PSRC News Feed

Washington Clean Energy Partnership Celebrates i6 Grant

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:32:57 GMT

The Washington Clean Energy Partnership celebrated its success in securing an i6 grant at an awards ceremony at the PSRC offices on November 30. The i6 Green Challenge is a multi-agency initiative to drive technology commercialization and entrepreneurship in support of a green innovation economy, increased U.S. competitiveness and new jobs. The Washington Clean Energy Partnership Project grant is for $1.15 million, split among five partners: Prosperity Partnership, Innovate Washington, South Seattle Community College’s Energy Efficiency Technology Training Program, and the Clean Tech Open Mentoring Program. Project activities will include the development of resources for the testing of energy efficiency solutions (BETI), establishment of a public-private partnership focused upon the clean energy industry, and the facilitation of the testing of clean energy products and services to enable their commercialization. The grant project is a result of the Prosperity Partnership’s collaboration with the Brookings Institute’s Metropolitan Business Plan program.

Pictured from left to right are: Robert Weissbourd, Non-resident fellow, Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program; Phil Bussey, President of the Seattle Metro Chamber; Amy Liu, Senior Fellow and Co-Director, Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program; Chris Endresen, Director of Economic Development, PSRC; Bob Drewel, Executive Director, PSRC; Clare Petrich, Port of Tacoma Commissioner, President of the EDD; John Martin, Pacific Northwest Regional Director, Clean Tech Open; Marc Cummings, Director of Public Affairs, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; Joe Hauth, Director, Puget Sound Industrial Excellence Center Georgetown Campus, South Seattle Community College; Kim Zentz, Executive Director, Innovate Washington Foundation; Steve Johnson, Director, Seattle Office of Economic Development; Leonard Smith, Regional Director, U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration; and Matt Erskine, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Development/COO, U.S. Department of Commerce.

PSRC Launches Housing Innovations Program

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:34:09 GMT

The Housing Innovations Program (HIP) is a new collection of planning resources that local governments in the central Puget Sound region can use to promote housing affordability and smart growth in their communities.

Providing diverse and affordable housing options for all is a key objective of both the Washington Growth Management Act and the region’s VISION 2040 growth strategy. Visit the HIP website to access:

Housing Toolkit – 49 tools and strategies
Local Government Survey – results of a 2009 member survey about housing policies implemented around the region
Links to local, state, and national housing websites, affordable housing resources, key data sources, and organizations serving the central Puget Sound region

FY11 FHWA Discretionary Grant Programs

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:53:50 GMT

The list of Washington State’s priorities for the FY11 FHWA Discretionary Grant Programs was submitted to FHWA by WSDOT on Friday, June 3, 2011. This was an extremely accelerated process established by FHWA, with stringent short-term deadlines for many of the programs. WSDOT was required to submit a list of priorities to FHWA within 4 weeks of the call for projects. WSDOT asked for assistance from metropolitan and regional transportation planning organizations in the state by reviewing projects for consistency with our respective long-range plans. MPOs/RTPOs were also asked to provide input on regional priorities, but WSDOT conducted the process to evaluate all projects submitted throughout the state and recommended a list of priority projects under each program to FHWA. Given the limited amount of funding available nationally for these programs, we may expect to see only a few projects funded in Washington State. The list of project recommendations from WSDOT may be found here.

Puget Sound Trends: Changes in Minority Population

Mon, 16 May 2011 10:02:20 GMT

A new issue of Puget Sound Trends takes a look at changes in minority population in the region between 2000 and 2010.

The four-county Puget Sound region has grown by more than 415,000 persons since 2000 and nearly all of that growth (92%) has been among the minority segments of the population. Total minorities increased by nearly 50% since 2000, with Hispanics/Latinos (who can be of any race) experiencing the largest increase, 89%, of any segment of the population. While most areas saw increases, the largest jumps occurred in south King County, southwest Snohomish County, and in Pierce County.

These are just some of the findings that come from a comparison of newly released 2010 Census redistricting data (P.L. 94-171) and data from the 2000 Census.

PSRC General Assembly 2011

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 14:35:26 GMT

The General Assembly of the Puget Sound Regional Council will meet on May 26, 2011, at 5 p.m., at Seattle City Hall. The General Assembly meets annually to make major regional decisions, adopt the PSRC’s budget, and elect a president and vice president. The General Assembly includes county executives, commissioners, mayors, councilmembers, and other leaders representing PSRC’s member jurisdictions.

