Subgroup A: Regional plans vary in how they differentiate between near-term and long-term projects, or projects of higher priority. We need a process for identifying near-term transportation investment priorities at the regional level, to better inform the legislature. Read more about what this subgroup accomplished here: Strategy A

Subgroup B: We need to better understand how the State develops budgets — particularly how the legislature works with WSDOT — and how stakeholders and RTPOs can influence the process. Read more about what this subgroup accomplished here: Strategy B

Subgroup C: Statewide needs may not have consistent advocacy due to varying degrees of collaboration on statewide priorities within regional plans, and different methods of legislative engagement. If we collaboratively vet and prioritize transportation investments of statewide significance, the outcomes could have more value with the legislature. Read more about what this subgroup accomplished here: Strategy C

At the September 14, 2022 Investment Strategy Committee meeting, the committee decided to move forward with the following recommendations from the three subgroups:

• Convene a subgroup to begin planning an annual WSDOT/MPO/RTPO Workshop where participants can discuss local and regional alignment and educate a broader audience on the importance of RTPOs and MPOs.
• Share the Biennial Budget Process Calendar.
• Develop and distribute an MPO/RTPO Informational Paper that shares information about MPO/RTPOs and their role in informing transportation investments.
• Continue the Annual State of Transportation presentation to RTPOs/MPOs.
• Determine how RAs can share information with WSDOT headquarters.
• Hold annual budget de-brief meetings between WSDOT and the MPO/RTPOs.