HomeMy WebLinkAboutord2025-021File ID: AB2025-282
File Created: 03/27/2025
Department: Planning and
Development Services
Department
Whatcom County
Agenda Bill Master Report
File Number: AB2025-282
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 778-5010
Version: 1 Status: Adopted
Entered by: CStrong@co.whatcom.wa.us
File Type: Ordinance Requiring a Public Hearing
Assigned to: Council Planning and Development Committee Final Action: 04/29/2025
Agenda Date: 04/29/2025 Enactment #: ORD 2025-021
Related Files:
Primary Contact Email: cstrong@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Ordinance adopting amendments to Whatcom County Code Chapter 16.24, Commute Trip Reduction,
and adopting the 2025-2029 Commute Trip Reduction Plan for Whatcom County
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
An ordinance adopting amendments to Whatcom County Code Chapter 16.24 (Commute Trip
Reduction) and adopting the 2025-2029 Commute Trip Reduction Plan for Whatcom County
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body:
Action:
Sent To:
04/15/2025 Council INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC Council
HEARING
Aye: 7 Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
04/29/2025 Council Planning and Development DISCUSSED
Committee
04/29/2025 Council ADOPTED
Aye: 7 Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 413012025
Agenda Bill Master Report Continued (AB2025-282)
Attachments: Staff Memo, Draft Ordinance, Commute Trip Reduction Plan, Exhibit B - Final Draft Commute Trip
Reduction Plan, Notice of Hearing after 4.15.2025
Whatcom County Page 2 Printed on 413012025
PROPOSED BY:
INTRODUCTION DATE:
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-021
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO WCC CHAPTER 16.24 (COMMUTE TRIP REDUCTION)
AND ADOPTING THE 2025-2029 COMMUTE TRIP REDUCTION PLAN FOR WHATCOM COUNTY
WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature passed the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Law
(RCW 70A.15.4000) in 1991 as part of the Washington Clean Air Act and in response to the federal Clean
Air Act; and,
WHEREAS, the Law requires local governments and county governments within Clark, King,
Kitsap, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, Thurston, Yakima, and Whatcom Counties to adopt ordinances that
define CTR requirements for affected employers within their jurisdiction; and,
WHEREAS, RCW 70A.15.4020(5) requires that such plans be annually reviewed, and updated as
necessary to be consistent with applicable plans developed under RCW 36.70A.070 (Growth
Management Act).
WHEREAS, Whatcom County last adopted its CTR plan in 1999 (Ord. 99-016); and,
WHEREAS, the Whatcom Council of Governments (WCOG) has now updated that plan, and
WSDOT recently approved it; and,
WHEREAS, public review of the plan was conducted by WCOG, as described on page 8 of the
plan; and,
WHEREAS, certain edits to WCC 16.24 are necessary to be consistent with the plan; and,
WHEREAS, this Ordinance is deemed to be consistent with the requirements of the CTR Law and
the CTR Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the County recognizes the importance of increasing individual citizens' awareness of
air quality, energy consumption, and traffic congestion and the contribution individual actions can make
toward addressing these issues.
Page 1 of 2
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Whatcom County Council that:
Section 1. Amendments to the Whatcom County Code Chapter 16.24 are hereby adopted as shown
in Exhibit A so as to reference this specific plan version.
Section 2. The County Council hereby adopts the 2025-2029 Commute Trip Reduction plan for
Whatcom County as set forth in Exhibit B of this ordinance.
Section 3. Scrivener's Errors. Staff is hereby authorized to work with Code Publishing to correct any
scrivener's errors or cross-references made ineffective by these amendments.
Section 4. Severability. Should any part of this regulation be held to be illegal, unconstitutional, or
otherwise unenforceable, the remainder of the regulation shall still apply.
ADOPTED this 29th day of April _ 2025.
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Page 2 of 2
Exhibit A:
Commute
Reduction Plan Code Amendments
WCC Chapter 16.24
COMMUTE TRIP REDUCTION
Sections:
16.24.010
Purpose.
16.24.020
Reserved.
16.24.030
CTR plan administration.
16.24.040
Applicability.
16.24.050
Notification.
16.24.060
Schedule of penalties.
16.24.070
Appeals.
16.24.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) program requirements for
affected employers within unincorporated Whatcom County. These requirements will promote
alternative commute modes and reduce the drive alone rate (DAR) at CTR-affected worksites, decreasing
traffic congestion, automobile -related air pollution and energy use within Whatcom County.
(Ord. 99-016 §1; Ord. 97-011 §1).
16.24.020 Definitions.
Definitions shall be those found in RCWs 82.70.010 and 70A.15.4010.
(Ord. 99-016; Ord. 97-011 §2).16.24.030 CTR plan administration.
A. CTR Plan for Whatcom County. The CTR plan for Whatcom County is set forth in Attachment 1
attached to the ordinance codified in this chapter and is wholly incorporated herein by reference as
and for the CTR plan for Whatcom County for 2025 through 2029.
B. Interlocal Agreement/Responsible Agency. In order to ensure consistency and flexibility, Whatcom
County has determined that it is within the best interest of the public to enter into an Interlocal
Agreement (pursuant to Chapter 39.34 RCW and RCW 70.94.527) with the Whatcom Council of
Governments. The Whatcom Council of Governments is hereby designated as the lead agency
responsible for implementing and administering the CTR plan of Whatcom County and CTR
ordinance.
C. Administrative Procedures. Whatcom Council of Governments is hereby authorized to develop and
adopt, in consultation with the affected local jurisdictions, such administrative rules and procedures
as necessary to implement the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 99-016 §2; Ord. 97-011 §3).
