The Thurston Regional Planning Council's Transportation Policy Board (TPB) recognized Don Melnick for his two decades of service representing Intercity Transit.
At the TPB meeting on Wednesday, Chair Andy Ryder said Melnick has been involved in transportation policy and planning in Thurston County for over 20 years.
Melnick served on the Citizens Advisory Committee and then as the community representative for TPB starting in 2016.
Ryder praised Melnick's passion for transit and commitment to inclusive transportation policy, particularly his advocacy for senior community access to transportation options.
"Don has been an incredible member of the TPB, providing great insight…I have been very grateful for hearing that perspective," the chair stated. "I want to thank you, on behalf of not just the TPB but the entire region, for all your years of service."
Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) Executive Director Marc Daily also expressed appreciation for Melnick's contributions. "Don has been a great resource. He has reached out on several occasions to dig a little deeper into some of the issues we have been working on and provided his perspective."
He added that Melnick provided a voice on TPB to ensure that the board is looking out for the needs of the entire community.
Emily Bergkamp, Intercity Transit general manager, expressed appreciation for Melnick, who she said has been a stalwart supporter of the agency.
Bergkamp thanked Melnick for starting informative symposiums about transportation options for seniors at Panorama City.
Bergkamp recounted that Melnick led a "drive less, go more" campaign to educate seniors on their transportation alternatives. She said Melnick has been an invaluable mentor to her in her new role as general manager of Intercity Transit.
Melnick said it was a "real honor to work on this organization" to help the entire regional organization advance its mission of improving transportation.
Melnick's retirement from the board marks the end of over two decades of volunteer service to city transit and regional transportation planning. However, Melnick says he still plans to stay active in the community on issues related to transportation access. The transportation policy board thanked Melnick for his dedication and wished him all the best in his future endeavors.
Ryder also recognized Joe Downing for his service representing the Port of Olympia. Downing served two terms with the port. "But over those two terms, he has served several times between the TPB and the TRPC and has been a great voice for the Port and for representing the community," Ryder said.
The chair said Downing was instrumental in increasing the port commission from three to five members.
Downing said the transition to a five-person commission will enable more involvement from port commissioners. He looks forward to the port having closer relationships with local cities in the future.
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