Local Communities Fighting for Transportation Choices

Blog post from Transportation Choices Coalition

Across the state, local governments and residents are working to create transit oriented communities.

• The Tacoma City Council recently passed a bold plan, the Mixed Used Centers Update, that will focus growth and infrastructure spending in compact walkable areas around transit, spur economic development, and protect single-family neighborhoods. Transportation Choices Coalition worked to develop the plan, testified, and submitted an op-ed in the Tacoma News Tribune in support of this update.

• In Whidbey Island, declining sales tax revenues forced Island Transit to seek additional revenue authority without which they would have to cut their service by nearly 35%. Island Transit asked voters to approve a .03% sales tax increase during the August Primary Election. Fortunately voters decided that transit service was critical to keep people moving and approved the proposal resoundingly. Transportation Choices Coalition worked with local supporters to pass this measure.

• The City of Burien, King County, and private developers have made significant investments to create a walkable transit-oriented downtown. The city council has enacted a Transportation Benefit District (TBD) seeking voter approval this November for a $25 vehicle license fee for new bike and pedestrian paths along two of the city's major arterials creating more choices. Transportation Choices Coalition will be working with residents, businesses and local government to ensure that Burien has more transportation choices that reduce congestion, improve public health and protect the environment.