Duluth council holds first reading of Transportation Commission ordinance after widespread public support

The Duluth City Council heard a first reading on an ordinance to establish a Duluth Transportation Commission following more than an hour of public comment from transit and safety advocates. The ordinance would add Article 38 to Chapter 2 of the city code and set a citizen forum to advise on streets, sidewalks, bike routes, trails and other transportation policy.

Supporters who addressed the council during the public comment period urged creation of a standing body to allow earlier public input and clearer project review. Adam McGill, identified as a DTA board member and engineer, said the commission "will provide a lot of benefit for the DTA" by increasing early public input and transparency. Libby Bent, of Vibrant Streets Duluth, told the council a commission would yield "a better end product" by giving staff and the public checkpoints for feedback before projects go to council.

The draft ordinance, read into the record by the clerk, lists duties the commission would perform and also specifies activities outside its scope, such as deciding the street improvement budget. Council members emphasized the commission is intended to be advisory and to improve public engagement and multimodal planning rather than substitute for technical staff processes.

Council discussion praised the proposal while raising questions about board composition and staff workload. Councilor Kennedy asked whether membership could include representation across council districts; Councilor Mayo (the ordinance sponsor) said district-based representation was an option worth discussing to ensure citywide inclusion. Councilors and administration also discussed how the proposed commission would coordinate with the Metropolitan Interstate Council (MPO) and existing regional planning processes.

The ordinance is at first reading; council members said there will be further opportunity to amend bylaws and membership details during the period before final adoption. Councilor Mayo said supporting materials collected by an AmeriCorps VISTA —summaries of other cities' commission practices and membership models—will be circulated to counselors for their review. The ordinance will return for a second reading and potential final action at a future meeting.

Implementation steps described in the draft include a 60-day window for mayoral appointments and a requirement that the commission develop bylaws consistent with the ordinance. The council and mayor will determine appointments under the ordinance’s language.

The council did not vote on final adoption at this meeting; the clerk recorded the ordinance for first reading only.