The Bend MPO on Dec. 19 authorized staff to form a project advisory committee to guide an update of the Transportation Safety Action Plan (TSAP), expand stakeholder representation and pursue grant opportunities tied to implementation.

Tyler (Bend MPO staff) said the update will follow FHWA's safe systems approach and that the MPO recommends broader participation beyond planners and engineers—adding ODOT Region 4 traffic and safety staff, Bend Police and Fire, COIC transportation safety staff, Deschutes County public health, and City of Bend transportation and mobility staff to support implementation, outreach and grant eligibility (including the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All program, SS4A). "Following that approach, we believe requires involvement of additional stakeholders," Tyler said.

Board members pressed for early and meaningful engagement of people with disabilities and Latino/limited-English communities. Councilor Riley said representatives from the City of Bend Accessibility Advisory Committee and Latino community organizations should be engaged early rather than only near the end of the process. Staff replied they have reached out to the city's Accessibility Advisory Committee coordinator and plan to present draft engagement plans to both the accessibility advisory committee and the Human Rights and Equity Commission; staff also said a draft public engagement plan should be ready by the end of the month.

Councilor Riley moved to form the TSAP project advisory committee with additions to include representatives from the City of Bend Human Rights & Equity Commission and the City's Accessibility Advisory Committee; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Staff said the project advisory committee is expected to meet about three times, with a first advisory meeting tentatively scheduled for Jan. 23 and a special board meeting to be scheduled in early February to consider related items.

Staff also said the MPO's consultant team will be led by Kittelson with DKS and another firm (named 'Zane' in the meeting) supporting outreach and analysis. The TSAP update will include data analysis to identify approximately 20 high‑crash locations for more detailed review and recommendations, and will include public outreach, education and potential grant strategies to support implementation.