June 17, 2025
To the Honorable Members of the Newport City Council:
On behalf of the City of Newport Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC), we write to express our strong support for funding to be allocated in the upcoming budget cycle for Newport’s Transportation Master Plan, titled Keep Newport Moving.
The Transportation Master Plan was shaped through an extensive 2 year public engagement process and was adopted by the City Council on April 12th 2023.
Keep Newport Moving provides a forward-thinking roadmap to improve mobility, enhance safety, and support sustainability for all who live in, work in, and visit our city. It addresses long-standing transportation challenges and offers a vision for a connected, equitable, and resilient future.
As the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, we are especially encouraged by the plan’s emphasis on expanding safe, accessible infrastructure for non-motorized users—enhancements that not only reduce traffic congestion and improve public health but also help meet our climate and recent Vision Zero goals.
We urge the Council to demonstrate continued leadership and commitment by allocating funding in this year’s budget to begin implementation of high-priority projects and foundational improvements. This initial investment will ensure momentum, signal accountability to the community, and lay the groundwork for future grants and partnerships. It also shows that the City of Newport keeps its promises and does what we say we will do. This plan was passed over 2 years ago; it is time to start funding initial implementation initiatives.
Thank you for your ongoing service and your commitment to creating a more livable and connected Newport. We stand ready to support the city in moving from vision to action.
Respectfully,
City of Newport Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission
Tara Zambrotta, Chair
Elizabeth Davis, Vice Chair
Christopher Daly
Jim Fry
Rachel Hurley
Kyle Kossak
Elizabeth Peterson
Jo Ann Smith
Eric Werblow
Jacob Wojciechowski
Bike Newport