Tumwater proclaims Sept. 29–Oct. 5 as ‘Week Without Driving’; disability advocates urge action

Mayor Debbie Sullivan proclaimed Sept. 29 through Oct. 5, 2025, as a Week Without Driving for the City of Tumwater and encouraged residents to take part in a walking audit on Sept. 30. The proclamation cites the Disability Mobility Initiative of Disability Rights Washington, local greenhouse-gas goals and the local share of transportation emissions. "Going a week without driving provides an opportunity to gain lived experience to understand how we can meet the needs of all Tumwater residents," the proclamation reads. The mayor presented the proclamation to representatives of People’s First Washington and invited invited speakers to comment. Patty Clark, a Tumwater resident, described daily barriers for people who cannot drive: "Some people are not here, but wanted to be because they could not get a ride, not catch a bus, or were not near a bus that stopped where they could get on it." Clark urged neighbors to notice and assist non-drivers, saying, "If even just for a minute or 2, let them know that they're human too." A representative of People’s First Washington thanked the council and said the group is "a group of self advocates" who "advocate, educate, and also celebrate." The proclamation and the speakers emphasized mobility for aging adults, people with disabilities, students and low-income residents who may not drive. The mayor and city staff offered pins and photographed the proclamation recipients; no formal council action was required or taken on this item.