1
16.24.040 Applicability.
The requirements of this chapter shall apply to all affected employers at a single worksite within
unincorporated Whatcom County. (Ord. 99-016 §3; Ord. 97-011 §4).
16.24.050 Notification.
A notice of the availability of the CTR plan and this chapter shall be published at least once in the official
Whatcom County newspaper within 30 days of passage of the ordinance codified in this chapter. (Ord.
99-016 §4; Ord. 97-011 §5).
16.24.060 Schedule of penalties.
The penalty for noncompliance with the requirements of the attached CTR plan shall be $100.00 per
violation per day. (Ord. 99-016 §5; Ord. 97-011 §6).
16.24.070 Appeals.
A. CTR Appeals Board. The Whatcom County Council will serve as the CTR appeals board for employers
in unincorporated Whatcom County. The Whatcom Council of Governments will provide technical
support to the Whatcom County Council as needed to fulfill this duty.
B. Appeals Process. Any affected employer may appeal administrative decisions regarding exemptions,
goal modifications, program element modifications, and violations to the CTR appeals board. In the
event of a violation, the affected employer shall be notified of the intent to impose penalties and
the manner in which penalties may be appealed. (Ord. 99-016 §6; Ord. 97-011 §7).
Exhibit B: 2025 — 2029 Commute Trip Reduction
Plan
Whatcomp
Reduction Four -Year Plan Update:
2025-2029
Benefits of CTR
1. Describe the local land use and transportation context and objectives.
a) Describe the setting in the jurisdiction as it is today or will be in the near future.
The Whatcom Smart Trips program, administered by the Whatcom Council of Governments (WCOG), will
play a pivotal role in Whatcom County's CTR program. The Whatcom Smart Trips program provides an
incentive for members of the community to be mindful of the trips they are making throughout the day
by providing discounts at local participating retailers, milestone rewards, cash prizes, and recognition. The
program allows participants to enter a trip log whenever a single occupancy vehicle trip was replaced by
walking, biking, utilizing transit, carpooling, or other multimodal transportation trips. Since the inception
of the program, it is estimated that 32,706 tons of carbon dioxide emissions have been avoided.
To address the growing demand for diverse transportation options, Whatcom County adopted the
Whatcom County Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan; aiming to enhance the safety, equity, and connectivity of
the multimodal transportation network by encouraging more people to walk, bike, and use other
nonmotorized forms of transport for their daily needs. The specific objectives of these plans include
detailing specific facilities both on and off road to create a region -wide network while addressing gaps
through identified steps and policies. Community engagement efforts have been integral to the
development of these plans, with numerous public workshops and surveys conducted to gather feedback
and ensure the plans meet the needs of all residents. In conjunction with the transportation network plans
and the Smart Trips Program, the county collaborates closely with the regional transportation provider,
Whatcom Transit Authority (WTA). WTA offers a comprehensive range of services, including fixed -route
buses, paratransit, vanpool, and zone services throughout both the county. Future developments include
the planned expansion of bus routes and the introduction of additional electric buses to further reduce
the County's carbon footprint.
b) Describe features of land use and transportation facilities and services that affect
commuters.
Most of the nonfederal land in unincorporated Whatcom County is dedicated to forestry and agricultural
uses. The next largest category of land use is residential. Much smaller areas of the county are dedicated
to industrial, commercial, and other uses.
The current Comprehensive Plan includes goals and policies aimed at enhancing the multimodal
transportation network through capital improvements, development requirements, street standards,
equity in engagement, service delivery, and investment. This plan is currently being updated to expand on
and continue these initiatives.
The 2025-2030 Whatcom County Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) outlines various projects to
improve multimodal safety and connectivity.
c) Describe whether and how commuting patterns have changed in the past few years.
1. Remote and Hybrid Work: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly shifted the way people work,
with many employers adopting remote or hybrid work models. This reduction in daily commutes
suggests decreased traffic congestion during traditional commute times and lower demand for
parking facilities near large employment centers.
CTR Program Implications: The increase in remote work suggests a reduction in daily commute trips,
aligning with the goals of the CTR plan to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. This shift
supports the CTR objective of minimizing the number of commute trips.
2. Increased Use of Bicycle and Pedestrian Networks: There has been a rise in biking and walking as
primary modes of transportation. Community interest in health and fitness, along with local initiatives
and events promoting active transportation, have contributed to this trend.
CTR Program Implications: Investing in the development and maintenance of safe and connected bike
lanes and pedestrian pathways supports the increased preference for active modes of transportation.
Enhancing infrastructure that encourages biking and walking helps reduce car dependency and
promotes sustainable commuting options, reinforcing the goals of the CTR plan.
3. Enhanced Public Transportation Services: The Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) has
expanded and improved its services, making public transportation a more viable option for many
commuters. The improvement of bus routes and schedules has contributed to this positive change.
CTR Program Implications: The growing use of public transportation is in line with the CTR plan's
objectives. Promoting and supporting public transit use through incentives like free bus passes and
improved access to transit services will help reduce single -occupancy vehicle trips, thereby supporting
the goals of the CTR plan.
d) List the most important land use and transportation objectives from your city or county's
plans that commute trip reduction most directly affects.
Multimodal Transportation Network Enhancement:
• Objective: Improve and expand the multimodal transportation network to ensure safe, efficient,
and accessible options for all users.
• Impact on CTR: Enhancing the multimodal transportation network encourages residents to use
alternative modes of transportation, such as biking, walking, and public transit, thereby reducing
reliance on single -occupancy vehicles. This aligns with CTR goals by decreasing traffic congestion
and improving air quality.
