Most of us might think it an impossible task to organize and plan transit variables. For Michael Harpool, it’s like riding a bike.
“I wear a lot of hats as a transit planner at WTA,” he says. “I manage the vanpool program, the Community Van Grant Program, and a National Transit Database surveying program, as well. All of those have their different aspects, whether it’s data analysis, program management, or just regular administrative stuff.” Harpool is also one of the technical analysis leads for the plans and studies conducted by the Planning Team.
It’s an interesting career that was fueled by an inclination to avoid vehicles. “It’s kind of a deep-rooted story,” Harpool says. “Growing up I didn’t know much about this path at all. When I was in middle school, I lost my sister in a car crash, and since her passing I was never truly comfortable driving around in a car. So being able to get around without a car became super important in deciding where I worked, went to college, and where I found recreation.”
Harpool went to school at Keene State College in New Hampshire, where he studied geography. “At the very end of my time there, I did a project on bicycle and pedestrian planning and that sat in the back of my head for a couple of years while I took some time off,” he recalls.
After Keene State, Harpool hit the slopes in Colorado, finding a kinship with the mountains and snowboarding in his free time. “I lived in Colorado, just snowboarding and having a great time“ but eventually he realized there was more he wanted to do professionally. “I pursued a career in bicycle and pedestrian planning, and it became a personal and professional passion to try and commit myself to improving conditions for people who cannot drive.” He emphasized that a large portion of our community is not able to drive due to finances, age, or ability and many others simply choose not to.
After completing grad school in Portland, Oregon, and starting his career in pedestrian and bicycle planning in Missoula, Harpool switched to the transit field here in Bellingham in 2019. He hopes to continue his work out here for years to come. “I grew up in Jamestown, Rhode Island,” he says. “I bounced around for a while but after I moved out west, I felt a deep connection to the climate, environment, and all the recreation out here.”
With a career revolving around the community in unique and significant ways, Harpool is no stranger to embedding his passion and expertise in its growth and success. “A lot of my community involvement comes through WTA,” he says. “The position I hold grants me a lot of opportunities to deal with nonprofits, municipalities, tribal councils, and the residents…It’s really nice to be able to work with the community and those nonprofits.”
For example, Harpool helps manage the Community Van Grant Program. “When a vanpool vehicle has been retired, we’re able to grant those to nonprofits and local governments” he says. “Throughout that year, we check in and make sure the vehicle is working for them and also keep track of how many rides they’re providing and what sort of trips they’re doing with the vehicle.” This close coordination allows Harpool to build and develop strong partnerships throughout the community.
Last year, Harpool helped facilitate the grant of a vehicle to Vamos Outdoors Project and the Lighthouse Mission. “I got to work really closely with some of the leads at those nonprofits and get to know those programs a lot better,” says Harpool. “In my personal life, Vamos Outdoors is one community organization that I spend a lot of time with, going to their events and fundraisers…There are a lot of events I attend throughout the community that correlate with my personal and professional interests.”
As for being named one of the Top 7 Under 40?
“It’s been a real honor, honestly, just being nominated,” Harpool says. “I was very refreshed to hear that, and it was really interesting filling out the questionnaire. There’s a series of essay questions and I haven’t written about myself in quite a long time, so it was really nice to take a look back at my accomplishments and what I’ve done at WTA, as well as my contributions to the community. I got a chance to briefly meet some of the other candidates and it is an honor to stand next to them.”
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