the level of ‘significant.’ ”