Regional Leaders Convene to Honor Representative Larsen and Take Action on Road Safety

Erickson and Somers Re-Elected to Lead Puget Sound Regional Council 

SEATTLE—Elected leaders from around the region met in Seattle today to honor Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), address transportation safety issues, and conduct the annual business of the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC).  

City of Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell attended to welcome local elected leaders to Seattle and to thank all for efforts to cooperate regionally on transportation, planning, housing and climate change. 

Representative Rick Larsen was presented with PSRC’s President’s Award for outstanding leadership in securing federal transportation investments. Larsen has been instrumental in the region’s success in receiving funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including multiple Safe Streets and Roads For All grants. PSRC is using these federal resources to create a Regional Safety Action Plan and local safety plans for nearly 20 cities and counties toward the long-term goal of zero deaths or serious injuries from traffic incidents.  

PSRC is working with its leadership, members, transportation safety experts, and the public to develop the Regional Safety Action Plan by the end of 2024. Outreach events for this work will start taking place this summer across the region.  

At the meeting, PSRC leaders also re-elected Poulsbo Mayor Becky Erickson and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers for another term as President and Vice-President and adopted the 2024-2025 Biennial Budget and Work Program.  

PSRC’s General Assembly includes elected representatives from King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties, and more than 100 cities and towns, state agencies, transit agencies, ports, and Tribal governments. View our annual accomplishments list.

What Regional Leaders are Saying: 

Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), Ranking Member, House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee 

“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Washington communities have the resources they need to improve the safety of streets and roads for all users. Last year, traffic fatalities in Washington climbed to a 33-year high. Safe Streets and Roads for All funding addresses preventable tragedies and supports efforts to keep people safe and the economy moving. I look forward to continued partnership with the Puget Sound Regional Council, as well as local communities, stakeholders and Tribes to improve transportation safety in our region.” 

PSRC President and Poulsbo Mayor Becky Erickson 

“Deaths and serious injuries are on a troubling rise in both urban and rural areas throughout our region. Puget Sound Regional Council is the place where communities large and small can come together to grapple with, learn from each other and address serious concerns like traffic safety. I am delighted to recognize Representative Larsen for his efforts to bring resources to the region to address road safety and critical infrastructure needs.” 

PSRC Executive Director Josh Brown 

“Today I asked the over 125 local elected leaders attending the annual PSRC General Assembly meeting to commit to USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s Roadway Call to Action to reduce traffic deaths on our highways, roads and streets. We must work together as a region to make our roadways safer and the Regional Safety Action Plan that PSRC is actively creating is a first step.”