For more information, please contact Sheila Rogers, srogers@psrc.org, 206-464-5815.

Transportation 2040: "Outstanding"

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 11:51:07 GMT

The Puget Sound Regional Council received an award for outstanding achievement for its Transportation 2040 plan from the national Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO). AMPO honored PSRC with the 2010 Award for Outstanding Overall Achievement at its annual conference in St. Louis last month.

Lon Wyrick, President of AMPO, said that they were “very impressed with PSRC’s work.”

“We recognized the extensive public outreach that you did in the development of this plan, bringing in so many partners, not just citizens, but also the freight industry and business community in this planning process. Also, the focus on reducing vehicle miles traveled and greenhouse gases within the region is excellent and was recognized. With all those elements in place, your plan stood out as a real example for the rest of the nation.”

Innovations and strengths of the plan highlighted by AMPO included:

“Transportation 2040 contains significant innovations that use transportation to shape a livable metropolitan region. The plan directly supports the region’s land use vision and it prioritizes projects that serve regional centers.

It increases the use of transit, biking, and walking and improves the balance between jobs and housing. It incorporates technology to improve mobility and reduce congestion in 12 smart corridors. It includes a specific four-part strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled.

The plan also builds on current efforts to protect natural areas and focus growth within livable communities. The plan’s financial strategy relies on traditional funding sources in early years and transitions over time to a new funding structure based on user fees and other pricing approaches that replace the gas tax.

Puget Sound Regional Council conducted extensive public outreach and involvement to develop this plan, including engagement with the freight and business communities. Implementation of Transportation 2040 will ensure the region’s communities are more sustainable and truly provide opportunities for improved quality of life."

Nominate Projects for the VISION 2040 Awards

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:56:24 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 1, 2010
Contact: Michele Leslie Potter, 206-587-4819, mleslie@psrc.org

Nominate Projects for the VISION 2040 Awards

SEATTLE — The Puget Sound Regional Council is now accepting nominations for its annual VISION 2040 Awards program. The awards recognize the superb work being done to achieve the region’s growth, economic, and transportation strategy, VISION 2040.

PSRC honors businesses, local governments, and non-profit organizations who do creative work to provide transportation access and mobility, enhance our natural environment, bring jobs closer to where people live, focus high quality housing where the infrastructure needed to support it already exists, and improve the quality of life in the central Puget Sound region.

Previous award winners include the Bel-Red Corridor Plan, Orting Valley Farms and Swift Bus Rapid Transit.

Nominations will be accepted until January 31, 2011. The awards will be presented at PSRC’s General Assembly in spring 2011. The selection committee will be composed of up to nine elected leaders who serve on PSRC’s Executive and Policy Boards, and two regional experts.

Award nomination materials are available online at http://www.psrc.org/ or by contacting Michele Leslie Potter at 206-587-4819, mleslie@psrc.org.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth and transportation planning in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 county, city, port, transit, tribal and state agencies serving the region. It coordinates the distribution of about $160 million in Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration funds each year. PSRC sets priorities and evaluates the most efficient ways to target those funds to support state and local transportation and growth management plans.

Title VI Notice: PSRC fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. For more information, or to obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, contact PSRC at 206-587-4819 or see http://www.psrc.org/about/public/titlevi.

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Senator Murray Announces $34 Million Grant for South Park Bridge

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 12:41:35 GMT

The Tiger II funding completes the amount needed to replace the bridge. The new bridge is scheduled to be opened in 2013. Read King County’s News Release.

Region Receives $5 Million Sustainable Communities Grant

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 12:49:32 GMT

With the funding from the Sustainable Communities grant, PSRC will coordinate an innovative new regional partnership joining cities, housing authorities, counties, public health agencies, affordable housing advocates, educational institutions and development interests. The program will support neighborhood planning for more sustainable communities around as many as 100 new transit centers within the region in the next 20 years. Read HUD’s News Release, or go to PSRC’s Sustainable Communities page.

