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Council establishes Duluth Transportation Commission to advise on streets, transit and safety
Summary
After public comments urging a citywide transportation panel, the council adopted an ordinance creating the Duluth Transportation Commission; the ordinance passed 9–0 with a small amendment adding 'freight' to the commission's scope.
Duluth City Council voted unanimously to create a Duluth Transportation Commission charged with advising the city on multimodal transportation decisions, after months of discussion and public testimony urging a comprehensive, long-term approach to streets, transit and non-automobile modes.
Public commenters during the council’s citizen comment period had urged the council to form a transportation advisory body. Denise Lavoie, a regular transit rider, told council a comprehensive approach to bicycles, pedestrians and transit was needed as the city grows. Alice Tibbets of Vibrant Streets Duluth and others highlighted recurring safety concerns on streets such as Superior Street, the Lake Walk, and conflicts between sidewalk cyclists and motorized e-bikes.
Councilor DeLuca moved the ordinance to add Article 38 to Chapter 2 of the city code, with a single amendment adopted in the chamber: the commission’s charge will expressly consider freight needs (amendment inserted the word "freight" into the enumerated list). Council discussion thanked community advocates and city staff; Councilor Awol said the new body would give residents a regular forum to weigh in on street and sidewalk projects, bus stops, and safety planning.
Duluth Transit Authority general manager Chris Belden had presented to the council earlier in the meeting about transit service and funding; councilors and advocates said that the transportation commission would help coordinate transit, development, sidewalk and bicycle planning in a more transparent, community-driven way. The ordinance notes the commission will consider the needs of motorists, pedestrians, transit users, bicyclists, commercial, freight and emergency vehicles and the city’s unique topography.
Why it matters: The commission provides a formal, recurring avenue for residents and stakeholders to advise on multimodal transportation planning, project vetting for federal funding, bus-stop and shelter improvements, and safety measures across Duluth’s neighborhoods.
What’s next: The ordinance sets a start date in the next calendar year to allow staff and the council time to finalize membership, staffing and work plans. Implementing the commission will require staff support, appointments to fill seats, and a charge and calendar for initial work on the city’s priority corridors and federal grant applications.
