Today marked my last official act as Immediate Past President at the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC), the regional planning council for King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Kitsap Counties. At our annual gathering of leaders from around our four-county region, called the General Assembly, we unanimously elected Poulsbo Mayor Becky Erickson and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers as PSRC’s President and Vice President.  

During my time as President and Immediate Past President, I have made road safety my top priority. At today’s General Assembly, we heard horrific data that demonstrated exactly why we must act. In the United States, the number of people who die from traffic collisions is similar to the number who die from gun violence. In our region, the number of traffic deaths is approaching one per day. Recent reports tallied 6 deaths in Seattle in the last week alone. Rural roads are even deadlier per capita than cities, at an almost 7:1 ratio. 

We as a society accept traffic deaths and serious injuries as just collateral damage - an unfortunate but necessary tradeoff for vehicle mobility. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Every one of those statistics represents people - people loved and grieved by family and friends. Enough is enough - we can and must do better.  

I was encouraged today to hear PSRC leadership reiterate the organization’s commitment to a safer road system through planning, partnerships, education, and funding. PSRC will be holding its second regional safety summit this fall and elevating our regional capacity to protect our people and communities.  

Each and every one of us can work to reduce the risk of injury and death from traffic collisions by making our transportation system safer. Join the effort by encouraging your local elected officials or your own places of work to join the National Roadway Safety Strategy and commit to making our streets safer for everyone.

The King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission (KCIRC) is currently recruiting for five open positions. The KCIRC is an advisory body to the King County Council and Executive, providing vital input on the most pressing issues affecting immigrant and refugee communities. Commissioners serve on a volunteer basis and work together to identify, elevate, and develop shared strategies and solutions to support immigrants and refugees in King County.  

If you are interested in serving our community on this important commission, you can learn more on the KCIRC website and apply online or by email. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.