BMPO Policy Board Meeting - 7/17/2026 12:00PM

The Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization (BMPO) Policy Board convened on July 17, 2026, to discuss several transportation safety and planning topics. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Oregon Department of Transportation's (ODOT) Transportation Safety Action Plan (TAP) update, which aims to improve roadway safety statewide through data-driven strategies and a safe systems approach. The board reviewed crash data trends, priority safety issues such as roadway departures, intersections, speeding, and impairment, and discussed the integration of local safety plans with the statewide TAP. Public engagement efforts for the Bend Area TAP were also presented, highlighting community input on safety concerns and potential infrastructure improvements. Additionally, the board approved the renewal of general liability and auto liability insurance for fiscal year 2027 with a contract amount not to exceed $43,942.50. Discussions included the challenges of enforcement capacity, funding for safety countermeasures, and the importance of coordinated efforts between state and local agencies to address transportation safety and infrastructure needs.