Ensuring efficient and sustainable transportation is vital for the growth and vitality of any region. In Whatcom County, Washington, the responsibility for comprehensive transportation planning falls under the purview of the Whatcom Council of Governments (WCOG). As the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO), WCOG plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Whatcom Transportation. This article delves into the functions, responsibilities, and key components of Whatcom’s transportation planning framework, ensuring a well-connected and mobile community.
The Role of the Whatcom Council of Governments in Transportation
The Whatcom Council of Governments (WCOG) is at the heart of transportation planning in the Bellingham Urbanized Area and Whatcom County. Designated as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), WCOG’s role is mandated by the U.S. Department of Transportation for any urbanized area exceeding 50,000 residents. This designation is critical as it allows the region to receive federal transportation funding, which is essential for infrastructure projects and transportation initiatives. The federal guidelines emphasize a “continuing, cooperative and comprehensive” approach to transportation planning, ensuring that projects align with federal, state, and local mobility objectives.
Furthermore, WCOG also serves as the Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) for Whatcom County, a designation stemming from the Washington State Growth Management Act of 1990. As an RTPO, WCOG is primarily responsible for creating and regularly updating a regional transportation plan. This plan addresses the broader transportation needs of the entire county, encompassing both urban and rural areas. By fulfilling both MPO and RTPO roles, WCOG ensures a cohesive and integrated approach to whatcom transportation planning.
Key Documents Guiding Whatcom Transportation
Two principal documents are essential outputs of WCOG’s transportation planning efforts: the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).
The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is a prioritized list of transportation projects slated for funding within the region. This program is a multi-year plan, outlining specific projects and their funding sources, ensuring transparency and accountability in the allocation of transportation resources. The TIP is a critical tool for implementing transportation improvements identified through the planning process.
Complementing the TIP is the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), an annual schedule of planning activities that are financially supported. The UPWP details the specific studies, analyses, and planning tasks that WCOG will undertake each year to advance transportation goals. This document ensures that ongoing planning efforts are coordinated and contribute to the long-term vision for whatcom transportation.
To streamline planning efforts and avoid duplication, WCOG has integrated the metropolitan and regional transportation plans into a single comprehensive document known as Whatcom Mobility 2040. This unified plan addresses both metropolitan and regional transportation requirements, creating a cohesive vision for the future of mobility in Whatcom County through the year 2040 and beyond.
The Whatcom Transportation Policy Board: Governance and Decision-Making
To effectively manage and coordinate transportation planning across the metropolitan and regional scales, the policy boards for the MPO and RTPO have been consolidated into the Whatcom Transportation Policy Board (WTPB). This merger ensures a streamlined decision-making process and eliminates unnecessary overlap in oversight.
The Whatcom Transportation Policy Board (WTPB) is responsible for governing both the metropolitan and regional transportation planning processes. A key function of the WTPB is the allocation of federal, state, and local funds to the various projects outlined in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). This board plays a crucial role in prioritizing projects and ensuring that funding is directed towards the most impactful transportation improvements for Whatcom County. Furthermore, the WTPB can commission WCOG staff to conduct research and analyses on complex transportation issues, ensuring informed decision-making based on expert insights.
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MEETING DATE | ## DOCUMENTS |
|—|—|
| January 15, 2025 | Packet | Draft Minutes |
| October 9, 2024 | Packet | Draft Minutes |
| July 10, 2024 | Packet | Minutes |
| May 8, 2024 | Packet | Minutes |
| March 13, 2024 | Packet | Minutes |
| January 17, 2024 | Packet | Minutes |
| October 11, 2023 | Packet | Minutes |
| July 12, 2023 | Packet | Minutes |
| May 10, 2023 | Packet | Minutes |
| March 8, 2023 | Packet | Minutes |
| January 18, 2023 | Packet | Minutes |
| October 12, 2022 | Packet | Minutes |
| July 13, 2022 | Packet | Minutes |
| June 8, 2022 | Packet | Minutes |
| May 11, 2022 | Packet | Minutes |
| April 13, 2022 | Packet | Minutes |
| March 9, 2022 | Packet | Minutes |
Voting Members
Scott Korthuis
Chair
Michael Lilliquist
1st Vice Chair
Whatcom Transportation Authority Board Chairperson
Greg Hansen
2nd Vice Chair
Kim Lund
Edwin H. “Skip” Williams
Richard May
John Perry
Anthony Hillaire
Lummi Indian Business Council Chair
Kevin Hester
Bobby Briscoe
Port of Bellingham Commissioner
RoseMary LaClair
Bruce Bosch
Chris Damitio
WA State Department of Transportation Mount Baker Region
Satpal Sidhu
Kaylee Galloway
Secretary (non-voting member)
Hugh Conroy
Director
Whatcom Council of Governments
Ex-Officio Members
Vacant
Bellingham Technical College
Christine Grant
Public Utility District No. 1
Vacant
Transportation Technical Advisory Group Representative
Chris Roselli
Western Washington University
Kathi Hiyane-Brown
Whatcom Community College
Rep. Debra Lekanoff
40th District
Sen. Liz Lovelett
40th District
Rep. Alex Ramel
40th District
Rep. Alicia Rule
42nd District
Sen. Sharon Shewmake
42nd District
Rep. Joe Timmons
42nd District
Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Whatcom Transportation
In conclusion, whatcom transportation is guided by a robust framework led by the Whatcom Council of Governments (WCOG) and the Whatcom Transportation Policy Board (WTPB). Through their roles as the MPO and RTPO, these organizations ensure that transportation planning in Whatcom County is comprehensive, cooperative, and continuously evolving to meet the needs of a growing population and economy. By developing key documents like the TIP, UPWP, and Whatcom Mobility 2040, WCOG is actively shaping a sustainable and efficient transportation future for the region, enhancing connectivity and mobility for all who live, work, and travel within Whatcom County.
