REIMAGINE ELLENSBURG
A community-driven vision for a safer, more vibrant Gold Beach.
Replay of Town Hall, January 13
This Town Hall brings together community members, local businesses, the City of Gold Beach, and ODOT to discuss how street safety, lane configuration options, ADA improvements, and streetscape upgrades can work together thoughtfully and with community input.
Below are the presentation sections for easy navigation:
0:00 Intro & Welcome
1:02 Jordan White — Town Hall Facilitator
9:47 Thomas Guevara (ODOT) — U.S. 101 Community Connections Plan & Emergency Access
18:00 Susan Wright (Kittelson & Associates) — Traffic Study & Lane Configuration Concepts
37:22 Tyson Krieger — Gold Beach Fire Chief, Emergency Access
40:01 Chris Hunter (ODOT Region 3) — ADA Ramp Projects Overview
47:00 Dave Dougherty — Streetscape Design & Community Benefits
1:01:16 Tamie Kaufman — Mayor of Gold Beach, Sidewalks, Undergrounding & Planning
1:27:48 Community Questions
1:27:48 Senator David Brock Smith
1:30:18 Closing Statement — Laurie Van Zante
1:39:57 Thank You & Adjournment
Reimagine Ellensburg is Gold Beach Main Street’s community outreach effort supporting the City of Gold Beach’s U.S. 101 Community Connections Plan.
As transportation engineers and planners review options for improving safety, traffic flow, walkability, landscaping, and the overall experience of traveling through our town, GBMS is working to ensure the community is informed, involved, and heard.
This page is your hub for:
Understanding
the Process
Viewing Project
Updates
Participating in
Community Discussions
Accessing Surveys &
Public Feedback
Staying Connected
to Progress
Revitalizing Ellensburg Avenue is more than a roadway project — it’s a chance to strengthen our local economy, create safer streets for families and school children, support walkability and accessibility, enhance beautification, and build a Main Street that reflects the heart and character of Gold Beach.
This Effort Supports:
Safety
Safer crossings, slower traffic, and better visibility
Walkability
More accessible Main Street for residents & visitors
Business
Vitality
Helping businesses attract customers and reinvest
Beauty &
Identity
Landscaping, art, and a welcoming downtown
Community
Pride
Feeling good about a Gold Beach we all helped build
How This Fits Into the U.S. 101 Community Connections Plan
The City of Gold Beach and ODOT are collaborating with Kittelson & Associates on the U.S. 101 Community Connections Plan, a detailed analysis of traffic flow, lane configuration, safety needs, and design possibilities for the Ellensburg corridor.
Their process includes:
Data collection & engineering review
Development of three potential design concepts
Online open houses (public input period)
A second open house in 2026
Public hearings prior to final decisions
Public Meeting Timeline
Open House #1
January 7 - 23, ONLINE
Presentation of existing transportation conditions and challenges along U.S. 101 in Gold Beach. Draft concepts by Kittelson (transportation engineering and planning consulting firm) released for public review & community poll participation request on three different potential alternatives.
Town Hall Meeting
January 13, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Community information event regarding Ellensburg Avenue. Speakers include: ODOT, Kittelson Engineering Firm, City of Gold Beach, Dougherty Landscape Architects, and more! Come learn about potential solutions and participate in the community discussion!
Open House #2
SPRING 2026
Public opportunity to review the preferred design option, offer feedback on potential refinements, and help identify which improvements should be prioritized first. Your input will guide how the final plan is shaped and implemented.
Public Hearing
SUMMER 2026
Before the plan is officially adopted, the Gold Beach City Council will hold public hearings — one of the final and most important opportunities for community members to speak directly into the decision-making process. Your voice at this stage is essential.
Online Open House & Lane Configuration Concepts
ODOT’s Online Open House will be open January 7–23, featuring three lane configuration concepts developed by Kittelson & Associates. These conceptual options explore how U.S. 101 through Gold Beach could function in the future and include an online survey where community members can share feedback. This is a great way to get informed ahead of the January 13 Community Town Hall.
5-Lane Configuration
4-Lane Configuration
3-Lane Configuration
Your voice helps shape the future of Gold Beach.
Attend Town
Hall meetings
01
Take community surveys and polls
02
Participate in online open houses
03
Stay updated through
our newsletter
04
Share information with our neighbors
05
Send in your questions and concerns
06
GBMS promotes community engagement — helping to ensure that residents understand the concepts and have meaningful opportunities to share their feedback.
GBMS also expands beyond the vision to propose integral features such as landscape architecture that aligns with our mission, community input, and in collaboration with the City of Gold Beach initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. GBMS is supporting community engagement. ODOT, the City of Gold Beach, and Kittelson & Associates lead the engineering and design process.
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Potentially. The design options include considerations for lane configuration, safety improvements, and accessibility.
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During each public open house, surveys, and community meetings. GBMS will announce all opportunities.
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The Ellensburg/Main Street/U.S 101 corridor impacts business vitality, pedestrian safety, access, beauty, and the long-term health of our community.
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No, this Town Hall is specifically focused on lane reconfiguration, streetscape possibilities, safety, and accessibility.
