The Bend MPO Technical Advisory Committee on a hybrid Nov. meeting recommended a prioritized list of projects for the 2025 State Highway Fund (SHF) and asked staff to present funding scenarios to the policy board at its Nov. 25 meeting.

The TAC’s technical review used a criteria-based scoring rubric (connectivity/multimodal benefit 0–10 points; safety, system efficiency, emissions reduction and equity 0–6 points each; cost share 0–3 points). Andrei, the staff presenter, told members the nine applications were scored by three reviewers, averaged, and ranked, and that “we do have quite a bit more in asks than we have available.” The committee then considered non‑criteria factors — project readiness, likelihood of alternate funding, and delivery complexity — before gauging TAC support with show-of-hands polls.

Why it matters: the TAC’s recommendation is advisory to the MPO policy board. Staff and applicants will be asked to refine funding scenarios so the board can weigh tradeoffs between funding continuity for multi‑year education programs and building commercial sidewalk and crossing projects.

What the TAC recommended and why
- Projects advanced with broad TAC support: the committee indicated support by show of hands for several City of Bend sidewalk infill projects and for the Commute Options Safe Routes to School education program. TAC members repeatedly noted the regional benefit of sidewalk infill on higher‑traffic corridors and the value of continuing safety education programs for youth and commuters.

- Adjustments before policy board review: during live spreadsheet exercises TAC removed two items from the SHF recommendation as presented to TAC: the Bend Traffic Garden (moved off the recommended list because the project currently lacks a finalized public right‑of‑way location and would likely require federal funding and ODOT delivery) and the Northeast Sixth Street sidewalk connection (several members said the city is likely to fund that project through city resources and asked not to use SHF dollars). TAC also agreed to reduce the SHF contribution toward the Northeast Butler Market sidewalk and crossing by $165,000 with the understanding the city could cover the crossing component in its program years, preserving the sidewalk portion on the SHF list.

- Microtransit pilot concerns: the Cascades East Transit Deschutes Riverwoods microtransit pilot received mixed comments. Some members supported the pilot; others raised concerns about long‑term funding sustainability and whether a one‑time SHF allocation would create an ongoing service that could not be supported after initial funding. Staff said CET was not flexible on timing or funding in the current application.

- Safe Routes to School funding tradeoffs: TAC discussed options for the multi‑year Safe Routes to School education grants submitted by Commute Options and Bend‑La Pine Schools. Members debated whether to reduce or stagger funding years, or to fund programs at reduced amounts, noting potential loss of program momentum if a half‑time education position were defunded for a full year. Staff noted existing pedestrian education kits are available locally and may reduce first‑year equipment costs if applicants coordinate.

Votes at a glance: TAC polling by show of hands (advisory, not a final policy board vote)
- Cascades East Transit, Deschutes Riverwoods microtransit pilot: majority support in the room, but several members expressed concern about long‑term sustainability; CET reported limited flexibility on timing/funding.
- City of Bend, Northeast Butler Market sidewalk and crossing: majority support, with a proposed $165,000 reduction to shift the crossing cost toward city funding and keep the sidewalk portion in the SHF package.
- City of Bend, Northeast Sixth Street sidewalk connection: several members agreed the city can cover the project and asked not to use SHF funds; the TAC removed the project from the recommended SHF list.
- Commute Options Safe Routes to School (education): TAC showed broad support; members discussed scope reductions and coordination to reduce duplicate equipment purchases.
- Bend‑La Pine Schools pedestrian safety education: mixed support; TAC discussed delaying or scaling first‑year funding to address a multi‑year budget shortfall and preserve program continuity in later years.
- Bend Traffic Garden: reviewers flagged eligibility concerns (must be in public right‑of‑way to be SHF‑eligible); TAC removed the project from the recommended list for SHF and suggested applicants explore federal or park/school delivery options.

What comes next: staff will prepare funding scenarios that reflect the TAC’s prioritization and the edits discussed and present those scenarios to the MPO policy board on Nov. 25. Applicants were asked to be available to answer questions from the board. The TAC scheduled its next meeting for Dec. 2 at 10 a.m.

Quotation: “The main takeaway here is that we do have quite a bit more in asks than we have available,” Andrei said, summarizing the budget gap and the need for tradeoffs.

Context/limitations: TAC’s show‑of‑hands polling was an advisory gauge of member support; the policy board has final authority over SHF awards and may modify recommendations. Where applicants could identify alternate funding or in‑kind resources, TAC encouraged coordination to reduce duplicated purchases (for example, shared pedestrian education kits).