Who are you anyway? Are you government?

The Puget Sound Regional Council, otherwise known as "PSRC," is a unique government agency in our region. We have specific responsibilities under federal and state law for transportation planning, economic development and growth management. PSRC is a mechanism for local governments and transportation agencies to plan for the future of our region by addressing issues that go beyond the boundaries of any individual city or county.

Who's in charge?

The elected leaders of King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties, the region's cities and towns, port districts, transit agencies, and tribes direct the agency's activities. Once a year, these elected officials meet as a General Assembly to vote on major decisions, approve the budget, and elect new leadership. Each month, a 32-member Executive Board (the agency's governing board) makes decisions on behalf of the General Assembly, with the input of several advisory boards made up of local elected officials and representatives of business, labor, environmental and community interests, as well as input from the public at large.

Who are the members of PSRC?

Our members are King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties, 71 cities within the region, four port districts, the region's transit agencies, the Washington State Department of Transportation, Washington State Transportation Commission, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, and the Suquamish Tribe.

What do you do?

PSRC provides planning, research and funding to help ensure that the Puget Sound region remains a great place to live. Our primary job is to maintain a regional vision for transportation, economic development and land use planning under limited authorities embodied in state and federal law. We distribute about $160 million a year in federal funding to transportation projects, produce regional data to support planning, and establish a unified vision for the region and the steps required to succeed. We employ about 70 planners, data experts and administrative staff to support our work.

Who pays for you?

Federal, state and local governments fund PSRC's work. About 74 percent of the agency's revenue comes from federal grants, 6 percent from state grants, and 20 percent from dues paid by PSRC members.

Why do we have a regional agency like PSRC?

Some problems facing the region, such as transportation, go beyond any specific city or county. People who want a smooth commute don't care where city boundaries are -- they just want to get where they need to go. PSRC is the place where local governments can develop solutions together and coordinate important regional issues such as improving roads and transit services. Elected officials and others use our data and research to make informed decisions. PSRC is also designated by the federal government as the metropolitan planning organization for central Puget Sound, which ensures the region remains eligible for federal transportation funding.

Central Puget Sound is thriving. This growth further fuels the need for the region to speak with a common voice, to grow in ways that are consistent with the region's shared values, to pick up the pace in making the transportation improvements required to keep the region moving, and to protect the high quality of life the region's residents want to make timeless.

Are you any good at what you do?

Yes, PSRC is widely recognized as one of the best regional agencies of its type in the nation. This past year the State Auditor commended PSRC as a "model" agency when it comes to accountability. PSRC's plans and programs are routinely cited as models for regional planning and leadership by national organizations and peers.

But the bottom line is that through PSRC's work, combined with the hard work by many others, the region has enjoyed steadily growing receipt of federal transportation dollars for critical transportation improvements. The state Legislature approved $7.6 billion in new funding for the region in 2003 and 2005, and the foundation has been established for future action on transportation. Through PSRC's work, the region better marshals the resources required to improve the transportation system, support a thriving economy and maintain central Puget Sound's envied quality of life.

Where and when does PSRC meet?

PSRC boards and committees generally meet monthly at the PSRC offices in downtown Seattle (1011 Western Ave, Suite 500). We keep our calendar of meetings up to date on our website and publish it in our monthly newsletter, Regional VIEW.

What is the Puget Sound Economic Development District?

The Economic Development District is the region's federally designated economic development district. Three years ago, the EDD consolidated its activities with PSRC under one roof. The EDD develops a comprehensive economic development strategy for the region and selects projects for a small amount of federal economic development funds. The EDD Board, composed of elected officials and appointed members, meets quarterly at the PSRC offices.

What is the Prosperity Partnership? How is it related to PSRC?

Prosperity Partnership is a coalition of over 200 government, business, labor and community organizations that is developing and implementing a common economic strategy for the region. The Partnership is dedicated to achieving long-term economic prosperity by assuring the region has a high quality of life, good schools, efficient transportation, affordable housing, and supportive government policies that retain and attract businesses. PSRC organizes and sponsors the partnership.

What is VISION 2020?

VISION 2020 is the region's growth, transportation and economic strategy. It contains policies for focusing new housing and jobs in urban centers and connecting those centers with safe and efficient transportation systems. These policies help guide land use planning for local governments and meet the requirements of the state Growth Management Act. VISION 2020 is currently being updated to prepare for growth through 2040, when the region is anticipated to be home to 1.5 million more people and 1.1 million more jobs. The Growth Management Policy Board is guiding the update of VISION 2020.

What is Destination 2030?

Destination 2030 is the region's long-range transportation plan. Destination 2030 lays out a program to address transportation problems by investing in roads, transit, better traffic management, and improved linkages between land use, transportation and economic development. PSRC is now updating the plan to 2040, evaluating ways to keep the region moving and the economy prospering as the population grows. The Transportation Policy Board is guiding the update of Destination 2030.

Do you have anything to do with the Viaduct, 520 Bridge, LINK Light Rail, or Washington state ferry service?

PSRC isn't in charge of building or operating these projects, but is involved in other ways. Cities, transit agencies or the state are responsible for implementing local transportation projects and services, but major projects must be approved by PSRC as part of its long-range transportation plan Destination 2030. PSRC often provides data and technical assistance to help analyze the impacts of these projects. PSRC also distributes federal transportation funding, so a portion of the funding to pay for big regional projects may come from PSRC.

What is the history of PSRC?

Central Puget Sound has a long tradition of regional planning dating from the late 1950s when local governments first formed the Puget Sound Governmental Conference. Over the years, the regional agency has had a number of different names and organizational structures. The Puget Sound Regional Council was created in 1991 under authority embodied in federal and state laws for transportation, air quality, and growth management.

How can I reach PSRC?

Call: 206-464-7090
Email: info@psrc.org
Check out our staff roster to reach specific staff members.
Attend one of our meetings.
Request a speaker to talk to your group.

How can I order PSRC publications?

Many of our publications are on our website, free to download. If you don't find what you're looking for or have questions, contact our Information Center at 206-464-7532, or info@psrc.org. To get regular updates on PSRC and its work on behalf of the region, sign up to receive Regional VIEW by calling 206-464-7090.