Dear friends,
It’s been a chaotic few weeks on the national scene with a deluge of executive orders and directives from the new presidential administration. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by it all, and what it will mean for our communities here in Washington, you’re not alone.
It’s not clear yet just how much federal funding for transit and transportation projects will be impacted, but we know hundreds of millions in committed funds are at risk here in Washington. This threat on the federal level makes our work here at the state and local levels that much more important. No matter what comes, we all have a responsibility to do what we can where we can to build a safer, more equitable, and more sustainable future.
If you’ve been following along with our Dispatch from Olympia, you know that there’s also a critical conversation about the future of Washington’s transportation funding happening right now, as legislators work to craft a new transportation budget and consider a Road Usage Charge as a new source of long-term transportation funding. Especially in the face of national funding cuts, we must do everything we can to shore up investments in safe and sustainable transportation here in Washington.
Read on to learn about our advocacy at the state, federal, and local levels, read transportation news from across the state, and find ways to take action.
Keep moving,
– Transportation Choices Coalition
WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
Advocating Against Transportation Funding Cuts at the Federal Level
A couple of weeks ago, Transportation for America published an excellent analysis of how the federal funding freeze and new memos from the U.S. Department of Transportation could put at risk more than $20 billion in federal funding for transportation projects across the nation, as well as hundreds of millions of dollars here in Washington State.
This could have huge implications for safe and sustainable transportation projects. But we heard on a national call for advocates hosted by Transportation for America that with so much disruption in every sector, legislators were not hearing about transportation.
In response, the National Campaign for Transit Justice put together a toolkit for taking action, and state and local advocates across the nation have helped raise the alarm with their legislators.
Here at TCC, we sent a letter to Washington’s federal representatives outlining what’s at stake in our state and why fighting back against these potential cuts to transportation is so essential.
Check out our blog post for more info on this evolving situation.
Fighting for a New, Sustainable Funding Source for Transportation in Washington
As you may have seen in our Dispatch from Olympia, we’ve been going all out in support of a proposed Road Usage Charge bill in the Washington State legislature. This proposal comes after years of advocacy and research both at TCC and in the legislature, and, if it passes, it would be a gamechanger for transportation funding in our state.
We’re most excited that the proposal creates a new long-term funding source for transit, walking, and biking, as well as dedicated revenue for the preservation and maintenance of our roads and bridges. By committing to fund preservation and maintenance, and not freeway expansion, this proposal could, in the long term, fundamentally change how our state prioritizes transportation projects. And because of our state’s Complete Streets mandate, we know that this investment in preservation and maintenance will also help make our roads safer for people walking, biking, and taking transit.
Our Executive Director, Kirk Hovenkotter, testified at public hearings in both the House Transportation Committee and the Senate Transportation Committee, and advocates like you sent more than 3,500 letters to members voicing your support for it.
Keep an eye on your email for more opportunities to take action!
Building Buy-in for a Megaproject for Safety
One of the top things we’ve been advocating for this session is a statewide Megaproject for Safety to transform Washington’s most dangerous roadways into safe, livable streets for people.
We’re excited that this idea is gaining interest and traction! Just this morning TCC Executive Director Kirk Hovenkotter gave a presentation on it to the Washington State Transportation Commission in Olympia, and this evening, he’ll be speaking at a work session of the Senate Transportation Commission.
Shaping Recommendations for Our New Governor’s Transportation Priorities
Transportation Choices Coalition was proud to join fellow advocates for safe, sustainable, and equitable transportation on Governor Ferguson’s Transportation Transition Subcommittee.
The subcommittee shared a final report with core recommendations to guide Governor Ferguson, and we’re happy to share that two of the top recommendations were “invest in maintenance and preservation” and “develop sustainable revenue sources,” both of which are reflected in the Road Usage Charge proposal we’ve been advocating for.
The report specifically calls for prioritizing “maintenance and preservation projects on most dangerous roadways,” which is something we’ve been advocating for as part of our Megaproject for Safety work.