Support for Compact and Infill Development:
• Objective: Promote compact and infill development within Urban Growth Areas to accommodate
growth while utilizing existing infrastructure and services.
• Impact on CTR: By focusing on compact and infill development, the distance and need for
commuting can be reduced.
Sustainable Land Use Practices:
• Objective: Implement sustainable land use practices that balance environmental, economic, and
social needs.
• Impact on CTR: Sustainable land use practices support the development of green infrastructure
and transit -oriented development, which are crucial for reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and
supporting a shift towards more sustainable commuting practices.
Equity in Transportation:
• Objective: Ensure that transportation planning and investment decisions are equitable and meet
the needs of all community members, including underserved and vulnerable populations.
• Impact on CTR: An equitable transportation system provides accessible and affordable
commuting options for all residents, which is essential for achieving the objectives of the CTR
program by ensuring that everyone has viable alternatives to driving alone.
Integration with Regional Transportation Plans:
• Objective: Collaborate with regional transportation agencies to create a cohesive and efficient
transportation network across the region.
• Impact on CTR: Integrating local and regional transportation plans helps to create seamless
commuting options for those traveling throughout the County, supporting the overall goals of the
CTR plan by improving connectivity and reducing commuter traffic.
e) Describe critical aspects of land use and transportation that should be sustained and key
changes that should be considered to improve commute trip reduction's contribution to
the land use and transportation objectives you reference.
Due to the continued planned growth, the County will continue all elements related to CTR in the on -going
Comprehensive Plan Update and subsequent plans.
2. Describe how the CTR program will help achieve the jurisdiction's land use and transportation
objectives.
a) Describe how and to what extent your CTR program will help your city or county achieve
the land use and transportation objectives referenced in question 1.
Whatcom County's CTR plan and Whatcom Council of Governments Smart Trips Program significantly
support and encourage key land use and transportation objectives outlined in the Comprehensive Plan.
By promoting the use of alternative transportation modes such as biking, walking, and public transit, the
CTR plan supports the continued expansion of the County's multimodal transportation network. This
encouragement reduces dependency on single -occupancy vehicles, alleviating traffic congestion and
improving air quality, which aligns with the goals of providing safe, efficient, and accessible transportation
options for all users.
The CTR program also supports compact and infill development by reducing the necessity for long
commutes. By encouraging compact and infill development in Urban Growth Areas, the program helps
reduce the pressure on transportation infrastructure. This directly contributes to the efforts to utilize
existing infrastructure and services efficiently, creating walkable and bike -friendly communities that
enhance residents' quality of life.
Additionally, by ensuring that transportation planning and investments meet the needs of all community
members, including underserved and vulnerable populations, the CTR program promotes transportation
equity. This approach ensures that all residents, despite income levels, have practical alternatives to
driving alone creating a transportation system that benefits all members of the community.
Finally, the CTR program continues collaboration with WTA to create an efficient transportation network,
enhancing connectivity throughout the County and improving commuter options. By aligning local
commuting initiatives with regional transit services, the program supports the County's objective of
creating a seamless transportation network across the region, reducing commuter traffic, and supporting
sustainable growth. Through these efforts, the CTR program advances the County's land use and
transportation objectives, contributing to a more connected, livable, and environmentally friendly
community.
3. Describe how the CTR program will help achieve the jurisdiction's environmental objectives.
a) Describe how the CTR program will support jurisdiction greenhouse gas emission
reduction efforts.
The CTR program aligns closely with the County's Climate Action Plan by addressing transportation as one
of the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions. The Climate Action Plan identifies transportation as
a significant contributor to the County's overall emissions and outlines strategies to mitigate this impact.
The CTR program supports these efforts by encouraging alternative transportation modes such as biking,
walking, carpooling, and public transit. By reducing the number of single -occupancy vehicle trips, the
program helps lower the overall vehicle miles traveled (VMT), directly contributing to the reduction of
transportation -related emissions.
In collaboration with the WCOG Smart Trips Program, the CTR program enhances its impact by offering
incentives and resources to support sustainable commuting options.
b) Describe how the CTR program will support jurisdiction environmental objectives in
addition to greenhouse gas emission reductions.
In addition to the improved air quality from the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the reduction in
roadway demand will support the environmental objective to preserve greenspace. The decrease in
roadway demand will allow more land to be undeveloped and left in its natural state.
4. Describe how your CTR program will help achieve regional and state objectives.
a) Summarize the local, regional, and state benefits that would be gained if you achieve
your CTR targets.
I nrni Rpnpfitc-
Reduced Traffic Congestion: By encouraging CTR affected employees to use alternative transportation
modes such as public transit, biking, walking, or carpooling, the CTR program would alleviate traffic
congestion on local roads and highways. This leads to smoother traffic flow, shorter commute times, and
higher quality of life for residents.
Improved Air Quality: Fewer vehicles on the road means reduced emissions of pollutants such as carbon
monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. This contributes to cleaner air and a healthier
environment for residents, particularly those living near major roadways and commuting corridors.
Enhanced Public Health: Cleaner air resulting from reduced vehicle emissions can lead to improved
respiratory health and a decrease in respiratory diseases such as asthma among the population.
Additionally, promoting active transportation options like walking and biking supports physical activity
and overall wellness.
Cost Savings for Residents: Commuting by public transit, carpooling, or biking can reduce individual
transportation costs related to fuel, parking fees, and vehicle maintenance. This leaves residents with
more disposable income, which can benefit the local economy through increased spending on goods and
services.
