URGENT: Help Stop HB 471 – Protect Local Representation & Safe Streets
“Current Status of HB 471:
This bill would have made significant changes to how ACHD Commissioners are elected—shifting races from nonpartisan to partisan primaries starting in 2026, and requiring all Ada County voters to elect all commissioners, rather than by district. Thanks to strong community opposition and a tight vote, this bill died in the Senate State Affairs Committee, 5–4.”
TAKE ACTION NOW
Show Up to the Public Hearing - In Person or Virtually!
When: 8 AM, April 4th
Where: Room EW40, or register to testify online HERE
Why: Your voice matters! Speak out for local representation and safe streets.
Contact Your Legislators
Call or email your state representatives today. Find your legislator here.
Message: “I oppose HB 471 because it removes local representation, introduces partisanship into local Highway District elections, and politicizes transportation. Vote NO!”
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Talk to neighbors, friends, and local businesses who rely on safe roads.
Overview of Bill
House Bill 471 proposes two major changes to how ACHD commissioners are elected in Ada County:
Partisan Primaries: ACHD elections would shift from nonpartisan races to party-affiliated primaries beginning in 2026.
Countywide Elections: Instead of voting for a commissioner from your subdistrict, all Ada County voters would elect all commissioners.
These changes would drastically alter how transportation policies are shaped in Ada County, harming efforts to improve bike infrastructure, pedestrian safety, and multimodal transit.
Key Takeaways about House Bill 471
Loss of Local Representation
Right now, commissioners are elected by their subdistricts and are held accountable by their constituents.
HB 471 would allow all county voters to elect all commissioners, meaning urban districts with high biking rates may lose influence over decisions that impact them most. For instance, neighborhoods like the Bench that have been asking ACHD for improved bike-ped infrastructure and safety may, through the new election structure, get a commissioner who is less interested in active transportation and may be more focused on car infrastructure.
Transportation Should Not Be Political
Safe and accessible transportation is a fundamental right, not a partisan issue. This bill would make ACHD more politicized and less responsive to community-driven needs.
ACHD’s mission should be about safety, access, and smart transportation planning, not partisan politics.
Party primaries could limit candidates who focus on bike infrastructure and multimodal transportation.
Threat to Active & Sustainable Transportation
ACHD plays a crucial role in building safe bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Without localized representation, there’s a risk that these priorities will be sidelined in favor of car-centric policies that do not serve all residents.
Lack of Public Input & Transparency
HB 471 was introduced late in the session, limiting public awareness.
Major changes to governance should involve community feedback, not be rushed through.
Conclusion: Why This Matters
This bill could reshape how our roads are designed and how safe they are for people who walk and bike. We must act now to stop HB 471 and keep ACHD elections fair, local, and focused on transportation—not politics. Take action today!
