The Opportunity

Building compact, transit-oriented communities will create healthier, safer, affordable, and vibrant communities for Washington while reducing congestion, combating climate change and strengthening the economy.

The Solution

• Include climate change in transportation planning for urban regions.

  Transportation is the largest source of climate change emissions in Washington State. Fortunately the state has begun to take steps to reduce emissions from transportation by establishing benchmarks for driving less known as per capita vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reduction. Now the state should make urban regional transportation planning organizations (RTPOs) accountable for meeting a portion of per capita VMT reduction targets. Cities and counties within those urban planning regions should help meet the VMT reduction targets set for the region.

• Add climate change considerations to local land-use planning.

  Cities and counties should help the state meet its climate change goals by including reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in their comprehensive plans. Provide the tools and resources for cities and counties to plan for these reductions. Additionally cities and counties should adopt measures to increase walking, biking, and transit use in urban areas.

• Create statewide standards for affordable, transit-oriented development (TOD).

  TOD should be required near rail stations to include compact development, design standards, and plans for affordable housing. It should be strongly encouraged in urban centers and along corridors served by frequent transit. Incentives should be provided for cities and developers to create affordable, livable, transit-oriented communities that will give people real transportation choices.