Plans - 2009 Transportation Workshop

The second annual Transportation Workshop was held on Monday, April 13, 2009.

The purpose of this workshop was for the public to review the draft Transportation Mobility Strategy. The Mobility Strategy seeks new approaches to meeting the goals of the Olympia Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan describes a future where more trips are made by walking, biking and riding the bus.

Approximately 30 people attended this year's workshop. The workshop gave participants a chance to review the key elements of the Transportation Mobility Strategy and talk to City staff and members of the Ad-hoc Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC). Councilmember and ATAC Chair, Karen Messmer gave a brief presentation explaining the purpose of the Mobility Strategy. Staff then led participants through a small group discussion, with 4 to 6 people in each group.

The concepts and ideas shared at year's workshop included:

• Primary bus corridors: Work with Intercity Transit to develop streets with high-quality bus services.
• Connectivity: Continue to develop a gridded street network, as well as bicycle and walking paths.
• Complete streets: Build streets that support all modes of transportation and contribute to a sense of place.
• Financing: Examine new funding sources for walking, biking, bus and motor-vehicle improvements.

Participants were asked for comments as they visited various stations in an open house setting; they participated in small group discussions where they were asked specific questions; and they were asked to fill out a workshop feedback form at the end of the evening.

Below is a summary of the responses to the 3 questions asked at the workshop, and how the input was used in the strategy report.

1. Are the Mobility Strategy concepts moving us in the right direction? Responses were generally positive and many participants expressed enthusiasm about the elements of the Mobility Strategy, as they were presented at the workshop. Some participants asked that the overall goal of the strategy, as well as its elements, be stated more clearly. As a result, clarifying language was added to the report Executive Summary and Implementation section to identify the goal of the Mobility Strategy. In addition, each element of the Mobility Strategy is explained in more detail.
2. What are the most important areas to pursue? Responses were varied, however the largest number of those who responded to the feedback forms selected funding as the most important element, followed by bus corridors. Participants noted the importantce of land use and increasing density along transit corridors. Respondents noted that connectivity needs additional implementation support from City Council. Some participants asked for more information about how projects are funded. In response to these comments, the report makes clear the important connection between land use and transportation. In addition, the Mobility Stragety describes how funding for transoprtation works in Olympia and provides recommendations for steps the City can take to improve the way funding is explained and tracked.
3. Is there something else the City should be considering? Participants provided a variety of suggestions in response to this question. Some respondents encouraged the City to work collaboratively with neighborhoods to identify key pedestrian, bicycle, and auto-vehicle connections. Others suggested joint planning between the school district and Intercity Transit. Some respondents noted they would like to see transportation impact fees increased or would like the method for charging and allocated impact fee revenues modified.

The Mobility Strategy report will explain each element of the stategy; why that element is important and the steps the City can take to work towards achieving outcomes related to that element.

The Draft Mobility Strategy is expected to be available in July and will be posted here. City Council acceptance of the report is anticipated in August. To see the elements of the reports as they were developed, please see the ATAC - Members Resources page.

Use the following links to see participant comments collected throughout the workshop.

Summaries

• Summary of Responses to Questions - Group Discussion and Feedback From Comments Combined
• Summary of Small Group Discussions as Reported

Raw Data

• Comments provided at Stations during "Open House"
• Comments from Feedback Forms
• Comments from Small Group Discussion, combined by table
• Comments from Small Group Discussion, combined by question

2008 Workshop

View our 2008 Transportation Workshop page to learn more about last year's workshop.

• Last year's presentation: You can also view last year's presentation. Please note: this is a large file and is narrated; therefore, it may take a few minutes to download, and you need a soundcard to get the full experience.

Transportation Programs

Want to learn more about City Transportation programs? We have information online:

• Ad-hoc Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC) advises the City Council on the development of the Transportation Mobility Strategy.
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) advises the City Council on bicycle and pedestrian policies, programs and plans.
• Biking
• Commute Options
• Downtown Commuter Program
• Paving Information
• Walking

Contacting Public Works:

• Physical Address: 924 7th Ave. SE, Suite A
• Mailing Address: PO Box 1967, Olympia, WA 98507
• Download printer-friendly (PDF) directions to our office
• Hours: M - F from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except for City-recognized holidays)
• Phone: 360.753.8588
• TTY: 360.753.8270
• Email: publicworks@ci.olympia.wa.us
• Public Works Home Page