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The Oregon Department of Transportation is in desperate need of new leadership. Thankfully, the Oregon Transportation Commission is moving full steam ahead in their search for a new director. The OTC’s search committee — led by Vice Chair Bob Van Brocklin, a lawyer with Stoel Rives LLP — has published a draft version of the … Read more


ODOT’s plans to change budget process ruffles local feathers

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and their policy-making arm the Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC) have proposed sweeping changes to how the state allocates transportation dollars and who gets to decide how those dollars are spent. The proposals come with a short timeline and advocates and elected officials in the region want several key changes … Read more


Race heats up for top spot on Oregon Transportation Commission

ODOT headquarters in Salem.(Photo © J. Maus) The Oregon Transportation Commission is where the rubber meets the road and path when it comes to setting transportation policy in Oregon. This powerful group plays a key role in framing the discussion about transportation priorities in our state and they also hold the purse strings when it … Read more


Chair of Oregon Transportation Commission resigns due to health reasons

Achterman speaking at the 2008 Oregon Bike Summit.(Photos © J. Maus) Gail Achterman is stepping down from her role as Chair of the Oregon Transportation Commission due to health reasons. The announcement came via email from Director of ODOT Matt Garrett yesterday, who said Achterman, “has significant health issues that require her full attention and … Read more


Legislature appoints two new members to Oregon Transportation Commission

Tammy Baney The Oregon Transportation Commission, an influential group appointed by the Governor to establish state transportation policy, will welcome two new members at the end of this month. Legislators in Salem voted yesterday to approve the nominations of Mark Frohnmayer and Tammy Baney. Frohnmayer is the son of former University of Oregon President David … Read more


It’s official, Portland nabs nearly $3 million for biking/walking projects

The great news we reported last month is now official: The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) announced yesterday that they’ve received $2.96 million from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) for two projects that will vastly improve biking and walking conditions in North and East Portland. The Portland projects are two out of 27 that … Read more


Follow-up: TriMet to get $4.5 million in ODOT Flex Funds

Earlier this month, TriMet — in a last-ditch effort to fill the local funding gap in their $1.5 billion Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail project — put in a request for a 10-year, $19 million funding commitment from the State of Oregon. Artist rendering of Portland-Milwaukie light rail line. The request raised serious concerns with transportation officials … Read more