Title
Olympia’s Commute Trip Reduction Plan Update
Recommended Action
City Manager Recommendation:
Review and discuss Olympia’s Commute Trip Reduction Plan Update.
Report
Issue:
Whether to review and discuss Olympia’s Commute Trip Reduction 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
Veronica Jarvis, Senior Planner, Thurston Regional Planning Council
George Castillo, Assistant Planner, Thurston Regional Planning Council
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 Commute Trip Reduction 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 purpose of this agenda item is for the City Council to discuss the planned updates before it is considered for Council approval on April 8, 2025.
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 discussion.
Options:
1. Review and discuss Olympia’s Commute Trip Reduction Plan Update.
2. Do not review and discuss Olympia’s Commute Trip Reduction Plan Update.
3. Hold the discussion at another time.
Attachments:
Olympia Commute Trip Reduction Plan Update Draft