The city of Seattle is the largest jurisdiction in the state of Washington that passes on its legal opportunity to implement a transportation impact fee on new development.
The city of Seattle is considering adding a new transportation impact fee on new development, according to an article by Stephen Fesler. The prospect of a transportation impact fee, which is used in some cities to generate capital funding for transportation infrastructure projects, has languished in the city for years, according to Fesler, but a year's worth of activity on the front could mean a change is on the horizon.
Still, there is a lot of work to be done before the city can begin implementing a new impact fee. "Any impact fee program will need to involve a proper rate study to determine the kind of transportation demands that specific land use types generate," explains Fesler. "Once the rate study is completed, the city could go through the process of compiling an actual fee schedule based upon several considerations: use type and transportation demand, cost of capital improvement project list, geographic location, and other relevant policy issues."
FULL STORY: Seattle Explores Transportation Impact Fees
Poorly Timed Arrival for Seattle’s Long-Awaited Transportation Fee
A proposed transportation impact fee, years in the making, is stirring a controversy at a time of declining permitting and construction activity in the city of Seattle.
Seattle Council Rejects Transportation Impact Fee
Councilmembers who opposed the proposal say the fee would have slowed housing development and raised housing costs.
Transportation Impact Fee Proposal Resurfaces in Seattle
Charging developers for improving local infrastructure impacted by their projects could boost transportation revenue, but permit applications in the city are slowing down.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Supporting Cycling Takes More Than Just Bike Lanes
Safe, protected bike lanes are a key part of a city’s bike infrastructure — but secure parking, e-bike charging, and other amenities can also influence people’s shift to cycling.
Judge Blocks Anti-DEI Rules for Transportation, Housing Grants
A second injunction blocks the Trump administration from enforcing new regulations for federal funding.
Unhoused People in San Jose Could Face Arrest if They Refuse Shelter
A policy proposed by the city’s mayor would give law enforcement the option to arrest homeless residents if they refuse three offers of housing.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)