Regional Benefits:
Improved Regional Mobility: Decreasing congestion can have effects throughout the region, improving
overall mobility and connectivity between neighboring communities.
Environmental Conservation: Lowering vehicle emissions not only benefits air quality locally but also
contributes to larger regional environmental goals, such as reducing the region's carbon footprint and
mitigating climate change impacts.
Collaborative Planning: Implementing the CTR program involves collaboration between Whatcom
County, the City of Bellingham, Whatcom Council of Governments, and Whatcom Regional Transit Agency.
This encourages cooperation and shared responsibility in addressing transportation challenges and
achieving sustainable development goals.
State Benefits:
Compliance with State Regulations: Washington State requires cities and counties throughout the state
to implement CTR programs as part of broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote
sustainable transportation solutions. Achieving CTR targets demonstrates compliance with state
regulations and contributes to statewide environmental goals.
Economic Efficiency: By reducing congestion and improving transportation efficiency in Whatcom County,
the state benefits from enhanced productivity and reduced costs associated with maintaining and
expanding interstate transportation infrastructure.
b) List adjacent CTR-affected cities and counties.
Cities:
Bellingham: The City of Bellingham is the county seat of Whatcom County. The CTR program within the
County would also impact commuting patterns and transportation planning strategies within the City of
Bellingham.
c) Describe the top few cross -border and regional transportation issues that affect your
jurisdiction.
Regional Commuter Traffic: Within Whatcom County, the City of Bellingham is the largest population,
employment, and service center drawing a significant amount of regional commuter traffic. Due to the
city being the county's largest employment center, many individuals who live in surrounding areas,
including other parts of Whatcom County and nearby cities, commute to the City of Bellingham for work,
education, or other services. The influx of regional traffic places considerable strain on the transportation
network.
Cross -Border Traffic from Canada: Located on the Canadian border, Whatcom County experiences
significant commuter traffic from Canadians visiting the region for shopping or recreational opportunities.
The cross -border traffic from Canada contributes to congestion on major routes such as Interstate 5,
which serves as a main thoroughfare for both regional and cross border commuters.
Regional Housing Affordability: Due to the high cost of living within the urban areas, as compared to the
surrounding areas, a significant number of individuals choose to live outside of the cities and commute in
for work. This trend increases the number of daily commuters using the transportation systems, adding
pressure to infrastructure, and creating challenges for transportation planning and management.
d) Describe the strategies you, adjacent cities and counties, and your region have agreed to
use to address the top issues described in the previous bullet.
Regional Transportation and Planning Coordination: In partnership with WCOG and neighboring
jurisdictions, the County actively participates in regional transportation planning. These regional planning
efforts ensure that transportation planning is aligned across the region and addresses the needs of the
commuters. The comprehensive planning efforts focus on improving the connectivity of transportation
networks and managing traffic flow to reduce congestion.
Whatcom Smart Trips: The Whatcom Smart Trips program provides an incentive for members of the
community to be mindful of the trips they are making throughout the day by providing discounts at local
participating retailers, milestone rewards, cash prizes and recognition. The program allows participants to
enter a trip log whenever a single occupancy vehicle trip was replaced by walking, biking, utilizing transit,
carpooling, or other multimodal transportation trips.
Performance targets
5. List your jurisdiction's CTR performance target(s).
a) List performance targets that reflect only CTR-affected worksites.
Weighted average drive -alone -rate (DAR) of 64 percent or less for CTR-affected worksites at the
jurisdiction level. This target is a 15.5 percent (or greater) reduction of the jurisdiction's census
performance in 2019. 1
b) List any additional performance targets.
None
6. List the base value you'll use for each performance target.
a) For each performance target, provide the number you'll use as the baseline (or starting
number). You'll measure the difference between this number and your results to report
performance.
DAR during the 2023-2025 CTR survey cycle will be the base value.
7. Describe the method you used to determine the base value for each target.
a) Provide the source for each base value listed
2023-2025 CTR worksite survey results pertaining to drive -alone trip -making will be aggregated to the
jurisdiction level and used as the base DAR value.
8. Describe how you'll measure progress toward each target.
a) List the method you'll use to measure progress for each target.
Progress will be measured using the subsequent survey results (2025-2027)
9. List your jurisdiction's CTR-affected worksites.
a) List all your CTR-affected sites.
Alpha Technologies, Inc
Anvil Corporation
Whatcom County — Northwest Annex
*Indicates voluntary site
10. List a performance target for each CTR-affected worksite.
a) For any performance targets tied to the CTR survey, indicate that you'll establish
performance targets during the 2023-2025 survey cycle.
Base year performance targets will be established during the 2023-2025 survey cycle.
11. List the base value you'll use for each site.
a) For any performance targets tied to the CTR survey, indicate that you'll establish a base
value during the 2023-2025 survey cycle.
A base value will be established during the 2023-2025 survey cycle.
Service and Strategies
12. Describe the services and strategies your jurisdiction will use to achieve CTR targets.
Whatcom County will continue to work with Whatcom Council of Governments (WCOG) to implement the
Whatcom Smart Trips Program. Whatcom Smart Trips is a collection of initiatives and tools that help and
encourage community members to use more efficient and sustainable transportation modes. These
include:
• An online trip diary for tracking trips made by walking, bicycling, sharing rides and riding the bus
(non -drive alone modes)
• Incentive distribution, which includes discount cards, gift certificates, cash prizes and recognition
to motivate community members to try new forms of transportation
• Employer partnerships to provide support to businesses and organizations that want to promote
sustainable transportation to their employees (including CTR employers)
• School Smart Trips program, which provides classroom activities for middle school students and
bicycle skills courses for elementary school students, as well as summer adventure camps
• Bicycle education for children and adults
• Community outreach activities
• An ongoing public awareness campaign that includes advertising and public presentations to
make the community aware of the benefits of participation in the Smart Trips program
Whatcom County will support WCOG's partnership with Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) on
Smart Trips programming, including:
• Advertising and community relations
• Emergency rides home using a limited, free taxi service so bus riders and other Smart Trips
participants who experience an emergency or become ill at work can get home
• First Time Rider Pass distribution among Smart Trips employer partners
13. Describe how jurisdiction services and strategies will support CTR-affected employers.
• The online trip diary will encourage employees of CTR-affected employers to be more mindful of
the trips they are taking daily. The trip diary will also provide the program with the data needed
to employ incentives.
