Measure would continue funding for improvements at existing rate

The Chehalis City Council recently passed a resolution placing a Transportation Benefit District (TBD) renewal before voters on the Nov. 3, 2026, general election ballot. The ballot measure would renew the City’s existing voter-approved Transportation Benefit District for another 10 years at the current 0.2% sales tax rate.

If approved, the measure would continue providing dedicated local funding for street improvements, pedestrian safety projects, traffic congestion relief and the local matching funds needed to secure state and federal transportation grants.

“This funding has helped improve streets, sidewalks and pedestrian safety throughout Chehalis while bringing millions of dollars in state and federal grants into our community,” said Public Works Director Lance Bunker. “Renewing the Transportation Benefit District at the existing rate will help us keep that work moving forward.”

Since the Transportation Benefit District was established in 2017, it has generated approximately $11.2 million for transportation projects throughout the city, including improvements to Northwest Pacific Avenue, Southwest Chehalis Avenue and pedestrian safety enhancements along Southwest 13th Street.

The local funding has also enabled the City to leverage approximately $12.9 million in additional state and federal grants by providing the local matching funds required for many transportation projects. Those grants have supported major investments such as the Downtown Rejuvenation Plan, which will improve safety, accessibility, mobility and economic vitality in downtown Chehalis.

If renewed, Transportation Benefit District funding would continue supporting projects such as Safe Routes to School pedestrian and bicycle improvements, the Chamber Way Bridge replacement and future phases of the Downtown Rejuvenation Plan.

Additional information about the Transportation Benefit District renewal is available on the City’s website at ci.chehalis.wa.us/publicworks/page/transportation-benefit-district-renewal