Issaquah council pushes for visible congestion relief, weighs Metroplex alternatives

Issaquah — At their retreat, council members prioritized congestion relief and a program of small, visible transportation projects they say will improve resident experience while staff pursues grant-funded larger projects.

Staff outlined three near-term transportation topics for follow-up: pavement-management techniques and pilot treatments, the Metroplex on-demand service alternatives (Circuit, Via or voucher models), and choices about how to use revenue from a transportation benefit district sales tax. The council emphasized both grant-ready projects that can leverage outside funds and smaller projects that deliver immediate neighborhood benefits.

Key points:
- Congestion and small-scope safety projects: Councilors asked staff to identify smaller-scale projects (crosswalks, targeted intersection work, coordination of signal timing) that provide quick, visible relief; one councilor suggested radar-feedback signs as a lower-impact calming tool where permanent physical changes would be contentious.
- Metroplex and ride-on-demand options: Staff described three primary options — continue status quo, pursue Circuit (a microtransit operator) or explore voucher/Uber-type subsidy models — and said more evaluation and proposals will be provided at a February meeting.
- Light-rail advocacy: Several councilors stressed immediate advocacy with Sound Transit and state/federal officials to protect or advance light-rail opportunities tied to regional funding decisions.

Why it matters: Transportation projects affect daily life for commuters and businesses and link to housing and economic development goals. Council members said a mix of grant-funded larger investments and smaller city-funded projects should proceed in parallel.

Next steps: Staff will return with traffic and pavement data, a menu of small-project candidates, and more details on Metroplex alternatives for council consideration.