The 2025 Washington State Legislative Session begins Monday, January 13th, when our state’s lawmakers will officially convene in Olympia through April 27th to change and create laws and write a state budget.
As we look forward to this year’s session, Transportation Choices Coalition is excited to release our legislative agenda. Check it out here.
The 2025 legislative session is a pivotal moment for shaping the future of transportation in our state. However, the session will also bring significant challenges, including projected budget deficits in the state’s general fund and transportation budgets. These fiscal constraints demand strong advocacy from organizations like ours to ensure every dollar spent moves us closer to a safe, sustainable, and equitable transportation system.
Transportation Choices Coalition is committed to making the most of this moment.
Our 2025 priorities include upholding the promises of the Climate Commitment Act by protecting funds designated to programs that align with our climate and mobility goals. Investments in Youth Ride Free, Complete Streets, and transit access must continue, reducing emissions while improving transportation options for all.
Road safety is also an urgent priority. In 2023, pedestrian deaths reached record highs, with nearly half occurring on state-managed roads. That’s why we’re calling for a state-led Megaproject for Safety — $1.5 billion over the next decade to address safety on these dangerous corridors, particularly main street highways that run through our cities and towns. We believe significant investments in these corridors will respond to the safety crisis, improve access to transit and transit stops, well-designed and accessible streets and spaces that communities and their residents deserve.
We will also advocate for additional funding to expand the Travel Washington Intercity Bus Program — $12 million annually can better connect rural communities and ensure equitable access for seniors and people with disabilities.
Maintaining and preserving our existing infrastructure should take precedence over new freeway construction or widening projects. Fixing what we have creates jobs, saves money, and supports population growth while advancing climate goals.
We are also looking to the future of transportation funding in Washington by tracking efforts to examine a state road usage charge. A new progressive policy such as a road usage charge is key to sustainably fund transportation while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Finally, we will support the efforts of our state’s public transportation agencies to ensure operators and riders feel safe and secure on transit. This includes advocating for funding and programs — like bus stop lighting and transit security officers — that reduce safety incidents while minimizing the use of punishment and police enforcement.
Get Involved
The 2025 legislative session will shape the future of transportation in Washington, and your voice can make a difference. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Attend our Legislative Preview: TCC is hosting a virtual legislative agenda preview on Thursday, January 9, at 4 p.m. PT. Sign up today to attend the event and learn more about our priorities for the upcoming session.
- Stay Informed: Sign up for our weekly Dispatch from Olympia, where we send out vital updates and action alerts. There will be opportunities to write to your legislators about specific bills, take a position on bills, or even testify.
- Participate in the Process: Lawmakers need to hear from their constituents. You can submit written comments on specific bills, testify at hearings, or reach out to your legislators directly to share your support for safer streets, better transit, and sustainable funding solutions. Learn more here.
- Donate to Support TCC: Advocacy takes resources, and your contributions help us amplify community voices, engage policymakers, and fight for a better transportation future. Make a donation to Transportation Choices Coalition today.
This session, let’s ensure our state prioritizes safety, sustainability, and equity in transportation. Whether you speak out, show up, or give back, your support moves us closer to a future where everyone can get where they need to go safely and sustainably. Join us today!
If you have questions or want to learn more about any of our 2025 legislative priorities, please reach out to Transportation Choices Coalition Advocacy Director, Matthew Sutherland, at matthew@transportationchoices.org.
