Metro’s Transportation Policy Alternatives Committee, or TPAC, is seeking volunteers interested in transportation issues. Three community-member appointments are open for two-year terms starting in January. Applications will be accepted until Oct. 18, 2013. The Metro Council expects to make the appointments in November.
About TPAC
TPAC reviews regional plans and federally funded transportation projects across the Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington County metropolitan area. The committee advises local and regional leaders on transportation investment priorities and policies related to transportation, such as efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions and create communities with easy access to public transit. It also helps identify needs and opportunities for involving the public in transportation matters.
An essential responsibility of TPAC is to advise the Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation, JPACT, a panel of elected officials and transportation agency executives that controls federal transportation spending in the Portland area. TPAC also advises the Metro Council, which reviews and must approve all major JPACT actions.
TPAC is comprised of 15 transportation professionals – appointed by area cities, counties and government agencies – and six community members.
Who should apply
Metro seeks diverse representation on all its advisory committees. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply, as are residents who can represent the perspectives of suburban communities. This year, Metro especially seeks applicants who can bring expertise in the following areas as they relate to transportation planning:
- economic development, freight movement and trade
- the needs of underrepresented residents such as people of color, people with low income, people with disabilities, seniors and youth
- health and air quality
All applicants should be able to attend regular meetings that take place on weekdays during business hours. The committee meets from 9:30 a.m. to noon on the last Friday of each month, though additional meetings are sometimes called.
Application and selection process
TPAC community members are selected through an application, interview and appointment process. Metro Council members and staff will conduct interviews and recommend candidates for the Metro council president to nominate for confirmation by the Metro Council.
Submit your application online, or download the form and mail it completed to Metro Council Office, Attn. Kelsey Newell, 600 NE Grand Ave., Portland, OR 97232. Applications are due at Metro by 5 p.m. on Oct. 18, 2013.
For more information on the application process, call Kelsey Newell, 503-797-1916. Hearing impaired may call TDD 503-797-1804.