Dear friends,
With a substantial deficit in Washington’s transportation budget, how will our elected leaders prioritize transportation spending? That’s the big question we’re asking as we wait for budget proposals to be unveiled later this month. You can read more about what we’re advocating for below.
In the meantime, we’re navigating some changes here at TCC. We were sad to say goodbye to our fantastic Advocacy Director, Matthew Sutherland, earlier this month. We’re also seeking a contract communications professional and grant writer to support our team. Check out the listings below, and help us spread the word!
Read on for more updates, news from across the state, and ways to take action.
Keep moving,
– Transportation Choices Coalition
WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
Advocating For a “Fix It First” Approach to Transportation Spending in Washington
Later this month, we’ll get a first look at Washington legislators’ proposed transportation budgets. We already know there’s a projected deficit of $8 billion over the next 6 years, which means Washington’s leaders will have some tough decisions to make about our state’s transportation priorities.
Washington must continue to fund investments in transit, biking and walking that ultimately save money and reduce congestion and pollution. We also need to invest in desperately needed preservation and maintenance work to make our roads safer and more reliable. But it’s time to reevaluate some of the big freeway projects that are responsible for so much of this deficit. As our friends at The Urbanist pointed out, “putting the entire bicycle and pedestrian safety grant program and the entire safe routes to school program on hold for two years would save the same amount as postponing one highway project.”
We’re advocating for a “fix it first” approach to transportation spending and a thorough review of the highway expansion projects planned for the future. We can’t afford to keep widening highways at the expense of fixing our roads and making them safer for all people.
We expect the budgets to be public before the end of the month. Keep an eye on our emails for updates on what they include and ways to make your voice heard.
Saying Goodbye to Our Advocacy Director, Matthew Sutherland
Earlier this month we said goodbye to Matthew Sutherland, who is starting a new role at Community Transit. Matthew joined TCC as our Advocacy Director in 2021, bringing extensive experience with campaigns and working with legislators. Matthew loves winning, and at TCC he helped win the transformative Move Ahead Washington transportation funding package, defend funding at local transit agencies, and pass a $1.55 billion transportation levy in Seattle. The results of his passion and drive will positively impact transit riders for decades to come. We’re sad to see him go, but wish him the best of luck in his new role. Thank you, Matthew, for everything you brought to TCC!
Attending the Campaign Kickoff Event for the Tacoma Streets Initiative
On April 22nd, Tacoma residents will have the opportunity to vote on the Tacoma Streets Initiative, which would raise $37 million annually for street repair and maintenance, safety improvements, sidewalks, and accessibility. We went down to Tacoma for the YES on Prop 1 campaign kickoff event and it was great to see so many people ready to fight for better streets, sidewalks, trails, and transit access in their community.
WHAT’S COMING UP
Tuesday Is National Transit Employee Appreciation Day
Don’t forget to thank your transit workers on Tuesday, March 18th! These dedicated workers keep us moving safely through our communities all year long.
The National Campaign for Transit Justice has created a toolkit, including printable cards, to help you and your community spread the love. Check it out here.
Join TCC at the OpenThePaths Conference
The University of Washington’s Transportation Data Exchange Initiative (TDEI) will host the 8th annual OpenThePaths conference from March 27th – 28th.
OpenThePaths is a gathering of advocates, planners, researchers, and policymakers dedicated to expanding and sustaining pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. This year, they are launching OS-CONNECT, the first-ever statewide, standardized accessibility-first sidewalk dataset for Washington State, funded by the WA state legislative proviso.
TCC’s Kirk Hovenkotter will be speaking on Friday, March 28th, about advocating for policy that benefits people who walk, bike, and take transit.
Registration is FREE, but in-person registration closes Monday, March 24th, and virtual registration closes Wednesday, March 26th.
Learn About Transit in the South Sound
Our friends at Downtown On the Go are hosting a Friday Forum on March 28th, from 12 – 1 PM exploring public transit in Tacoma. Join Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, and Downtown On the Go for a panel exploring what’s working, what’s not, and what the future of transit in Tacoma can be. You can attend in-person at UW Tacoma or online.
Explore Car-Free Adventure
On Wednesday, April 9th, join a free online event to explore car-free adventure with Transit Trekker and Washington Trails Association. Learn tools, tips, and tricks for planning your own car-free outings and get the scoop on some of the best transit treks near and far — as far as Alaska. Hosted by the King County Library System Kenmore branch.
