City unveils ambitious transportation master plan for future

The city of Sammamish is making significant strides in developing its first Transportation Master Plan (TMP), as discussed in a recent government meeting. Public Works Director Audrey Starce and her team presented the second draft of the TMP, which aims to provide a comprehensive framework for transportation planning over the next 20 years.

The TMP is closely linked to the city's comprehensive plan, which outlines the overall vision and goals for Sammamish. Starce emphasized the importance of the TMP in ensuring compliance with the Growth Management Act and guiding future transportation investments. The plan is designed to evolve, incorporating community feedback and updates from various ongoing studies, including transit enhancements and pedestrian mobility strategies.

Lindsay Channing, the transportation planner, highlighted the iterative process of refining the TMP through community engagement. The first draft was released in July, followed by a public comment period that yielded 37 responses, leading to revisions in the second draft. The city is committed to maintaining an open dialogue with residents and stakeholders to ensure the TMP meets the community's needs.

The TMP is set to be adopted by reference into the city's comprehensive plan update scheduled for December 2023. As the city prepares for future transportation projects, officials are optimistic that the TMP will serve as a foundational document for decision-making and strategic planning in Sammamish.