Long Range Transportation Plan

At a glance

What: The draft Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and recommendations from the Helena Citizens Council (HCC) favoring active, non-motorized transportation.
Where it stands: HCC presented its recommendation on September 23, 2026. A 30-day public review of the draft LRTP is coming; Mayor Dean proposed forwarding the HCC recommendation to MPO staff and consultants. The MPO has allocated planning funds for a Pedestrian Mobility Plan in the next federal fiscal year.
Next: Public comment period on the draft; the October 5 City Manager report noted it is open. Gustafson also asked on August 31 for a future agenda item on transit funding.

Anne Hausrath presented the HCC recommendation to prioritize and fund non-motorized projects and treat active transportation as essential. Transportation Director Knoepke said the recommendation includes inflation-adjusted cost estimates and funding sources, and that the Pedestrian Mobility Plan would give more detailed direction.
Reed was interested in smaller bicycle and pedestrian connections. Mayor Dean suggested coordinating transit discussion with the draft's release.
Ben Kuiper, HCC chair, reported on August 31 and September 14 that HCC approved the recommendation and asked to present it. By October 5 he had stepped down as chair; Diana Hammer announced it and an open house on community feedback and transportation priorities.

City Manager noted the public comment period for the draft; Hammer announced an HCC open house and Kuiper's departure as chair.

HCC recommendation presented and discussed; no action.

Kuiper said the recommendation would be presented at the next administrative meeting.

Kuiper reported HCC approval; Gustafson supported scheduling the presentation and asked for a transit item.