Commute Seattle works to make it easy to walk, bike, ride, and telework to and through Seattle. We are a non-profit engaging with businesses, organizations, community partners, and destinations that employ, serve, and attract 600,000 people to Seattle every day. We prioritize and center those who are disproportionately burdened by transportation costs to support an equitable, vibrant, and prosperous community.
Commute Seattle advises public agencies and decision-makers, convenes the public and private sectors, and engages with employers of all sizes, property managers, community organizations, and individuals to make Seattle more affordable and sustainable and connect people to the places they want to go.
Our Origin – Commute Seattle was created as a non-profit funded by the public and private sector to reduce traffic during peak commute hours Downtown. In 2008, 35% of people working Downtown drove alone to work.
Over a Decade of Progress – The organization’s north star goal has been to encourage 3 out of 4 people who commute to Downtown Seattle to walk, bike, telework, and take the bus. Seattle achieved that goal in 2017, even as 100,000 new jobs were added Downtown. Commute Seattle has helped to maintain that trend even during a global pandemic.
Today – Commute Seattle works with employers, property managers, institutions, and community-based organizations to deliver supportive programs, services, and incentives that help people traveling to and through Seattle access affordable and sustainable transportation options. Stay advise public partners and decision-makers, convene the public and private sectors, and engage directly with the community, employers, and property owners.
Opportunities and Challenges – Seattle is amid a sea change in how people get to places. By 2026, the Seattle region will open more than 20 new light rail stations; 6 downtown stations will require years of construction that will have dramatic impacts on how people move around Downtown. COVID-19 revealed who relies on our transportation system the most and helped to push populations who are reliant on transit to the forefront. The affordability crisis and climate emergency are becoming increasingly pressing, while new residents, the e-bike boom, and new hybrid work habits provide both benefits and additional pressures.
By 2026, Commute Seattle will be recognized as an organization that furthers mobility and climate justice, in addition to being a nationally acclaimed leader in transportation policy.
This three-year strategic plan lays out a roadmap that will align the organization with its new values and long-term goals. By building upon the approaches that contributed to our success, Commute Seattle will broaden its reach to bring programs and services to a wider audience.
Our Guiding Priorities:
This plan guides our work to make:
- Transportation is more affordable and more sustainable
- The needs, perspectives, and participation of priority communities are centered in our work
- It is easier to access to education, healthcare, and groceries, as well as employment
Read the full 2023-2026 Strategic Plan to learn more about how we will achieve this together with Seattle’s employers, and community partners
How Can You Help?
We can’t achieve this without your support. Learn more about how we can work together to make Seattle more affordable, sustainable, and connected:
- Participate in our events and programs. Check out our calendar.
- Follow our work. Sign up for our newsletter & follow us on social media: @CommuteSeattle
- Become a Commute Seattle Steering Partner. Financial support from community leaders powers this work.
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