NEWROOM: In the News

Blue Ribbon Committee Helps to Shape Program

Since late 2008, a Blue Ribbon Committee comprising local business, government, and community leaders has been meeting regularly to discuss the feasibility of forming a Transportation Management Area (TMA) for downtown Vancouver. A  TMA or other such entity would coordinate the services, programs, and funding for a downtown trip reduction program.

At their monthly meetings, the Blue Ribbon Committee members have discussed the full range of issues related to forming a TMA, including: the nature and feasibility of a TMA for downtown Vancouver; the challenges and benefits of a TMA program; examples of TMAs from other communities; relation of a TMA to the Vancouver City Center Vision; problems of traffic congestion; issues related to parking; target goals for single-occupant-vehicle (SOV) rates; marketing, advocacy, incentives, and outreach to local businesses and employees; strategic partnerships; and options for funding a TMA through both private and public means.

The committee’s goal has been to develop consensus on whether or not to form a TMA.  If the group decides to move forward, they will define the coordinating entity to manage the TMA and identify short- and long-term funding mechanisms.

Participating members of the Blue Ribbon Committee include:

• Colleen Boccia, Columbia Credit Union
• Parker Cann, Columbia Credit Union
• Pete Capell, Clark County Public Works
• Todd Coleman, Port of Vancouver
• Lee Coulthard, Vancouver’s Downtown Association
• Carl Dobbs, Vancouver’s Downtown Association
• Karin Ford, Fort Vancouver Regional Library
• Linda Glover, Divine Consign
• Jeff Hamm, C-Tran
• Jeanne Harris, Councilmember, City of Vancouver
• Roy Johnson, Vancouver Housing Authority
• Elie Kassab, Prestige Development
• Lance Killian, Killian Pacific
• Ron Mah, Esther Short Neighborhood Association
• Terry McCarthy, Esther Short Neighborhood Association
• Pat McDonnell, City Manager, City of Vancouver
• Roger Qualman, Norris Beggs Simpson
• Jim Quintana, C-Tran
• Josh Schlesinger, Schlesinger Properties
• Mike Schlesinger, Schlesinger Properties
• Phil Sheehan, Clark College
• Bob & Gill Wallis, Wallis Engineering
• Charlene Welch, Community Choices
• Barbe West, Community Choices
• Bob Williamson, Clark College
• Members of the City of Vancouver City Manager's Office, Economic Development, Parking, and Transportation Services