Drafter
Clerk 11/29/2017
Title
A MOTION providing guidance on the establishment of a Metro transit department.
Body
WHEREAS, the county has prioritized the goal of delivering a seamless network of transportation options to get people where they need to go, when they need to get there through Motion 14317 establishing countywide goals, and
WHEREAS, the county is projected to grow by more than 350,000 people and more than 450,000 jobs by 2040, and
WHEREAS, the Metro transit system currently meets the mobility needs associated with over 125 million annual passenger trips, and needs to grow to effectively serve the growth of the county's residential, jobs and social demands; and
WHEREAS, the council established the director of the transit division as a key subordinate unit and requested transmittal of a plan to transition the transit division from a subordinate division within the department of transportation to an executive department through Ordiance 18001, and
WHEREAS, the executive has directed the executive's staff to begin the formation of a Metro transit department to most expediently and innovatively meet the region's growth management challenges;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:
The executive is requested to:
A. Form a transition team to establish a Metro transit department by January 1, 2019. This team, as it conducts its work to recommend organizational, operational and other changes to the transit general manager and the executive, may be called upon to brief the council's standing and regional committees;
B. Prepare the 2019-2020 executive proposed budget reflective of a Metro transit department and related changes to other King County departments, funds and rates;
C. Develop and transmit an ordinance that would amend K.C.C. chapter 2.16 to establish a Metro transit department with organizational emphasis on:
1. Delivery of mobility services to the people, businesses and communities of King County;
2. Innovation in the development, planning and delivery of mobility and transit services;
3. Performance-driven financial, technology and capital programs;
4. A foundational commitment to equity and reducing disparity through the power of mobility;
5. Strengthening and expanding partnerships with communities, as well as transportation providers and other entities;
6. Meaningful and inclusive community engagement; and
7. Investing in our most-valuable resources - our employees; and
D. Develop and transmit legislation addressing funds, fund management policies,
financial policies and other legislation as appropriate to this county organizational change.