Keizer authorizes planning director to sign IGA to fund TSP engagement plan and equity analysis

The Keizer City Council unanimously adopted a resolution Feb. 3 authorizing the planning director to sign an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) that will fund consultant work to develop a community engagement plan and a major equity analysis memo as part of the city’s Transportation System Plan (TSP) update.

Planning Director Shane Witham told the council that the TSP update is a multi-year effort and that the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is expected to handle much of the technical and engineering work. Witham said ODOT has adjusted its funding priorities and posted a mini-RFP; because the TSP update is a substantial project, the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) has offered additional money to support the city’s engagement plan and the major equity analysis required under the Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities (CFEC) rules, referenced in Oregon Administrative Rule 660.

Witham said the consultant support covered by the IGA will produce a framework for community outreach (how meetings and open houses will be organized) and the equity-focused analysis required by OAR 660; the IGA is not a contract for full outreach meetings but for the plan and analysis to guide that outreach. Council President Starr moved to adopt Resolution R2025 authorizing the planning director to sign the IGA; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

The agreement will proceed to contract steps with the state agencies and consultants; the council’s action authorizes the planning director to execute the IGA so the engagement-planning and equity-analysis work can begin.