Regional Food Policy Council Set to Meet

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 12:10:20 GMT

MEDIA ADVISORY: September 16, 2010
Contact: Rick Olson, 206-971-3050 or rolson@psrc.org

Regional Food Policy Council Set to Meet

SEATTLE – The first meeting of the Regional Food Policy Council will take place on Tuesday, September 21 at the Puget Sound Regional Council. The Regional Food Policy Council will partner with community, business, agriculture, and government in King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties to serve as a working group focused on developing integrated and sustainable policy and action recommendations that strengthen the local and regional food system.

“Food is a basic need for every person and our communities depend on a food system that is stable and healthy,” said Seattle Councilmember Richard Conlin, leader of the new Regional Food Policy Council. “Through this committee, we hope to make a positive impact on the economic stability of our farms, and work toward a vibrant local and regional food system that supports healthy people, communities, economies and environment. I am delighted that this Council has found a home at PSRC.”

Regional Food Policy Council representatives include Food Lifeline, University of Washington, WSU Extension, Tahoma Farms, Charlie’s Produce, the Seattle School District, Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, Town and Country Markets, Cedar Grove, Chef’s Collaborative, and several others.

Regional Food Policy Council Meeting
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
PSRC Conference Room
1011 Western Ave Ste 500
Seattle, WA 98104
Meetings are open to the public

Find out more at http://psrc.org/growth/foodpolicy or contact Olivia Robinson, 206-464-7890, orobinson@psrc.org.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth and transportation planning in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 county, city, port, transit, tribal and state agencies serving the region. It coordinates the distribution of about $160 million in Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration funds each year. PSRC sets priorities and evaluates the most efficient ways to target those funds to support state and local transportation and growth management plans.

Title VI Notice: PSRC fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. For more information, or to obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, call 206-587-4819.

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Commerce, PSRC Award $1 million in Transfer of Development Rights Grants

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:09:17 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 15, 2010
Contacts: Heather Ballash, Commerce TDR Program Manager, 360.725.3044
Ivan Miller, Puget Sound Regional Council Principal Planner, 206.464.7549

Commerce, PSRC Award $1 million in Transfer of Development Rights Grants
Funds will help cities plan for and encourages private investment in growing communities while protecting county forest, farm and watershed lands

OLYMPIA, WA - The Washington State Department of Commerce and the Puget Sound Regional Council announced over $1 million in grant awards to 10 cities for transfer of development right (TDR) planning and program development. TDR is a voluntary, incentive-based, and market-driven approach to preserve land and relocate development away from rural areas and into urban areas.

The TDR grants are awarded to cities in the central Puget Sound (King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties) to plan for accepting development rights from lands the counties have designated as important for conservation. The funding comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Puget Sound Watershed Management Assistance Program to support planning at a regional level.

“With these funds, cities will be creating a market for developers to increase the value of their projects while protecting land that is important for farming, forestry and watershed protection,” said Rogers Weed, director of the Washington State Department of Commerce. “Tools like TDR are market-driven and encourage private investment in growing communities and land conservation.”

David Dicks, executive director of the Puget Sound Partnership agreed, adding “This is a key element from the Action Agenda which helps protect Puget Sound while supporting regional economic development. We commend the Department of Commerce and Puget Sound Regional Council for leading the way.”

“We’re excited to see these cities conserve important land as they focus growth in urban places,” said Bob Drewel, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Regional Council. “The tool helps us achieve the region’s VISION 2040 goals for a growing region that protects land vital to our economic health and quality of life.”

The following cities have been awarded grant funds for TDR planning contingent on contract execution:

Arlington – ($130,000) funding for up front environmental analysis, capital facilities planning, market analysis, policy development, and working towards an updated inter-local agreement with Snohomish County for the West Arlington subarea for TDR.
Everett – ($30,000) a feasibility study of what will make TDR receiving areas viable.
Issaquah – ($100,000) up front environmental analysis, market analysis, and working towards an updated inter-local agreement with King County for a TDR receiving area in the Central Issaquah Subarea plan.
Mountlake Terrace – ($100,000) up front environmental analysis, sending and receiving area identification, subarea planning, market analysis, and working towards an inter-local agreement with Snohomish County for a TDR receiving area around the new transit center and in the Town Center.
Normandy Park – ($100,000) up front environmental analysis, subarea planning, and working towards an inter-local agreement with King County for TDR in Manhattan Village, the future downtown.
Port Orchard – ($97,000) TDR policies and regulations for a receiving area in the downtown, sending and receiving area identification, and working towards an inter-local agreement with Kitsap County.
Puyallup – ($100,000) upfront environmental analysis, TDR policies and regulations, and working towards an inter-local agreement with Pierce County for receiving areas in downtown and South Hill.
Seattle – ($153,100) market analysis, subarea planning and TDR policies and regulations, and working towards an inter-local agreement with King County for South Lake Union and Northgate.
Snohomish – ($100,000) water utility planning for a TDR receiving area, and working towards an inter-local agreement with Snohomish County in the Pilchuck District.
Tacoma – ($100,000) subarea planning and upfront environmental review for a TDR receiving area, and working towards an inter-local agreement with Pierce County for the Hilltop/Martin Luther King Mixed-Use Center in downtown.

