Washington County director highlights active-transportation open house, Salmonberry Trail partnership and staffing update

Chair Rachel Mori Boudou called the Washington County Planning Commission to order on Aug. 5 and invited the director to give her report. The director (Ms. Johnson) told the commission the county’s Active Transportation Plan online open house is available through Aug. 16 and a Transit Development Plan open house will run Aug. 19–Sept. 13 to inform the 2026 update and fiscal years 27–29 priorities.

Ms. Johnson said the county is partnering with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and the Salmonberry Trail Foundation on a 14‑mile “catalyst loop” segment linking Banks to Steb Seward State Park and the Banks‑Vernonia Trails, and staff are finalizing a trail operating agreement. She also confirmed recruiting is under way for the Land Use Planning Section Manager position, with nine candidates and first‑round interviews scheduled for next week. Staff suggested canceling the commission meeting on Aug. 19 because of a likely lack of agenda items.

The director’s report also noted the Transit Development Plan online open house is scheduled to go live Aug. 19, and that the Active Transportation Plan is accepting input through Aug. 16. The director offered to answer commissioners’ questions and to provide updates as hiring progresses. The report concluded without formal action.

The county’s web pages and the project links listed in the staff packet provide the open‑house content and surveys referenced in the director’s presentation.