• The incentive distribution will keep employees engaged in the program and will award and
recognize users that replace single occupancy vehicle trips with alternative transportation modes.
The employer partnerships offered through the program provide high quality materials and
services to CTR worksites. Materials included in the partnership include but are not limited to
employee recognition posters, employee transit maps, preferential parking signs and permits,
smart trip brochures, and more. Services included in the partnership include but are not limited
to worksite presentations to employees, bike to work and school day, first time rider passes with
WTA, and more.
• Although K-12 schools are not CTR affected sites, the School Smart Trips Program provides
students with the knowledge and skills to safely commute throughout the County.
• Many employees of CTR affected sites may not have the confidence or skills to safely commute to
work by bike. The Smart Trips Program will provide bicycle education for both youth and adults.
• The program also includes community outreach activities and a public awareness campaign to
inform the community about the benefits of the Smart Trips Program.
14. Describe barriers your jurisdiction must address to achieve CTR targets.
of Describe how you'll address these barriers.
Several barriers must be addressed to meet Whatcom County's CTR targets. These strategies will be
implemented in coordination with the Whatcom Council of Governments (WCOG) Smart Trips program,
Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA), and other regional partners.
Barrier: Personal Barriers to Using Public Transit
How addressing: One of the major barriers is the lack of familiarity or comfort with using public
transportation. Many potential transit riders may face personal challenges such as not understanding bus
routes, schedules, or how to integrate transit into their daily routines. Smart Trips addresses this through
its education and outreach efforts, including guided rides and individualized trip planning assistance.
These initiatives help remove personal barriers by making public transit more accessible and user friendly
for commuters.
Barrier: Limited Employer Engagement in Sustainable Transportation
How addressing: Engaging local employers to actively participate in CTR programs can be challenging,
especially in promoting carpooling, biking, and transit use. Smart Trips addresses this by offering regular
meetings with Employee Transportation Coordinators (ETCs), where best practices, tools, and resources
are shared. These meetings provide a forum for employers to collaborate and learn how to successfully
implement CTR strategies within their organizations, encouraging greater participation in sustainable
commuting practices.
Barrier: Lack of Awareness of Transportation Options
How addressing: Many residents are unaware of the sustainable transportation options available to them,
such as biking, walking, or carpooling. The Smart Trips program includes a public awareness campaign to
educate the community on the benefits of walking, biking, sharing rides, and taking the bus. By raising
awareness and offering incentives like gift cards and recognition for participants, Smart Trips encourages
more residents to make sustainable transportation choices.
These strategies, implemented through the Smart Trips program, address key barriers to achieving CTR
targets by focusing on education, employer engagement, and infrastructure support. By overcoming these
barriers, Whatcom County and its regional partners can increase the use of sustainable transportation
modes and reduce single -occupancy vehicle trips, helping to meet CTR goals.
15. Describe the transportation demand management technologies your jurisdiction plans to use to
deliver CTR services and strategies.
The Whatcom Smart Trips website is used to track non -drive alone trips, facilitate employer partnerships,
provide education and assistance related to bike and transit options, and incentivize non -drive alone
modes.
The Whatcom Smart Trips website can be accessed at the following link:
https://www.whatcomsmarttrips.org/
Whatcom County will support WCOG's use of the state's CTR tool to conduct CTR surveys and gather
program data.
16. Transcribe or link to your local CTR ordinance.
Chapter 16.24 COMMUTE TRIP REDUCTION (code publishing.com)
17. Describe your financial plan.
The tables below show estimated costs and funding sources for the Whatcom Smart Trips program, which
serves as the primary CTR strategy region -wide.
a) Describe the estimated average annual costs of your plan.
Activity
Estimated average annual cost
Employer Engagement
$40,000
Performance Reporting
$5,000
Administration
$5,000
CTR Plan*
$3,000
School Engagement
$269,000
Community Outreach
$173,000
Total
$495, 000
b) Describe likely funding sources, public and private, to implement your plan.
Source of Revenue
Estimated Average Revenue
Commute Trip Reduction Funding (state)
$53,000
Regional Mobility Grant (state)
$212,000
Mobility Management Grant (federal)
$124,000
Local Government Funding
$106,000
Total
$495, 000
18. Describe your implementation structure.
a) Describe who will conduct the activities listed in your plan
The activities listed in the plan will be conducted in collaboration between Whatcom County, the City of
Bellingham, Whatcom Council of Governments, and Whatcom Transit Authority.
b) Indicate who will monitor progress on your plan. List job title, department, and name.
Cliff Strong ( Senior Planner ( Whatcom County, Planning and Development Services
19. List your implementation schedule.
a) Provide the timeline for anticipated projects.
Smart Trips Program
V Biennium
2nd Biennium
Implementation
July 2025-June 2027
July 2027-June2029
Schedule
Actions
Identify worksites and employee
transportation coordinators. Train
and assist employee
transportation coordinators.
