Transportation Committee Recap: Revenue, Preservation, AV Policy, and Curb Pricing

Transportation That Works for Bellevue: What We Heard on November 6

Bellevue moves when our transportation network works—for commuters, freight, transit riders, and families. At our Transportation Committee meeting on the 6th, members received a focused briefing on the state transportation outlook, WSDOT’s supplemental budget priorities, autonomous vehicle policy dynamics, Bellevue’s curb pricing plan, and federal reauthorization strategy. As always, we approached the conversation in our Chamber style: practical, data-forward, and community-minded.

The State Picture: Hold the Line, Keep Projects Moving

State transportation revenues are holding steadier than the General Fund, thanks to decisions made last session. Members flagged a key commitment from the General Fund to transportation that is already being questioned in Olympia, and urged vigilance to defend it.

We also heard the near-term forecast dipped modestly (down $41 million this biennium and $124 million for 2027–2029) before growth resumes based on recent policy actions. In plain terms: the next few months are tight, but we can stay on schedule if we protect current revenue plans and resist backsliding on Eastside priorities.

WSDOT’s Supplemental: Preserve First, Don’t Miss Paving Season

WSDOT’s request this session is intentionally lean, with one urgent message: do not lose a paving season.

“To make sure there are paving projects next summer, the legislature needs to provide WSDOT with $170 million in the supplemental budget.” — Jennifer Ziegler

Looking beyond 2025, preservation needs, especially bridges, are significant (roughly $8 billion over ten years), alongside fish passage obligations (about $4 billion), and ferries operations and maintenance (about $6 billion). Our Committee emphasized keeping momentum on Eastside corridors; preservation and delivery go hand in hand.

Funding Models, Sound Transit, and Sequencing

Lawmakers are expected to use the session to educate and align around future funding models, including variations of road-user fees (for example, a “choice” between a flat registration or per-mile fee). Members also discussed bridge-focused packages and a continued emphasis on preservation.

Given the interest in bonding authority and delivery capacity, we’ll invite Sound Transit to brief the Committee in January 2026 to discuss legislative priorities and timelines.

Autonomous Vehicles: Innovation With Guardrails

Bellevue continues to welcome transportation innovation, including AV pilots, but statewide policy remains challenging. Labor dynamics and preemption debates mean the legislature may move incrementally this year.

“There’s a bill… a priority for the Teamsters, that has requirements to make sure that there’s an individual in the car... Our state legislative environment is very favorable to labor, and I think that’s really challenging for some of these policies right now.”                  — Jennifer Ziegler

We’ll continue advocating for a pragmatic statewide framework that supports safety, innovation, and consistent rules across jurisdictions.

Curb Pricing: From Study to Implementation

Bellevue’s curb pricing study has entered its final stage with a draft implementation strategy out for public comment. Members agreed that transparency, clear success metrics, and tracking unintended consequences (like “walk-offs” from private lots) are essential as the City moves from study to rollout. Downtown has the broadest early consensus for initial rollout; the Spring District and Old Main need more discussion. Importantly, the program commits to keeping net revenues within transportation.

Have a perspective? The City is accepting feedback on the draft through Friday, November 21, 2025. Add your voice to help shape a business-friendly, data-driven approach.

Federal Reauthorization: Keep Washington Competitive

The next federal surface transportation reauthorization kicks into gear this spring. Our takeaway: Washington has benefited from competitive discretionary programs (think BUILD, INFRA, MEGA, SMART), and a balanced approach (formulas and competitions) will keep the Eastside in the mix.

“The competitive discretionary grant programs have greatly benefited many of our projects in Washington State.” — Bruce Agnew, PNWER

Members also flagged uncertainty around programs once expected to deliver funding (like the hydrogen hub) and reiterated the importance of sustained commitments to projects such as the Interstate Bridge Replacement.

What We’re Advancing—for Bellevue and the Eastside

When resources are tight, priorities matter. Our agenda is clear:

• Safeguard recent revenue commitments so we don’t lose ground.
• Fund 2025 preservation and paving to keep crews working and roads safe.
• Stay on schedule for priority Eastside projects and avoid costly delays.
• Show up in D.C. ready with a competitive, shovel-ready portfolio as reauthorization takes shape.

These priorities reflect how our Transportation Committee operates, championing investments that keep people and goods moving, working with city planners to expand mobility options, and advocating for smart, tech-enabled commuting across the Eastside.

Get Involved

Advocacy level members can join the Transportation Committee to help shape our agenda for 2026.

Comment on Bellevue’s curb pricing draft by November 21, 2025 to support a clear, transparent rollout.

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