Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission for a Target Zero Grant
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution authorizing an agreement with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission for a Target Zero Grant.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution authorizing an agreement with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission for a Target Zero Grant.
Staff Contact:
Shelby Parker, Interim Police Chief, Olympia Police Department. 360.753.8147
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
In response to a troubling rise in traffic-related fatalities across Washington State, culminating in 2023 as the deadliest year on record since 1990, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) has prioritized enhanced enforcement efforts through its High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) program. The WTSC has awarded a federal grant (2026-HVE-5727-Region 4 HVE) to support law enforcement agencies in Region 4, which includes the Olympia Police Department, in conducting targeted traffic safety patrols.
The HVE program is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under CFDA numbers 20.600 and 20.616. The program is designed to reduce traffic crashes, fatalities, and serious injuries through proactive enforcement of laws related to impaired driving, distracted driving, seat belt use, speeding, and motorcycle safety.
The Olympia Police Department’s participation in this program will be coordinated through the regional Target Zero Task Force and overseen by the Target Zero Manager (TZM) and Law Enforcement Liaison (LEL). The agreement allows the department to seek reimbursement for officer straight time or overtime incurred during approved enforcement activities. The total funding available to Region 4 is $20,000, and participating agencies must coordinate their activities with the regional task force to be eligible for reimbursement.
Participation in the following national enforcement campaigns is mandatory for agencies receiving funding:
• Holiday DUI Campaign (December 2025)
• Distracted Driving Campaign (April 2026)
• Click It or Ticket Campaign (May 2026)
• Summer DUI Campaign (August 2026)
This partnership supports the City’s commitment to public safety and aligns with statewide Target Zero goals to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030. It also enhances interagency collaboration and provides a mechanism for cost recovery associated with proactive traffic enforcement.
Climate Analysis:
No additional impact anticipated.
Equity Analysis:
The Target Zero program in Washington State aims to bring an equity-driven, data-informed approach to safety, ensuring that all road users, regardless of background, can benefit from safer roads. By participating in and supporting the Washington State Target Zero program, the City of Olympia ensures a safer and more equitable transportation system for all.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Residents across Olympia consistently express concerns about speeding, impaired driving, and pedestrian safety-especially in neighborhoods with schools, parks, and high foot traffic. This agreement directly addresses those concerns by funding targeted enforcement of traffic laws known to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
Financial Impact:
Direct costs are expected to be minimal. Staff time will be allocated from existing budgets. The Department will be able to seek reimbursement for straight time or overtime for approved law enforcement activity expenses for Target Zero traffic safety emphasis patrol priorities.
Options:
1. Move to approve a Resolution authorizing an agreement with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission for a Target Zero Grant.
2. Do not approve the Resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Olympia and Washington State Patrol for academy facility use.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Resolution
Interagency Agreement