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About Commerce
Commerce is the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. For more information, visit www.commerce.wa.gov. To learn more about locating or expanding a business in Washington State, visit www.choosewashington.com.

About Puget Sound Regional Council
The mission of the Puget Sound Regional Council is to play a key regional role in keeping central Puget Sound thriving as we grow. PSRC is committed to creating a great future for the region through planning for regional transportation, land use and economic development, under authority embodied in state and federal laws. Find out more at www.psrc.org.

PSRC Seeking Comment on 25 Transportation Projects

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 16:50:37 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 9, 2010
Contact: Kelly McGourty, 206-971-3601 or kmcgourty@psrc.org

PSRC Seeking Comment on 25 Transportation Projects

SEATTLE — The Puget Sound Regional Council is encouraging people to comment on 25 transportation projects within King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties slated to receive $19.9 million in funding from the Federal Highway Administration. The projects would receive funding from a special program requiring that 10% of Surface Transportation Program funds be used to expand transportation choices and enhance the transportation experience, including pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and safety programs, scenic and historic highway programs, landscaping and scenic beautification, historic preservation, and environmental mitigation.

The 25 projects were selected from 88 competing proposals. Project scoring criteria included support for regional transportation objectives, community support, readiness and eligibility under the federal transportation enhancement program. They were reviewed by a staff committee representing cities and counties within the region and reviewed by the PSRC’s Transportation Policy Board, which released the list for public comment today. PSRC’s Executive Board will make the final call on October 28.

Examples from the 25 recommended projects:

Safer Wildlife and Community Mobility through the Novelty Hill Road Corridor, Right of Way and Construction, King County (East of Redmond), $5.3 million

Prairie Line Trail, Planning and Preliminary Engineering, Tacoma, $465,000

Liberty Bay Waterfront Trail, Preliminary Engineering and Permits, Poulsbo, $250,000

Light Rail Station Secure Bicycle Parking, Preliminary Engineering and Construction, Seattle, $300,000

Scenic Beautification along SR 532 Safety Improvements, Construction, Stanwood, $63,000

Detailed information on all 25 projects is available here. For more information, contact Kelly McGourty at 206-971-3601 or kmcgourty@psrc.org.

How to make a comment:
Mail: Puget Sound Regional Council
ATTN: Kelly McGourty
1011 Western Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, Washington 98104-1035
E-mail: tipcomment@psrc.org
In Person: October 14 at 9:30 a.m. or October 28 at 10 a.m. at PSRC

The public comment period runs from September 9 – October 28, 2010. Written comments received by October 5 will be included in the agenda packet for the Transportation Policy Board meeting on October 14, when it finalizes its recommendation to the Executive Board. Comments can be made in person at the Transportation Policy Board meeting, as well as the Executive Board meeting on October 28, when the funding is scheduled for final approval.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth and transportation planning in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 county, city, port, transit, tribal and state agencies serving the region. It coordinates the distribution of about $160 million in Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration funds each year. PSRC sets priorities and evaluates the most efficient ways to target those funds to support state and local transportation and growth management plans.

Title VI Notice: PSRC fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. For more information, or to obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, call 206-587-4819.

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PSRC Seeking Public Comment on Transportation Projects Recommended for Funding

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:19:34 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 12, 2010
Contact: Kelly McGourty, 206-971-3601 or kmcgourty@psrc.org

PSRC Seeking Public Comment on Transportation Projects Recommended for Funding

SEATTLE – The Puget Sound Regional Council is seeking public comment on transportation projects recommended to receive federal funding. An additional $24.8 million has been made available for the region. The projects recommended to receive these funds are from the contingency lists from the 2009 selection process, which was adopted in the event additional funds became available.

