Fraser Valley Council considers 2025 updates to traffic impact fee program

Middleton City Council is set to approve a minor update to its traffic impact fee program, a crucial step in managing the city's transportation infrastructure as it continues to grow. During the meeting on August 20, 2025, representatives from Kittleson Associates presented the proposed changes, emphasizing the importance of aligning the traffic impact fees with the city’s capital improvement plan (CIP).

Mark Heisinger, a senior engineer at Kittleson Associates, outlined the background of the current traffic impact fee program, which was adopted in 2021. He explained that the fees are essential for funding transportation projects necessitated by new developments. The city has collected approximately $1.2 million annually from these fees, which have already contributed to significant projects, including traffic signals and roundabouts.

The update aims to refine the existing fee structure based on a comprehensive review of projected growth and traffic patterns. Heisinger noted that the methodology used for calculating these fees is consistent with practices in the Treasure Valley and complies with Idaho state requirements. The proposed changes will ensure that the fees accurately reflect the costs of necessary infrastructure improvements.

A key point of discussion was the distribution of collected fees among the city and its partners, including Highway District 4 and Canyon County. The council clarified that fees collected for projects within the city’s jurisdiction would be fully allocated to the city, while projects on boundaries would be handled on a case-by-case basis.

As Middleton continues to expand, the updated traffic impact fee program is expected to play a vital role in maintaining efficient transportation systems and accommodating future growth. The council's approval of these updates will pave the way for more effective planning and funding of essential infrastructure projects.