Create and distribute
informational materials about
transportation options for CTR
sites.
Coordinate transportation focused
events.
Manage trip data and incentive
distribution.
Secure funding for incentives.
Administer worksite surveys.
Conduct employer program
reviews.
20. Describe the CTR plan for jurisdiction employees.
Identify worksites and employee
transportation coordinators.
Train and assist employee
transportation coordinators.
Create and distribute informational
materials about transportation
options for CTR sites.
Coordinate transportation focused
events.
Manage trip data and incentive
distribution.
Secure funding for incentives.
Administer worksite surveys.
Conduct employer program
reviews.
Prepare for 2029-2033 CTR plan.
a) Describe the services, programs, information, and other actions your city or county put
in place to help its employees reduce their drive alone commute trips.
Whatcom County offers a range of services and programs to reduce single -occupancy vehicle commuting
among its employees. In collaboration with Smart Trips programming, the County has increasingly
supported work -from -home flexibility to reduce the need for daily commuting. Secure indoor bike storage
is provided at the courthouse (our largest employment site), and bike racks have been installed at satellite
locations to encourage cycling as a viable commuting option. Employees are also eligible for the Free Ride
Home program, allowing up to three emergency rides home per month for those who regularly commute
via alternative transportation methods, reducing concerns about flexibility and emergencies.
To further encourage the use of public transportation, Whatcom County provides free bus passes to new
employees and first-time riders to help establish good commuting habits. For employees who actively
participate in Smart Trips, the county organizes recognition programs to celebrate those who consistently
choose sustainable travel options. In addition, employees take part in incentive raffles, where those who
complete a set number of Smart Trips are eligible to win gift cards.
Parking rate increases are also part of the County's strategy to discourage single -occupancy vehicle use by
making alternative transportation options more financially attractive. Through these coordinated efforts,
Whatcom County is committed to reducing the number of cars on the road, promoting sustainability, and
supporting healthier commuting habits for its employees, our community, and our environment.
21. Describe how the CTR plan for jurisdiction employees contributes to the success of the overall
plan.
a) Describe how the plan for jurisdiction employees reinforces the success of the jurisdiction
plan?
The plan for jurisdiction employees in Whatcom County supports the broader jurisdiction plan by
encouraging sustainable transportation behaviors within the County's employees, which aligns closely
with community -wide transportation goals. This approach helps to show the practical benefits of
alternative commuting methods. This reduction in parking demand and encouragement of public transit
use not only reduces overall traffic congestion but also increases the utilization of public transportation
services.
Alignment with Plans
22. List the transit agencies that provide service in your jurisdiction.
Whatcom Transit Authority (WTA)
23. List the transit plans you reviewed while developing this plan.
WTA 2040 Long Range Transit Plan
24. Describe how this CTR plan supports the transit plans.
Whatcom County's CTR plan supports the transit objectives of the Whatcom Transportation Authority
(WTA) by promoting multimodal transportation options that complement and enhance public transit
usage. By encouraging a shift from single -occupancy vehicle use to more sustainable commuting options
like biking or walking, the CTR plan helps increase ridership levels for WTA services by providing first and
last mile connections. This support is vital in achieving WTA's goals of expanding and optimizing transit
services throughout the region. Additionally, this CTR program promotes the improvement of the safety
and accessibility of transit access points such as enhancing pedestrian routes and bicycle facilities near
bus stops directly align with WTA's initiatives to make transit more appealing and accessible. These
coordinated efforts contribute to a more integrated transportation network, reducing congestion and
environmental impact while supporting WTA's mission to provide efficient and reliable transportation.
25. Describe any comprehensive plan updates that are needed and when they will be made.
Whatcom County is currently engaged in its Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update, which is projected to
be completed in 2025. This update is part of a two-year project aimed at guiding the County's growth and
development over the next 20 years, ensuring it aligns with the community's vision for a sustainable and
equitable future. The Update will address several key areas including housing, transportation, and climate
resilience, and will establish high-level goals and policies that will shape development, capital
investments, and various County programs. This comprehensive update process includes opportunities
for public input to ensure that the plan reflects the community's needs and preferences.
In terms of the CTR program, any updates needed in the Comprehensive Plan related to land use and
transportation objectives may influence the effectiveness and focus of the CTR initiatives. Adjustments to
zoning regulations and the development of new policies can help optimize the CTR program by ensuring
that it supports and is integrated with broader urban planning goals. The ongoing public engagement and
planning processes provide an ideal opportunity to align the CTR program with transportation
infrastructure and promoting sustainable commuting options.
Engagement
26. Describe stakeholder engagement.
a) Who did you talk to? When did you talk to them? What did they have to say? How did
what they said influence the plan?
The existing Whatcom Smart Trips program is informed by a comprehensive survey effort that took place
from 2004-2009 and reached over 14,000 local residents. This resulted in the 2012 Mobility Report, which
can be accessed at the following link:
https://www.whatcomsmarttrips.orgLnews mobility report
The Whatcom region has grown and changed since this initial engagement effort so more recent
engagement results will also be incorporated into the 2025-2029 CTR Plan. Whatcom County will support
and utilize WCOG engagement efforts, which include 1) a review of existing engagement results, 2) public
surveys, and 3) public review of the Draft CTR Plan.