Examples from the 33 recommended projects are:
Thomas Street Overpass, Construction, $3.9 million, City of Seattle
North Link Light Rail, Right of Way, $1.1 million, Sound Transit
Fjord Drive Slide Repair, Construction, $475,000, City of Poulsbo
East Valley Resurfacing, Construction, $1.2 million, City of Sumner
West Marine View Drive, Construction, $330,000, City of Everett

Detailed information about these projects is available online at psrc.org. For more information, contact Kelly McGourty at 206-971-3601 or kmcgourty@psrc.org.

How to make a comment:
Mail: Puget Sound Regional Council
ATTN: Kelly McGourty
1011 Western Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, Washington 98104-1035
E-mail: tipcomment@psrc.org
In Person: September 9 at 9:30 a.m.
or September 23 at 10 a.m. at PSRC

The public comment period runs from August 12 – September 23, 2010. Written comments received by September 2 will be included in the agenda packet for the Transportation Policy Board meeting on September 9, when it finalizes its recommendation to the Executive Board. Comments can be made in person at the Transportation Policy Board meeting, as well as the Executive Board meeting on September 23, when the funding is scheduled for final approval.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth and transportation planning in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 county, city, port, transit, tribal and state agencies serving the region. It coordinates the distribution of about $160 million in Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration funds each year. PSRC sets priorities and evaluates the most efficient ways to target those funds to support state and local transportation and growth management plans.

This public notice of public involvement activities and time established for public review and comments on the TIP development process will satisfy the FTA’s Program of Projects requirements.

Title VI Notice: PSRC fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. For more information, or to obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, call 206-587-4819.

PSRC Board Recommends Funding for the South Park Bridge Project

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:07:40 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 8, 2010
Contact: Rick Olson, 206-971-3050, rolson@psrc.org

PSRC Board Recommends Funding for the South Park Bridge Project

Seattle – The Puget Sound Regional Council’s Transportation Policy Board unanimously recommended $15 million in funding be reallocated to the South Park Bridge. The $15 million is targeted for demolition of the existing structure and can be used this summer to help create jobs. PSRC’s Executive Board is expected to take final action on the proposed funding on July 22.

King County Executive Dow Constantine told the Board that the $15 million puts the County “within striking distance” of what the county could expect from the federal government through a grant the county will seek at the end of this month.

The Puget Sound Regional Council began funding efforts to replace the South Park Bridge in 1999 and provided additional funds in 2002, 2006, and 2009. The bridge serves two regionally designated Manufacturing and Industrial Centers which together support roughly 80,000 jobs. PSRC has provided the project a total of $9.7 million to date.

The existing South Park Bridge closed on June 30 due to extensive structural problems. In recent weeks, significant progress has been made toward securing funding for a new bridge. The City of Seattle, King County, Port of Seattle and Washington State have pledged $70 million toward the $130 million replacement bridge.

To watch today’s meeting, see:
http://psrc.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=139

For background on today’s action, see:
http://www.psrc.org/assets/4137/South_Park_Bridge_Memo.pdf

For more information on the South Park Bridge Replacement project, see:
http://your.kingcounty.gov/kcdot/roads/cip/projectdetail.aspx?cipid=300197

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Statement on WTO Rulings, June 30, 2010

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:14:00 GMT

Statement of Ray Stephanson, Mayor of Everett and President of the Puget Sound Regional Council, on the WTO ruling on Airbus subsidies:

The people who make the world’s best airplanes are in this region and contribute mightily to our collective community strength. They can compete and win against the best the world has to offer. Today’s ruling bodes well in the current competition to build the next tanker.

I am confident the Department of Defense will pay attention to the details of this landmark ruling and how Airbus has benefitted from illegal subsidies from European governments for the past 40 years.

The government of the United States will surely stand for nothing less than a fair, open and transparent competition for the next tanker. It is gratifying to see our congressional delegation lead a coalition with others across the country to assure the DOD does the right thing and drive this contract home.

That contract will preserve and expand the job base in the region, including hundreds of suppliers with thousands of employees statewide. This is about our community and the jobs that help make this one of the best places around to live, work and raise families. This is an American family of communities here in the Northwest ready to go.

