During a recent Spokane City Council meeting, candidates for the Transportation Commission shared their extensive backgrounds and visions for improving the city's transportation infrastructure. Mike, a long-time traffic office employee, emphasized his commitment to multimodal transportation, highlighting the success of ramp meters implemented since 2019, which have significantly enhanced safety on local roads. He advocated for prioritizing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, noting that every trip begins with a pedestrian component.

Carl Otterstrom, Chief of Planning and Development at Spokane Transit, underscored the importance of equity in transportation. He stressed that public transit must be universally accessible, addressing barriers that prevent residents from effectively using the system. Otterstrom pointed out that many neighborhoods lack adequate pedestrian access, which hampers connectivity to transit services. He called for increased engagement with the community to better understand and address transportation needs.

The discussions highlighted a shared vision among the candidates for a more integrated and accessible transportation system in Spokane, focusing on the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The emphasis on data-driven decision-making and community engagement reflects a proactive approach to addressing the city's transportation challenges. The council members expressed appreciation for the candidates' insights and commitment to enhancing Spokane's transportation landscape.