Review of Existing & Relevant Engagement Results:
The City of Bellingham recently conducted community engagement related to their updated Pedestrian
and Bicycle Master Plans. This engagement effort took place primarily in 2022 and 2023. The results of
the outreach contain relevant information and feedback from the public which can also be used to inform
this CTR Plan. Bellingham's engagement effort is particularly relevant to this CTR Plan because the majority
of the county's CTR-affected sites are located very near Bellingham city limits. Additionally, the Whatcom
Smart Trips strategy goes beyond commute trips and aims to promote non -drive alone trips of all kinds,
whether for work, leisure, errands or other purposes. Given the breadth of the Smart Trips program, we
can utilize a wide variety of public feedback about non -drive alone modes and trips, whether they are
commute trips or not.
Relevant findings from the City of Bellingham's Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan community
engagement effort are summarized below:
Over 500 people interacted with the Pedestrian Master Plan survey and webmap, and over 1,000 people
interacted with the Bicycle Master Plan survey and webmap. Engagement also included in -person events,
direct emails, comments received, and technical review committee meetings. Some of the survey
questions show that driving is still the most selected form of transportation for getting around Bellingham,
but significant numbers of people are also choosing non -driving modes like walking, rolling, or biking.
Survey questions also showed that the most popular reasons people ride bicycles in Bellingham are for
exercise, running errands/shopping, and various forms of recreation or leisure rides (on paved trails, on
city streets, and on dirt trails). Commuting to work was the 6th most popular answer. This supports the
broader approach that Whatcom Smart Trips takes by going beyond commute trips to encourage nondrive
alone trips of all types, particularly those taken for errands or leisure.
Exercise
Running errandsish« ppintg
Recrea6an!leisure rides an paved trails (like
Interurban trail)
Recreatic,ndeisure rides on ireets through the city
Recreatianrleisure rides on dirt trails (like Galbraith)
t;onlniutincd 14 W01kc
Group ridesic_omrnunity events
3
0 50 100 150 200 250
Number of Respowts
Image description: A screenshot of a bar chart from the Bellingham Bicycle Master Plan showing survey responses when
participants were asked "The main reason I ride a bicycle is for
In another survey question, people selected options that would improve their experience and/or lead
them to choose to ride a bike more in Bellingham. The most popular responses were "a connected
network of bike lanes", "streets that feel safer for biking", and "secure places to park a bike at your
destination". Overall, participants seemed to prioritize infrastructure -based responses to this question.
When asked about other ways bicycling can be supported in Bellingham, survey respondents ranked
"providing commuter benefit or employer wellness programs" an average of 4.51/5 in importance (sixth
overall). In contrast, the highest ranked option overall was "enforcing traffic safety laws with the greatest
impacts (e.g., driving under the influence, speeding)", and some other highly ranked options were
"mandating bike -friendly development (e.g., installation of bike racks)" and "installing automated speed
safety cameras (school zones, red light running, speeding)". These top three responses emphasized
infrastructure improvements and safety. Additionally, respondents ranked "educating people around safe
biking" an average of 3.97/5 in importance and fourth overall. As part of existing programming, Whatcom
Smart Trips offers bicycle education classes and facilitates commuter benefit programs.
Other overall themes that emerged from the City of Bellingham's engagement effort are:
• The importance of a connected pedestrian network for people to access their daily needs and
recreation.
• A need for a connected network of higher comfort bikeways (such as separated or protected bike
lanes, bike boulevards, and trails).
• A desire to feel safer at intersections and crossings, for both pedestrians and bicyclists
• Concerns about driver behavior, speeding, and safety.
Public Surveys:
Based on the review of existing engagement results, WCOG designed public survey questions to fill in
knowledge gaps and build on the existing engagement information available. WCOG utilized the following
two public surveys to inform this CTR Plan and our regional CTR strategy:
• The CTR worksite survey and
• The Regional Safety Action Plan public survey ('The Whatcom Crash Test')
The CTR worksite survey tool provided by WSDOT was distributed to all CTR work -sites in May of 2024.
This survey reached employees at CTR work sites and included questions about commuters' daily modes
of transportation and their motivations and considerations in choosing that mode. A total of 3,275
employees completed the survey. The results show that the majority of CTR worksite employees currently
commute by driving alone (58% of commutes) although a significant portion make smart trips (22% of
commutes when combining walk, bus, bike and carpool trips) or work from home (19%). Employees' top
travel considerations were 'Time/duration' (80%), 'Flexibility/convenience' (67%), and 'Weather' (33%).
Additionally, this survey showed that the majority of CTR worksite employees were either unaware of any
incentives or subsidies their employer offered surrounding commute trip reduction or confused about any
offerings (56%). This lack of awareness will be addressed by the educational aspects of the Smart Trips
program as well as the employer partnerships.
The Whatcom Crash Test survey was part of a broader engagement effort focused on roadway safety and
funded by the Safe Streets For All federal grant program. The Whatcom Crash Test survey will primarily
inform WCOG's Regional Safety Action Plan, but the survey also included questions about peoples' trip
choices. The Whatcom Crash Test survey was available online during July, August, and September of 2024.
It was promoted via local newspaper ads, WTA bus boards, social media, an in -person booth at the
Northwest Washington Fair, and most prominently, a mailed postcard.
The Whatcom Crash Test survey was taken by 3,560 Whatcom County residents aged 16 or older. The
results of the survey are stated below:
• Most popular mode: The majority of Whatcom County residents selected drive alone as the form
of transportation they use most often (88%), although 43% selected walk/roll, 25% selected
carpool/rideshare, 23% selected bike and 10% selected bus/paratransit (up to three selections
were allowed).
• Gauging interest in other modes: When asked if they had considered using any other modes more
often, 35% of drive alone respondents said that they were not interested in any other modes.
Those who were interested in trying out a new mode were most interested in bus/paratransit
(24%), biking (19%), and carpooling (10%).