For more information contact: Rick Olson, rolson@psrc.org, 206-971-3050

PSRC Seeks Applications for Transportation Enhancement Funding

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:09:15 GMT

The Puget Sound Regional Council invites sponsors of eligible projects in King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties to submit applications to compete for the $11,022,000 available through the 2010 Statewide Transportation Enhancements Program. These are federal fiscal year 2010-2011 funds, available through a set-aside of the Federal Highway Administration’s Surface Transportation Program for transportation-related activities designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic, and environmental aspects of the nation’s transportation system.

For more information, see the Transportation Enhancements page.

Transportation 2040 Approved by PSRC General Assembly

Fri, 21 May 2010 13:06:21 GMT

The Puget Sound Regional Council adopted Transportation 2040 as the region’s new 30-year transportation plan with a 98% vote in favor at its annual General Assembly meeting on May 20.

“The Transportation 2040 path is clear — to keep making transportation decisions and investments that move us in the direction of sustainability, mobility and environmental responsibility,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson, chair of the Transportation Policy Board, which led the project. Read more in Councilmember Patterson’s Seattle Times Op-Ed.

Transportation 2040 includes:

Transit, bike, pedestrian, and roadway investments needed to support the region’s expected growth (1.5 million more people and 1.2 million more jobs by 2040).
Strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the health of Puget Sound. These strategies are intended to complement steps being taken at the national level and are consistent with state programs and direction.
Transportation investments that fully support the region’s growth strategy, VISION 2040, focusing job and housing growth in vibrant centers and supporting livability throughout the region.
An innovative and equitable financing plan that shifts how transportation improvements are funded, replacing traditional sources that are declining or no longer available.

During the meeting, the General Assembly also elected Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson and Kitsap County Commissioner Josh Brown to serve second terms as PSRC President and Vice President, and approved the agency’s biennial budget and work program for 2010-2011.

Seeking Non-voting Members for Policy Boards

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:39:51 GMT

The Puget Sound Regional Council is seeking representatives from regional interests to serve as non-voting members on PSRC’s two primary advisory boards – the Transportation Policy Board and the Growth Management Policy Board. Individuals from organizations in the categories of business/labor and community/environment would serve in an advisory capacity.

Each advisory board has openings for four seats. The seats are for three-year terms. Appointees should be prepared to commit several hours each month to engage in discussion on important regional issues. It also is important to appoint an alternate who can serve if your organization’s representative is not able to attend.

Download the Application Form

PSRC General Assembly

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 14:35:26 GMT

The General Assembly of the Puget Sound Regional Council will meet on May 20, 2010, at the Doubletree – Arctic Club Hotel, 700 Third Avenue in Seattle. The General Assembly meets annually to make major regional decisions, adopt the PSRC’s budget, and elect a president and vice president. The General Assembly includes county executives, commissioners, mayors, councilmembers, and other leaders representing PSRC’s member jurisdictions. See the Agenda

Registration 3 PM
Business Meeting 3:30-5 PM
No Host Reception 5-6 PM
Dinner & VISION 2040 Awards 6 PM

For more information, please contact Sheila Rogers, srogers@psrc.org, 206-464-5815.

Transportation 2040 FEIS Notice of Availability

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 08:27:00 GMT

SEATTLE – The Puget Sound Regional Council has released the Transportation 2040 Final Environmental Impact Statement. Transportation 2040 is an action plan for transportation in the central Puget Sound region for the next 30 years.

By the year 2040, the region is expected to grow by roughly 1.5 million people and support more than 1.2 million new jobs. All of these new people and new jobs are expected to boost demand for travel within and through the region by about 40%. Recognizing that some uncertainties exist regarding the economy, transportation funding, energy supply, technology and climate change, Transportation 2040 outlines a long-term template for how this region should invest in transportation to accommodate rising travel demand, while at the same time embracing the need to be flexible and responsive to the ways people – and the world – actually will change. The FEIS explains the environmental impacts associated with Transportation 2040.

By being clear about this regional long-term vision, the Puget Sound region will be better able to influence the shorter term decisions that will be made at the state and federal levels on finance, environmental protection, and the future direction of the nation’s transportation programs. PSRC is scheduled to act on Transportation 2040 in May 2010.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth and transportation planning in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 county, city, port, transit, tribal and state agencies serving the region. It coordinates the distribution of about $160 million in Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration funds each year. PSRC sets priorities and evaluates the most efficient ways to target those funds to support state and local transportation and growth management plans.