Planning Process

Development of Seattle’s Pedestrian Master Plan began in early 2007. The City Council, with the Mayor’s support, passed Resolution 30951 in February 2007. The resolution directs City departments (with the Seattle Department of Transportation as the lead agency) on the elements of the Pedestrian Master Plan, the establishment of a citizens’ advisory group, and the implementation of a pedestrian safety campaign.

Following the direction of the resolution, SDOT staff convened the Pedestrian Master Plan Advisory Group (PMPAG) in June 2007, and the group immediately set to work determining its governance structure and the framework for the plan. In early 2008 and early 2009, PMPAG assisted staff in selecting SvR Design Company as the lead consultant for the plan. As key elements of the plan were developed throughout 2008, PMPAG continued to meet monthly and advise the project team.

Over the course of the project, many individuals and groups have provided information, ideas, and advice that were incorporated into the plan. An inter-agency team of City, County, and State agency staff met regularly to review pieces of the plan and review existing policies and programs.

Seattle residents were very involved in the planning process as well. For example, more than 1,400 people responded to the Walking Preferences Survey, which asked people why they do and don’t walk, where they walk and don't walk, and what might encourage them to walk more. The survey also invited people to provide a picture or description of their favorite  walk, prompting many creative responses. The picture at the right is just one of these, courtesy of Doug Nellis, a resident of northeast Seattle. (Read a full report on the results of the Walking Preferences Survey.)

Members of the PMPAG also played an important role in sharing the draft plan with the public and are helping to transition stewardship of the plan to the Seattle Pedestrian Advisory Board.

Additional detail about the people and the steps involved in developing the various pieces of the plan can be found in People in the Planning Process and Steps in the Planning Process.