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Medical Lake adopts 2025–2029 Commute Trip Reduction plan, sets 9% target
Summary
City council adopted Resolution 25-7-43 to accept a four-year Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) plan that aims to reduce single-occupancy drive-alone trips from 82.3% to 74.9% across affected worksites; the plan is required under state CTR law and relies on regional incentives administered through an interlocal agreement.
The Medical Lake City Council voted to adopt a four-year Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) plan for 2025–2029, approving Resolution 25-7-43 to meet a state planning requirement and to participate in a regional incentive program.
The CTR plan, presented via Zoom by Leanne Yamamoto of CommuteSmart Northwest, sets a target of a 9% reduction in drive-alone trips for the affected worksites in Medical Lake — lowering the drive-alone rate from 82.3% to 74.9% if targets are achieved across the jurisdiction. "We worked with employers within the city of Medical Lake to help them encourage their employees to carpool, ride the bus, bike, walk, [and] use commute options," said Leanne Yamamoto, CommuteSmart Northwest, describing outreach, baseline data and performance targets in the plan.
The nut graf: The plan is required under state CTR law for jurisdictions with qualifying large worksites and ties Medical Lake into a regional program that pools incentive funds through an intergovernmental agreement with Spokane County. City staff said joining the consortium reduces the local workload because CommuteSmart Northwest manages tracking, outreach and reporting.
Council discussion and context: Sunny (staff member) explained the city’s interlocal agreement accepts pooled dollars for incentives and that participating jurisdictions benefit from regionally administered services. Yamamoto said the plan summarizes local land-use and transportation conditions, outlines services and strategies, and includes a four-year financial plan. She explained the program is a “good faith effort” law: "There are no penalties when targets are not met," she said.
Council roll call on the resolution recorded one opposed vote by Council member Kennedy; the motion passed with the majority in favor. City staff noted the plan must be adopted no later than June 30 to comply with the guidance used by WSDOT and Spokane Regional Transportation Council.
Why it matters: The plan aims to reduce congestion and greenhouse-gas emissions by encouraging alternatives to single-occupant vehicle trips and by providing employer-targeted outreach and incentives. Yamamoto cited regional program outputs, including multi-year reported reductions in vehicle miles traveled and emissions from participating worksites.
Looking ahead: Staff said participation makes the program’s technical and administrative work manageable for the city because CommuteSmart Northwest applies for grants and handles data tracking; specific grant allocations and how they will be used in Medical Lake will be reported back to council through staff updates.
Ending: The council approved Resolution 25-7-43, and staff will coordinate with CommuteSmart Northwest and Spokane County on implementation and reporting.
