Title
Transportation Funding
Recommended Action:
Discussion only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Discussion of funding needs associated with the Transportation Master Plan.
Staff Contact:
Sophie Stimson, Interim Transportation Director, Public Works Transportation, 360.753.8497
Presenter(s):
Sophie Stimson, Interim Transportation Director
Background and Analysis:
Staff will present information related to transportation funding needs associated with the Transportation Master Plan (TMP). Staff will review current revenue sources for transportation, as well as potential new and expanded sources.
Within the broader discussion of transportation funding, two related topics will be introduced: sidewalk repair and pavement preservation.
This presentation will be similar to the presentation made to the City Council’s Finance Committee on April 19, 2023. You can see the video of the meeting which is posted on the City website, olympiawa.gov, Agenda and Minutes, under “Finance Committee” and the meeting date.
Climate Analysis:
In the Thurston Region, transportation-related emissions are the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing our dependence on fossil fuels in transportation is essential to lessening our impact on the climate. We can do that by replacing gas-powered vehicle trips with trips made by walking, biking and transit. TMP projects make those modes more safe and inviting. Funding more projects in this plan more quickly will help us reduce those emissions.
Implementing the TMP will help us achieve the following strategies:
• T2. Increase the efficiency of the transportation system. TMP projects will retrofit our streets to make walking, biking and transit more safe and inviting.
• T4. Increase the use of public transit. TMP projects help make transit more inviting for more people through better access to bus stops. Changes to signals and street design to prioritize the movement of buses.
• T5. Increase the use of active forms of travel, such as walking and biking. TMP projects add enhanced bike lanes, bike corridors, sidewalks, enhanced crosswalks, and pathways to our streets to better serve people walking and biking.
Equity Analysis:
Our current street system is oriented around the car. TMP projects will help make our transportation system more fair by changing our streets to better serve people who can’t or choose not to drive.
TMP projects will make it easier to walk, bike and ride the bus. The projects are prioritized near common destinations, such as schools, bus routes, stores, and large worksites.
Making it easier to get around without a car is a significant step towards achieving greater equity in our community.
• 10% of households in Olympia do not have a car. Our street system is often not accessible for people who don’t drive. The projects in the TMP will better serve people in these households.
• Olympia has a poverty rate of 16.7%. The TMP projects serve those who cannot afford a car or those who are economically burdened by owning a car.
• People with disabilities are often unable to drive, and those with disabilities that are under the age of 65 make up 9.2% of our population.
• Seniors who need to stop driving face challenges navigating our streets. Similarly, children cannot drive, and often lack the judgement to negotiate streets that are oriented to cars.
When the streets are not changed to make them better for walking, biking and transit, people who don’t or cannot drive face limited opportunities - reduced access to jobs, services, and social connections. Building streets that work better for more people is the focus of the TMP. Fully funding the TMP will mean our streets can more equitably serve more people in our community. In the TMP, see information about income, poverty and car ownership on page 15 and a discussion of equity on page 146.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Public input was sought in Fall 2019 on funding priorities as part of the development of the Transportation Master Plan. In comments about the 2023 preliminary Capital Facilities Plan, members of the public and the Planning Commission had indicated a need to increase funding for multimodal transportation in general with emphasis on sidewalk repair and new sidewalks.
Options:
None, briefing only.
Financial Impact:
None at this time, although additional funding is needed to implement the goals and projects in the TMP.
Attachments:
None