Mayoral Report—2006

Traffic Safety and Transportation Issues

This is a special edition of Your City focusing on Traffic Safety & Transportation. Our staff has compiled a very interesting special issue that provides new information, multiple statistics and updates you on City programs related to transportation.

Traffic and transportation is seemingly on everyone’s mind in the Metro area! Our region has grown considerably in the last two decades and all transportation choices are under strain to keep pace. Beaverton has grown 59.1% since 1985 and continues its growth and infill development. Obviously, challenges abound with this kind of growth and more people coming to our City and region. Some of the results aren’t pleasant and the impact of congestion is often felt at the street level. In a recent issue of Your City, I talked about the significant funding shortfall expected in meeting and achieving the defined regional Transportation System Plan (TSP) in the next 20-year horizon. To achieve all levels of a planned multi-modal transportation system for roads, rail, bridges, bike and pedestrian ways, our region has estimated the need to be approximately $10 billion and the identified resources at about $4 billion in the next 20 years. The shortfall is significant.

This Your City focuses on local challenges related to traffic safety, enforcement and impacts to the individual citizen. It covers many facets related to Traffic Safety, Photo Red Light, Photo Radar, Seat Restraints, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII), Traffic Congestion, Pedestrian Safety, Bicycle Safety, Motorcycle Safety, Weather & Driving Safety, Commuter Rail, the Beaverton Traffic Commission and Aggressive Driving. Each area provides interesting and valuable statistics.

Each fall the City calls for citizens to apply for vacancies on multiple Boards and Commissions seats. It is that time again. I started my involvement with the City of Beaverton in 1981 being appointed to the Planning Commission. I lived more in the central part of Beaverton at that time and we had a local zoning issue that had gotten the neighborhood’s attention. I wanted to contribute to the problem solving on that and other issues and asked to be appointed to the Planning Commission. Each year, Beaverton citizens contribute thousands of volunteer hours to the betterment and enrichment of our City.

It is no coincidence that Beaverton was named an All-America City Finalist last year and one of Money magazine’s 100 Most Livable Cities this year – our entire community deserves the credit. Serving on a Board or Commission is one significant way that citizens can make a real difference in our City. Applications are available online at beavertonoregon.gov.

Lastly, the November 7th General Election is fast approaching! While I can’t advocate for an individual or specific measure in this column, I can encourage you to vote! The State/County and City of Beaverton mail voter pamphlets in advance of the ballots being sent to registered voters, giving each of us plenty of time to evaluate the candidates and measures. The right to vote is among our most valuable of freedoms – a right that millions of people in other parts of the world aren’t able to exercise. Make a difference and let your opinion be heard. It does matter.

Previous Reports

Current Report

Previous Reports

Open Letter to Residents