What is SRTC?
The Spokane Regional Transportation Council, or SRTC as it is commonly referred to, plays a lead role in transportation planning within Spokane County. This multi-faceted organization guides how transportation is planned and developed in the region through a continuing, cooperative and comprehensive (3-C) planning process. This includes gathering and analyzing data, creating long-term plans, and using geographic information services to help make informed decisions about transportation.
SRTC operates as a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), meaning it oversees transportation planning for urban areas and is also a Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) focusing on broader regional transportation needs.
Decisions at SRTC are made by the Board of Directors, composed of elected officials from local municipalities, representatives from critical transportation partners, the local tribes and two additional positions representing major employers and the freight industry. The SRTC Board is also supported by two standing committees, one that provides technical support (TTC) and one that offers a citizen perspective on plans and programs (TAC). SRTC works to ensure that transportation in Spokane County is well-planned and meets the community’s needs now and in the future.
SRTC Board Members
- City of Airway Heights
- City of Cheney
- City of Deer Park
- City of Liberty Lake
- City of Medical Lake
- City of Millwood
- City of Spokane
- City of Spokane Valley
- Kalispel Tribe of Indians
- Major Employers Representative
- Rail and Freight Representative
- Small Towns Representative (Town of Rockford)
- Spokane County
- Spokane Transit Authority
- Spokane Tribe of Indians
- WSDOT-Eastern Region
- WA State Transportation Commission
- Ex-Officio (Non-Voting) Members – TAC & TTC Chairs
SRTC Member Jurisdictions & Partners
As a regional planning agency, SRTC facilitates coordination and collaboration between planning and transportation member agencies and other partners. This is most prominently demonstrated in the broad representation on the Board of Directors and standing committees. These efforts are also made through activities such as the Annual Regional Transportation Summit, where local professionals learn, collaborate and connect about relevant transportation topics. SRTC’s Interlocal Agreement shows our commitment to working together to provide each other and the public with quality transportation planning services.
Funding & Prioritization
SRTC receives both Federal and State funding to distribute and support local transportation planning efforts. SRTC staff use collected transportation data and screening criteria to evaluate project applications to project the needs for infrastructure and then prioritize projects based on available funding. This process is directed by the Board of Directors and reflects the Guiding Principles of SRTC.
One tool to demonstrate funding needs, allocations and project prioritization is the Unified List of Regional Transportation Priorities. This document shares the important projects in the Spokane County region, as approved by the Board of Directors.
What is an MPO?
A Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a federally mandated organization and funded transportation policy-making organization. When an urbanized area has a population greater than 50,000 , MPOs are required to ensure that federal funding used for transportation projects is part of a continuing, cooperative and comprehensive planning process. MPOs are responsible for developing long-range regional transportation plans and regional Transportation Improvement Programs. MPOs must also develop a work plan that outlines the planning and outreach activities they intend to accomplish with the federal planning funds provided to the region.
What is an RTPO?
Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPO) are established under Washington state law (RCW 47.80) to support the regional transportation planning process in both metropolitan and non-metropolitan regions. Their primary role is to coordinate transportation and local comprehensive planning. When an MPO also serves as an RTPO for a region, they receive additional state funding for their increased role and responsibility. SRTC assists with the implementation of the State’s Growth Management Act by coordinating the certification of local comprehensive plans and the creation of planning policies.
What is a TMA?
A Transportation Management Area (TMA) is designated by federal legislation when an urbanized population has over 200,000 people. TMAs have additional responsibilities and discretion in allocating certain federal transportation funds. TMAs are required to have public transportation representation on their Board, a regionally coordinated Congestion Management Process and authority for the Transportation Improvement Program project selection. SRTC is the federally designated TMA for the Spokane Metropolitan Planning Area and is reviewed by the Federal Transit Administration and the Federal Highway Administration every four years to certify it is fulfilling its TMA duties and responsibilities.
SRTC Mission, Vision & Values
Our Mission:
Develop plans and programs that coordinate transportation planning in the Spokane region.
Our Vision:
The Spokane region possesses the best multi-modal/multi-jurisdictional transportation network that optimizes safety, capacity, and efficiency in the movement of people and goods for a region of our size.
Our Values:
Regional Leadership, Collaboration, Accountability, Innovation, Transparency, Inclusiveness, Integrity
SRTC Guiding Principles & Policies
The SRTC Guiding Principles and Policies can be found in Horizon 2045. These principles direct all work at SRTC.
Horizon 2045 is SRTC’s comprehensive blueprint for regional transportation planning, guided by six interconnected principles that shape our approach to creating a transportation system that works for everyone in the Spokane region:
Economic Vitality
Prioritizing transportation investments that enhance accessibility between economic centers and support efficient movement of people and goods.
Cooperation and Leadership
Providing a forum where regional partners collaborate on transportation priorities, funding strategies, and inclusive public engagement.
Stewardship
Making responsible transportation decisions that balance human needs with environmental protection, using performance measures to track progress.
System Operations, Maintenance, and Preservation
Ensuring adequate funding for projects that address documented needs while reducing long-term costs.
Safety and Security
Designing a transportation system that enables safe movement through best practices, operational improvements, and education.
Quality of Life
Developing neighborhood-friendly transportation choices that promote healthy, active options for people of all abilities while preserving community character.
These principles guide our decision-making across all transportation projects, from roadway improvements to transit services and active transportation networks.
