The Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization Technical Advisory Committee (Bend MPO TAC) convened on June 3, 2025, to discuss critical transportation issues affecting the region. The meeting focused on the latest report detailing congestion and reliability metrics across Oregon, with a particular emphasis on Bend's unique challenges.

The session began with a presentation highlighting the availability of data to government agencies and contractors in Oregon and Clark County, Washington. This data is crucial for understanding congestion patterns statewide, particularly in urban areas like Bend, Salem, and Eugene. The report illustrated that while Bend experiences significant congestion, it also faces issues of unreliability, often exacerbated by weather and recreational use.

A detailed analysis of congestion causes revealed that signal operations are a primary contributor to delays in Bend, surpassing statewide averages. This finding suggests that while recurring congestion may be lower in Bend compared to other metropolitan areas, the management of traffic signals plays a critical role in local traffic flow.

Becky, a key presenter, emphasized the importance of the report for local leadership, noting that it aims to provide reliable information for informed decision-making. She pointed out that Bend's population has surged by 89% since 2001, leading to increased congestion and highlighting the need for effective public policy that accommodates this growth.

The meeting also addressed the economic implications of transportation infrastructure, noting that Oregon's economy has been growing faster than the national average. However, the state's road capacity has not kept pace with this growth, leading to ongoing challenges in managing traffic and ensuring safety.

In conclusion, the Bend MPO TAC meeting underscored the pressing need for data-driven strategies to address congestion and reliability in Bend. The committee plans to continue its efforts in analyzing transportation trends and developing policies that support the region's economic growth while improving traffic conditions.