Trails 2 Transit: A Redmond 2 Line Opening Celebration
Our partners at Move Redmond are hosting a Redmond 2 Line opening celebration, Trails 2 Transit, on May 10th from 12 – 4 PM along with Sound Transit, Eastrail Partners, Africans on the Eastside, and others. We can’t wait to celebrate the expansion of the 2 Line to the new Marymoor Village and Downtown Redmond light rail stations!
Businesses and organizations can apply to participate or sponsor the event by March 21st. Learn more here.
GET INVOLVED
New Contract Opportunities at TCC — Help Us Spread the Word!
TCC is seeking two contractors to support our team! Are you a freelancer who loves supporting small non-profit organizations? Check out our listings for a contract grant writer and communications consultant and please forward them to anyone you know who might be interested.
Applications for both will be accepted on a rolling basis. Please send all proposals to McKenna Lux, Deputy Director, at mckenna@transportationchoices.org
Give Your Input on Sound Transit’s Recent Service Disruptions
Sound Transit is requesting feedback on the 1 Line service disruptions that took place on weekends between January and Februaruy 2025, including shuttle bus replacements and changes to train frequency.
Your input will help them understand how these disruptions affected your travel and guide improvements to their planning and communication in the future.
Share Your Experiences and Input About Climate Pollution in the Puget Sound Region
How can we improve air quality and tackle climate change? The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency wants to hear from you! Attend one of the following workshops to share your thoughts and help create a stronger Comprehensive Climate Action Plan:
- Snohomish County: March 13th from 5:30 – 7:30 PM (doors open at 5), Everett Community College
- Kitsap County: March 20th from 5:30 – 7:30 PM (doors open at 5), Norm Dicks Government Center
- King County: April 3rd from 5:30 – 7:30 PM (doors open at 5), El Centro De La Raza- Centilia Cultural Center
- Pierce County: April 15th from 5:30 – 7:30 PM (doors open at 5), Clover Park Technical College
STAFF PICK
More People Are Taking Transit!
As a proud transit rider, I am thrilled to see big increases in ridership across the Puget Sound region. This week, ORCA agencies announced that they provided 17 million more trips in 2024 than in 2023. Kudos to Pierce Transit, Everett Transit, Kitsap Transit, Community Transit, King County Metro, and Sound Transit for helping more people get where they need to go. This increase is a testament to the value that our communities place on transit and shows that our agencies can rise to the occasion. I hope this news inspires even more people to hop on the bus or light rail and highlights to agencies that we WANT their service. Transit is the answer!
McKenna Lux
Deputy Director
WHAT WE’RE READING
Trump Administration ‘Reviews’ Threaten to Delay Transportation Projects Nationwide — StreetsBlog USA
“U.S. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy has embraced President Trump’s “anti-woke” agenda since he took office, building on executive orders targeting climate and social justice initiatives and Elon Musk’s DOGE efforts, often in defiance of federal law.”
Intercity Bus Service: Reforms Needed for Better Service for Rural America; Value for U.S. Taxpayers — Eno Center for Transportation
“Labeling rural America “flyover country” is accurate only if airplanes are the sole transportation mode in our vocabulary. In practice, intercity buses and trains can tie us together with practical, reliable public transportation.”
Why high-speed rail will fail without better local train service — The Seattle Times
“A planned 50-minute bullet train to the three big cities of the Northwest will make limited stops, if any. Passengers will still need an intercity train to get to smaller destinations along the way.”
Clark County transit punts on decision about Interstate Bridge light rail funding — Oregon Public Broadcasting
“After hours of public comments and weeks of community meetings around Clark County, C-TRAN board members pushed pause at the last minute on a Tuesday vote about funding for future light rail expansion across the Interstate Bridge from Portland to Vancouver.”
A $50M idea to add lots of foot ferries to WA waters — The Seattle Times
“A lawmaker who grew up on Bainbridge Island and now represents northern Kitsap County in the state House thinks he has a solution for the state’s troubled ferry system.”
Constantine Defends Bus Electrification Focus as King County Metro Service Lags — The Urbanist
“In an exclusive interview with The Urbanist, Constantine cited a likely need for King County Metro to tap into new revenue to sustain itself into the future. But he doubled down on the need for the agency to push forward on fleet electrification, despite the strain on service plans and finances.”
Waterfront bikeway now open as far north as Pier 62 — Seattle Bike Blog
“Seattle officially opened the long-awaited downtown waterfront bikeway as far north as Pier 62 beyond the aquarium Saturday. “
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