With deficits in both the operating budget and transportation budget, legislators and Governor Ferguson have their work cut out for them as they put together new budgets. We’ll be working to ensure Washington doubles down on its commitments to transit, walking, and biking as well as maintenance and preservation in the face of federal funding cuts.
WHAT’S COMING UP
Tacoma to Vote on Safer 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.
The Yes on Prop 1 campaign has just launched and will hold a campaign kickoff event on Thursday, Feb. 27th, at 5:30 PM.
Save the Date for the Extension of the 2 Line to Downtown Redmond!
Sound Transit recently announced that May 10th is the opening date for the Marymoor Village and Downtown Redmond light rail stations. We’re excited to celebrate the expansion of the 2 Line to these new stations!
Stay tuned for more details on opening day celebrations.
GET INVOLVED
Attend a Webinar on Navigating the Future of Federal Transportation Funding
Join Transportation For America for a webinar on Tuesday, February 25th, at 11 AM PT to discuss the state of federal transportation funding, including recent executive orders and the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization.
Weigh in on Proposed Transit Changes in South King County
As Link light rail extends south, King County Metro’s South Link Connections mobility project is working to improve public transportation for communities in south King County.
Learn more about proposed service changes and take a survey by February 28th.
Live in the Tri-Cities? Join the Citizens Advisory Network for Ben Franklin Transit
Leaders at Ben Franklin Transit are looking for people to join their Citizens Advisory Network. The Network serves as a liaison between the public and Ben Franklin Transit. You must be 18 years old, and willing to meet once a month, on the third Monday of the month at 6 PM.
Applications are available here. Once complete, email yours to marketing@bft.org by March 3rd.
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
Seven Stroads That Have Been Converted to Streets
I loved reading this article from Strong Towns about dangerous thoroughfares that have been converted into streets. It reminded me of Jamie Torres’ account of not having safe sidewalks for people with disabilities, and how it can be dangerous to wait for buses along busy roads. When these roads are redesigned, it opens up ways for our community members to interact with each other and for our kids to feel safe going to school or anywhere else they would like to go. I hope for more projects like these statewide to create safe, walkable, and bikeable streets for all Washingtonians.
Raven Cruz
Operations Manager
WHAT WE’RE READING
Unflooding the zone: What do the Trump administration’s latest actions signal for transportation? — Transportation For America
“Our updated analysis of disbursements at risk finds that over $20 billion for projects currently underway across the country might be eliminated, according to new memos introduced by Secretary Duffy’s DOT. But don’t feel overwhelmed. We’ve got the information you need.”
Nearly half of young Americans don’t want to own a car — Autoblog
“Nearly half of Americans aged 18 to 34 would be at least somewhat willing to give up owning a vehicle in favor of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS)—a jargony umbrella term for everything from public transport and ride/car/bike-sharing to car rentals and taxis.”
WA has a $1 billion transportation budget hole. What happens now? — The Seattle Times
“Increasing construction costs and falling gas tax revenue have blown a billion dollar hole in the Washington state transportation budget, forcing lawmakers to put more money toward projects once promised as fully funded and warning that other projects may be left half built.”
WA’s $5M e-bike rebate program will launch in April — Seattle Bike Blog
“The $5 million budget for the rebates is funded by emission taxes that are part of the Climate Commitment Act, which voters supported in November by rejecting Initiative 2117 by a landslide 38–62 margin.”
Downtown Redmond Light Rail Opening Set for May 10 — The Urbanist
“This extension will mark the first Sound Transit 3 (ST3) rail project to start carrying passengers, just under nine years after the funding package was approved by voters in 2016.”
Car-ownership rate hits record low in Seattle, census data shows — The Seattle Times
“New census data shows in 2023, the share of Seattle households that do not own or lease at least one car hit 20%, the first time that’s happened since the U.S. Census Bureau began collecting data on vehicle ownership.”
The story behind Beacon Hill’s 4-mile magic median — The Seattle Times
“Whenever a sunbreak smiles upon Beacon Hill, it’s easy to ignore the roar of Interstate 5 below and jets overhead because this neighborhood’s got something unique in Seattle: a thoroughfare outfitted with 4 miles of trail, fit for a stroll.”
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