• Preventative factors: When asked what prevented them from using the non -drive alone mode
they were interested in, the top reasons were summarized as accessibility/availability, time, and
danger/safety.
• The people who already don't drive alone: Non -drive alone respondents said that 'Travel time'
(52%), 'Environmental Impact' (50%), and Health/fitness (47%) were their most influential factors
in choosing a non -drive alone mode (multiple selections allowed).
The Whatcom Crash Test showed that significantly more Whatcom County residents drive alone as
compared to CTR worksite employees. While the structure of the questions was different, this suggests
some relative success for the CTR program and any worksite incentives/subsidies provided. The survey
also shows that Whatcom County residents have limited interest in new modes and value theirtime highly.
Accessibility/availability concerns will be partially addressed through Smart Trips' educational programs
and First Time Rider Pass distribution among Smart Trips employer partners.
Public Review of the Draft CTR Plan:
After WSDOT review, WCOG will solicit feedback on the Draft Regional CTR Plan through:
• public notice advertised in the local paper,
• email distribution lists, and
• online at www.wcog org
Whatcom County will also make this Draft Whatcom County CTR Plan available for public review and
comment.
27. Describe vulnerable populations considered.
WCOG collected optional demographic information as part of both the CTR worksite survey and the
Whatcom Crash Test survey in order to identify vulnerable populations who engaged with each survey.
Low income populations and people of color were the primary vulnerable populations considered when
filtering the survey results. These populations were highlighted based on their presence in WCOG's newly
developed Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), which includes three factors: low income, people of color, and
limited English proficiency populations. Unfortunately, both surveys resulted in lower responses from
non -white racial and ethnic groups than would be considered representative of Whatcom County as a
whole. Response rates for Native American/Alaska Native and Hispanic/Latino populations were
particularly low relative to Whatcom County populations.
The respondents of the CTR worksite survey were 78% White, 5% Multiracial/ethnic, 4% Asian, 2%
Hispanic/Latino, 0.75% Black/African American, and 0.72% American Indian/Alaska Native, with an
additional 8% preferring not to answer. In raw numbers, the survey reached 414 people of color (nonwhite
alone). The CTR survey respondents were mostly higher income earners, although approximately 20% of
respondents reported less than $60,000 in annual household income (less than the Whatcom County
median household income of approximately $70,000 in 2021).
In order to promote the Whatcom Crash Test and maximize responses, WCOG mailed postcards to all
Whatcom County addresses. The respondents of the Whatcom Crash Test survey were 87% White, 6%
Multiracial/ethnic, 2% Asian, 2% Hispanic/Latino, 1% Black/African American, and 0.5% American
Indian/Alaska Native. In raw numbers, the survey reached 343 people of color (non -white alone). The
distribution of annual household income among survey respondents was fairly equal, and approximately
half of all survey respondents fell into one of the three following groups: 11.3% reported earning less than
$25,000, 16.9% reported earning $25,000-$49,999, and 19.7% reported earning $50,000-$74,999 in
annual household income.
28. Describe engagement focused on vulnerable populations.
a) Who did you talk to? When did you talk to them? What did they have to say? How did
what they said influence the plan?
Engagement efforts reached the demographics and vulnerable populations described in question #27
Based on a filtering of free response questions on the CTR Worksite Survey (May 2024), people of color
submitted various comments about the accessibility of bus routes/schedules, the need to commute from
longer distances, international border travel, and disability considerations.
Based on another filtering of free response questions on the CTR Worksite Survey, lower income earners
(less than $60,000) submitted various comments about interest in flexible work schedules and remote
work, the accessibility of bus routes/schedules, and weather considerations.
Based on a filtering of free response questions on the Whatcom Crash Test Survey (July, August, and
September 2024), people of color submitted various comments about lack of pedestrian/biking
infrastructure, the accessibility of bus routes/schedules, and safety concerns.
Based on another filtering of free response questions on the Whatcom Crash Test Survey, lower income
earners (less than $50,000) submitted various comments about the cost barrier of getting a bike, the
accessibility of bus routes/schedules, lack of non -drive alone options and infrastructure in rural areas,
time and scheduling considerations.
These comments will help to inform future Smart Trips programing and employer partnerships. Comments
about flexible schedules and remote work will be communicated to CTR employers through Smart Trips'
employer partnership program. Bus accessibility will be partially addressed through Smart Trips' bus
education classes, ongoing public outreach campaigns, and First Time Rider Pass distribution among Smart
Trips employer partners.
29. List employers' suggestions to make CTR more effective.
Employers expressed interest and/or support for the following:
• Increased promotional material and ad campaigns to promote non -drive alone modes
• Upgraded bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, particularly in the smaller cities and rural areas
of Whatcom County
• A more effectively connected bike network between Bellingham and the smaller cities in the
county, particularly Ferndale and Lynden
• Subsidies for improved transit service in more rural areas, particularly increased frequency of
transit service and longer service hours which could allow employees to use the bus despite early
start times.
30. Describe results of engagement focused on vulnerable populations that will be provided for use
in comprehensive plan and transit plan updates.
The City of Bellingham engagement results related to infrastructure (desires for connected
bike/pedestrian pathways) from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans will be considered in their next
Comprehensive Plan update.
Concerns about driver behavior, speeding, and general roadway safety, particularly as it affects active
transportation modes, will be considered by WCOG in the upcoming Regional Safety Action Plan.
Regional transportation planning organization CTR plan review
RTPO comments
The Whatcom County Draft CTR Plan was reviewed by WCOG and is consistent with the regional CTR plan.