Title
Approval of a Resolution Adopting Olympia’s Commute Trip Reduction Plan Update
Recommended Action
City Manager Recommendation:
Not referred to a Committee.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the Resolution adopting Olympia’s Commute Trip Reduction Plan Update.
Staff Contact:
Kristin Gilkerson, Program Specialist, Public Works/Transportation, 360.709.2731
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
In 1991, the Washington State Legislature passed the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Law as part of the Washington Clean Air Act and in response to the federal Clean Air Act. The intent was to reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion on the state's busiest commute routes.
In response, the City of Olympia adopted the Olympia CTR Plan (OMC 12.10) on February 2, 1993, and implemented measures as required by the law. The local CTR plans are required to be updated at least once every four years, in order to establish new four-year targets and program strategies and update other elements as needed.
The Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) implements the CTR program on behalf of the City of Olympia and updated the plan in coordination with City staff. The update included community outreach.
Olympia’s Commute Trip Reduction Plan Update for 2025-2029 has been reviewed and approved by the Washington State Transportation Demand Management Technical Committee. This 16-member committee is a combination of public and private sector members who help develop statewide Transportation Demand Management policies and program recommendations. Transportation Demand Management aims to reduce driving alone trips.
The TRPC and City staff presented information about the CTR program and the CTR plan update to City Council at a study session on March 11, 2025. The Council did not suggest any changes to the plan. The purpose of this agenda item is for the City Council to consider approval of the resolution adopting Olympia’s Commute Trip Reduction Plan Update.
If approved, next steps include TRPC Board approval and final submission of the plan to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
Climate Analysis:
In Thurston County, the transportation sector is the second-largest producer of greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing drive alone trips to work and other destinations is an important strategy for reaching our emissions and vehicle miles reduction goals.
Equity Analysis:
Making it easier for people to get to work without driving lowers barriers to employment for some people.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The City of Olympia’s CTR-affected worksites are primarily state agencies. TRPC initiated outreach with both the Employee Transportation Coordinator network and the Business Resource Groups at state agencies. This outreach was done in spring and summer of 2024.
Additionally, the TDM Technical Committee stressed the importance of the planning process considering input from people from vulnerable populations living in overburdened communities. TRPC reached out to several state employee groups: state employee Black community, veteran community, LGBTQ, Latinos, disability inclusion network, immigrants, Hawaiians, Asians, and Pacific Islanders.
Financial Impact:
There is no funding request associated with the approval of this plan update.
Options:
1. Move to approve the Resolution adopting Olympia’s Commute Trip Reduction Plan Update.
2. Do not approve the Resolution adopting Olympia’s Commute Trip Reduction Plan Update. Regions without an approved regional commute trip reduction plan shall not be eligible for state commute trip reduction program funds.
3. Request changes to Olympia’s Commute Trip Reduction Plan Update and consider approval of the Resolution at another time.
Attachments:
Resolution
Draft City of Olympia Commute Trip Reduction Plan Update