Planning commission backs Commerce City's draft transportation master plan, debates 'equity' language

The Commerce City Planning Commission voted to recommend the city's draft Transportation Master Plan to the City Council after a presentation from Public Works Director Jenna Hahn.

Hahn said the document is a "long-range roadmap" intended to guide investments and policies to support growth, improve safety, expand walking, biking and transit options, and enhance mobility for residents, workers and visitors. She told commissioners that public engagement reached more than 800 participants in the first phase and produced only 13 comments in the third phase, which staff said reflects incorporation of community feedback.

Why it matters: The plan sets the city's policy and infrastructure priorities for years and will be forwarded to City Council for final review and adoption in February 2026. Staff framed it as a blueprint to balance multimodal needs with roadway improvements where necessary to manage growth.

Commissioner Schechter questioned whether the plan had been reviewed for legal compliance; a representative of the city attorney's office said it had and identified no significant legal concerns. Schechter also criticized the plan's language around equity, saying, "My problem with the phrases like equity...is that it means something different to every person," and urging clearer, operational definitions. Commissioner Van Heusen replied that "equitable is not the same as equal," and said he was comfortable with the language if definitions are provided.

The commission voted to recommend the draft plan to council. The motion passed with three votes in favor and one opposed; there were no abstentions. The next formal step is City Council consideration, with adoption currently planned for February 2026.