Title
Olympia 2045: Transportation Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan Update
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive briefing and discussion on the draft Transportation Chapter for the Comprehensive Plan update.
Staff Contact:
Michelle Swanson, AICP, Senior Planner, Public Works Transportation, 360.753.8575
Presenter(s):
Michelle Swanson, AICP, Senior Planner, Public Works Transportation
Background and Analysis:
The Comprehensive Plan is the City’s overarching policy document that guides how Olympia will prepare for expected population and employment growth over the next 20 years. It was last updated in 2014. We are required by state law to update it every ten years.
This update is called a “periodic update,” meaning it is not a wholesale rewrite of the Plan. It is an opportunity to check in with the community and make minor changes to ensure we are still on track toward achieving the Plan’s vision. For transportation, that vision is of “complete streets that move people, not just cars.”
The Plan has several chapters which are being updated on their own timelines. Our goal is to finish the update to the Transportation Chapter by the end of 2024 to meet legal deadlines.
Transportation’s focus of this update
In 2021, the City adopted its first-ever Transportation Master Plan, which outlines the projects we need to build to achieve the vision of the Comprehensive Plan. In the process of creating the master plan, we refined and changed some policies. Therefore, staff is focused on integrating the master plan and its policy updates into the Comprehensive Plan.
Additionally, the state recently started requiring that Comprehensive Plans include chapters on climate change and equity. While the Plan will have full chapters on those topics, we are also weaving them into the other chapter updates as appropriate. Readers will see that reflected in the attached draft Transportation Chapter.
How to prepare
Staff have attached two versions of the draft Transportation Chapter: one that shows tracked changes and one that does not. Please read whichever version you prefer.
As you review the chapter, please consider ways we can better integrate equity and social justice into the chapter. Here are a few considerations that might help shape your review:
• People with low incomes are more likely to be dependent on transit to get around.
• Intercity Transit is a separate agency that operates transit service in Thurston County. Its service includes fixed routes and paratransit.
• Building pedestrian infrastructure, such as sidewalks, enhanced crosswalks, curb ramps, and accessible pedestrian signals makes it easier for people to get to transit and other important places.
• The Americans with Disabilities Act mandates that we update infrastructure to be compliant with federal standards with most transportation projects.
• The City has an ADA Transition Plan, which describes how we will transition the City to being ADA compliant. A new state law requires that it be included in the Transportation Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan, so we have a link to it in Appendix I.
• Previous generations made a significant investment in making the transportation system easy to get around by vehicle. Retrofitting our streets to make it easier for people to walk or roll, bike, or take the bus will make it easier for people to get around without needing to own a vehicle. For many people, owning a vehicle is a cost burden.
Additional information
The Comprehensive Plan lists goals and policies that guide the City’s work. If any members are interested in learning about the projects we plan to build to implement those goals and policies, we have included a link to the Transportation Master Plan.
Where your review fits in the process
This is the first draft of the Transportation Chapter. Staff have sought feedback from the public, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), and the Planning Commission on this draft. After hearing from this Commission, staff will write a second draft of the chapter, taking all of the feedback into account. In the fall, we will share that second draft with the public, the BPAC, and the Planning Commission again before submitting it to the City Council for acceptance.
Climate Analysis:
In Thurston County, the transportation sector is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Making it easier for people to get their daily needs met by walking or rolling, biking, or taking transit is a key strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Comprehensive Plan is where many of the policies that guide the work to build infrastructure that supports walking, biking, and transit use get set.
Equity Analysis:
Vehicle ownership can be onerous for people who struggle to afford one, and many people are not able to drive. Making it easier for people of all abilities to walk or roll, bike, or take transit will make Olympia more equitable. The Comprehensive Plan is where many policies that impact this are set.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Staff will share preliminary results from the public outreach done in June.
Options:
1. Receive the briefing.
2. Do not receive the briefing.
3. Receive the briefing at another time.
Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact from this item.
Attachments:
Draft Transportation Chapter - clean
Draft Transportation Chapter - tracked changes
Transportation Master Plan