Board directs staff to appoint District 4 commissioner to TriMet TV Highway policy and budget committee, District 2 named alternate

Washington County staff brought a request from TriMet for the county to designate an elected official or executive staff member to serve on a policy and budget committee for the TV Highway transit project. Commissioners discussed who should represent the county and asked staff to draft a letter naming the District 4 commissioner as the board’s appointee and the District 2 commissioner as alternate.

Steven Roberts, the county’s Land Use and Transportation director, explained the committee will provide high‑level advisory guidance during project development, is expected to meet from late 2025 through about December 2027, and will not have formal decision‑making authority but will be influential in design and budget guidance. He said TriMet had indicated other jurisdictions were appointing elected officials to the role.

Commissioners debated whether to appoint an elected official or staffer and who would provide consistent leadership across a corridor that runs from Forest Grove to Beaverton. Commissioners noted the project’s geographic span and potential impacts on businesses, operations and riders; some commissioners emphasized continuity by the official who had been engaged previously on corridor work.

After discussion the board directed staff to prepare a formal letter to TriMet appointing the District 4 commissioner as Washington County’s representative on the TV Highway policy and budget committee and naming the District 2 commissioner as alternate. Staff also said they will provide support materials and staff assistance to the appointed commissioner. The board did not record a roll call vote on the appointment; staff will memorialize the decision in the drafting of the letter.