A motion of the Board of the Regional Transit Authority for the Pierce, King and Snohomish counties region approving the formation of a Transit-Oriented Development Task Force of the board, identifying key questions and issues to be addressed, and establishing a timeline for completion.

Background:

The RTA’s enabling legislation requires the authority to favor cities and counties with supportive land-use plans when implementing its programs. In addition, the RTA is obligated, in cooperation with public and private interests, to promote transit-compatible land uses and development that includes joint development.

A review of a variety of sources, including state legislation, recommendations from legal counsel, the RTA’s own Sound Move plan, and documents developed by other jurisdictions indicates that the RTA has substantial discretion in formulating policy regarding transit-oriented development.

Key questions and issues to be addressed by the task force include:

• What should the RTA’s role be in carrying out planning for transit-oriented development vis a vis local jurisdictions and/or the PSRC?
• What level of investment should the RTA make in this area? Should financial partnerships be sought or required or not? Should the RTA investment be an element of a specific project’s budget or come from the regional fund (e.g., the research and technology fund)?
• When investing in planning or implementation steps related to transit-oriented development, what types of return on investments should be sought?

Motion:

It is hereby moved by the Board of the Regional Transit Authority that a Transit-Oriented Development Task Force be formed and board member Cynthia Sullivan be appointed the chair. The task force shall, at a minimum, address the issues noted above and shall complete its work and report back to the board with recommendation on follow-up by January 1998.

Approved by the RTA Board on , 1997.

Bob Drewel
Board Chair

ATTEST:

Board Chair
Marcia Walker

Board Administrator