Council adopts first reading of Puyallup Commute Trip Reduction plan amid calls for data

The Puyallup City Council voted to adopt first reading of a four-year Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) plan for 2025–2029 and amendments to Chapter 21.16 of the municipal code, prompted by state requirements and a desire to modernize the city's approach to commute alternatives.

Senior Planner Kendall Walz told the council the revisions replace a 2007 plan, add a clear purpose-and-intent section to the code, and update administrative procedures to reflect teleworking practices. Walz said the state law applies to employers with 100 or more full-time employees who start work between 6 and 9 a.m., noting, "it's those with 100 or more full-time employees starting work between 6 and 9AM." She said Pierce County will continue to administer the program through an interlocal agreement and that the Washington State Department of Transportation and Puget Sound Regional Council have reviewed and approved the plan.

Several councilmembers asked whether the program produces measurable results in Puyallup. Deputy Mayor Johnson pressed staff on evidence that the CTR program improves air quality, reduces vehicle miles traveled or relieves congestion; Walz said city-specific metrics are not immediately on hand but can be pursued with county partners and that performance targets will be established as part of the plan's implementation. Councilmember Adler expressed support for the first reading while requesting a comp-plan crosswalk and more detail on Puyallup's staff time or financial commitment under the interlocal agreement.

Council voted to pass first reading; the motion carries to second reading and subsequent adoption with a request from multiple members to provide performance data and clearer reporting at or before second reading.