Seattle Pedestrian Advisory Board

Non-motorized transportation citizen committees were included in the State Plan’s example activities because of their effectiveness in advocating for policy and infrastructure changes that support physical activity.  The Seattle Pedestrian Advisory Board offers a model for involving community members in developing safe and active environments. The Advisory Board:

• Advises the Mayor, City Council and all departments and offices of the City on matters related to pedestrians: including the impact which actions by the City may have upon the pedestrian environment;
• Contributes to all aspects of the City's planning and project development processes insofar as they may relate to pedestrian safety and access;
• Promotes improved pedestrian safety and access by evaluating and recommending changes in City design guidelines and policies.

Priorities of the Board are described in Six Steps to a More Walkable Seattle and include:

• Proportionate funding equity for pedestrian improvements
• Preserve and enhance the streetscape and the pedestrian experience
• Active enforcement against blockages and encumbrances on sidewalks
• Position utility poles and parking meters to lessen pedestrian way interference
• Cleaner sidewalks
• Public education campaign

Target Audience:  Pedestrians in Seattle.

Evaluation:  The Board monitors achievement of its goals and the status of its work program.  Outcomes are reported in an annual report to the Mayor and City Council (2005 Report).

Lead Agency:  Founded by a temporary resolution in 1993, the Pedestrian Advisory Board was made permanent by Seattle City Council Resolution 29532 in 1997. The Board is composed of 11 regular members - six appointed by the Mayor and five appointed by the Council.

For More Information:
Seattle Pedestrian Advisory Board
Megan Hoyt
206-684-5124

Cowlitz On the Move Healthy Lifestyles Coalition: Helping Residents to "Eat Smart, Play Hard, and Breathe Free"

The Cowlitz On the Move Healthy Lifestyles Coalition was one of seven initiatives selected through a new grant program offered by the Northwest Health Foundation’s Alliance for the Promotion of Physical Activity and Nutrition.  The grant provides a strong endorsement of the Coalition's continued efforts to promote healthy lifestyles for all county residents. Nutrition and physical activity projects funded by the grant include:

• Promote a county-wide trails plan.
• Support adoption of city comprehensive plans that promote Smart Growth principles
• Construct a community gymnasium
• Promote and monitor improved school nutrition and physical activity policies
• Build awareness of the Coalition and the Cowlitz On the Move Nutrition and Physical Activity Plan
• Market the Coalition’s website, www.cowlitzonthemove.org, which includes a directory of physical activity opportunities and highlights successful community initiatives to create active environments

Target Audience: Residents of Cowlitz County

Partners: Cowlitz on the Move, Cowlitz Economic Development Council, Pathways 2020, Cowlitz County Health Department, Northwest Health Foundation’s Alliance for the Promotion of Physical Activity and Nutrition

Lead Agency: The Cowlitz on the Move Healthy Lifestyles Coalition promotes healthy lifestyles for all Cowlitz Country residents through access to recreation, nutritious foods and opportunities to engage in the life of the community. In addition to its helping residents "eat smart" and "play hard", the Coalition is encouraging change in tobacco and clean air policies so that residents can "breathe free."