The City Council of Seattle, WA has approved a 20-year transportation plan (STP), stating that it is a “vision for the future of [its] streets, sidewalks, and public spaces.”
“Seattleites deserve safe, reliable, and accessible transportation,” said Councilmember Rob Saka, Chair of the Transportation Committee. “It’s time we commit to our transportation goals and give our dedicated SDOT crews the resources they need to succeed. That’s what this plan is all about.”
The plan – which was two years in the making – was drawn up by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), the Mayor’s Office, and the City Council. During the process of drawing up the plan, the City focused on actively including the contributions from residents who are often marginalized in government planning. This included: holding outreach events in various locations, such as grocery stores and outdoor events; collaborating with the Department of Neighborhoods Community Liaisons (CLs); strengthening relationships with community-based organizations; using yard signs, posters, and print ads to spread the word; and posting updates on the Seattle Transportation Plan Online Engagement Hub.
The STP has the six goals of providing:
- Safety – prioritizing safety for travelers in Seattle, with no serious injury or fatal crashes;
- Equity – co-creating with the community and implementing restorative practices to address transportation-related inequities;
- Sustainability – responding to climate change through innovation;
- Mobility and economic vitality – providing reliable and affordable travel options that help people and goods get where they need to go;
- Livability – reimagining city streets as inviting places to relax and play; and
- Maintenance and modernization – improving city transportation infrastructure and readying it for the future.
A proposed US$1.35 billion transportation levy will go to the city’s voters later this year.