Council renames transportation advisory to ‘Multimodal Safety Committee’ after debate

Keizer city councilors on Oct. 20 voted to rename their advisory group currently styled the Traffic Safety, Bikeways & Pedestrian Committee to the Multimodal Safety Committee, following an extended discussion about scope, public understanding and regional terminology.

The committee had requested a name change at its August meeting, and staff brought the recommendation to council. Public Works Director Bill Lawyer summarized options and recommended council adopt the proposed name change by resolution.

Councilor Christopher initially moved to rename the committee “Transportation Safety Committee,” arguing a broader title would reflect emerging e‑mobility and transit modes and avoid a fragmented impression. Council President Shaney Starr proposed a friendly amendment to use “Multimodal Safety Committee.” The council first voted to amend and then reconsidered competing wording; after motions to reconsider and subsequent votes, the council ultimately approved the name “Multimodal Safety Committee” unanimously.

Supporters said “multimodal” better reflects modern mobility choices and aligns with regional planning terminology; some councilors raised concerns about sequencing words (for example, putting “safety” first) and public recognition. The mayor and others asked staff to ensure the change is reflected in the committee appendix to the governing resolution.

The resolution itself was not reissued in full — staff said only Appendix A (where the committee name appears) will be changed. The new committee name will be used in future staff materials and outreach.

What happens next: the city will update the committee name in the resolution appendix and on city materials; staff and the committee will use the new name in agendas and outreach.